Detection of when a capsule camera enters into or goes out of a human body and associated operations
US8187174B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 2007 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/42
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for detecting a capsule camera entering into or exiting the GI tract, includes (a) taking a first test image under the condition that an illumination system of the capsule camera is disabled; (b) taking a second test image under the same condition as the first test image; (c) comparing selected corresponding pixel values of the first test image and the second test image to determine if a significant change in pixel values has occurred; and (d) upon detecting the significant change in pixel values, determining if the capsule camera has entered or exited the GI tract, and performing operations appropriate to follow such determination. The appropriate operations performed after detecting the capsule camera's exit from the GI tract includes stopping further taking or storing of images and, optionally, activating an audio signal to indicate the capsule camera has exited the GI tract. The appropriate operations performed after detecting the capsule camera's entering into the GI tract includes entering into an imaging mode for a next section of the GI tract, which may be the esophagus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.