U.S. patent application number 12/351133 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-07 for method for activating an image collecting process.
Invention is credited to Doron Adler, Jerome Avron, Arkady Glukhovsky, Gavriel MERON.
Application Number | 20090118581 12/351133 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11073487 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090118581 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MERON; Gavriel ; et
al. |
May 7, 2009 |
METHOD FOR ACTIVATING AN IMAGE COLLECTING PROCESS
Abstract
A method and system may activate an in-vivo capsule to perform
image collection while the capsule is outside a body and held in a
cup, the cup having a mark on its inner wall. A processor may
attempt to identify the mark, and terminate the image collection if
the mark is not identified
Inventors: |
MERON; Gavriel; (Petach
Tikva, IL) ; Glukhovsky; Arkady; (Nesher, IL)
; Avron; Jerome; (Haifa, IL) ; Adler; Doron;
(Nesher, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP
1500 Broadway, 12th Floor
New York
NY
10036
US
|
Family ID: |
11073487 |
Appl. No.: |
12/351133 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11905677 |
Oct 3, 2007 |
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12351133 |
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10130326 |
May 15, 2002 |
7295226 |
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PCT/IL00/00752 |
Nov 15, 2000 |
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11905677 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/109 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 1/041 20130101;
A61B 1/00036 20130101; H04N 5/232 20130101; A61B 2560/0209
20130101; H04N 5/2254 20130101; H04N 5/232411 20180801; A61B
1/00057 20130101; A61B 1/00144 20130101; H04N 5/23241 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/109 |
International
Class: |
A61B 1/045 20060101
A61B001/045 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 15, 1999 |
IL |
132944 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: activiating an in-vivo capsule to perform
image collection while the capsule is outside a body and held in a
holding cup, the cup having a mark on its inner wall; transferring
an image of the mark from the capsule to a reception system; and
attempting to identify the mark, and terminating the image
collection if the mark is not identified.
2. The method of claim 1, comprising terminating the image
collection after a predetermined period of time if the mark is not
identified.
3. The method of claim 1, comprising terminating the image
collection after a predetermined number of images are collected if
the mark is not identified.
4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the capsule comprises an
imaging device, wherein the imaging device is a CCD camera or a
CMOS type image sensor.
5. The method according to claim 1 comprising correcting the image
of the mark.
6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the capsule is removably
inserted in the holding cup
7. The method according to claim 1 wherein activating the image
collection is started when the capsule is within the holding cup,
allowing the verification of the capsule's operation based on
images captured within the holding cup.
8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the capsule comprises a
light source.
9. The method according to claim 1 wherein the capsule comprises a
transmitter for transmitting output of the capsule.
10. The method according to claim 1 wherein the capsule is to
capture images of a body lumen.
11. A system comprising: an in-vivo imaging capsule comprising an
imager; a holding cup to hold the imaging capsule, the holding cup
comprising a mark on its inner surface, wherein the capsule is to
perform image collection while the capsule is outside a body and
held in the holding cup; and a processor to attempt to identify the
mark, and to terminate the image collection if the mark is not
identified.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the image collection is
terminated after a predetermined period of time if the mark is not
identified.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the image collection is
terminated after a predetermined number of images are collected if
the mark is not identified.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the imaging device is a CCD
camera or a CMOS type image sensor.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the processor is to correct the
image of the mark.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein image collection is started
while the capsule is within the holding cup, allowing the
verification of the system's operation based on images captured
within the holding cup.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein wherein the capsule comprises a
light source.
18. The system of claim 11, wherein wherein the capsule is to
capture images of a body lumen.
19. A method for activating an image collecting process of a
swallowable capsule held by a package comprising a magnet,
comprising releasing the power source to an imager from an
inhibition imposed by the magnet by distancing the power source
from the package.
Description
PRIOR APPLICATION DATA
[0001] The present application is a continuation of prior U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/905,677, filed on Oct. 3, 2007, and
entitled "METHOD FOR ACTIVATING AN IMAGE COLLECTING PROCESS", which
in turn is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No.
10/130,326, filed on May 15, 2002, and entitled "METHOD FOR
ACTIVATING AN IMAGE COLLECTING PROCESS", which in turn is a
national phase application of International Application Serial No.
PCT/IL00/00752, entitled "METHOD FOR ACTIVATING AN IMAGE COLLECTING
PROCESS", filed on Nov. 15, 2000, which in turn claims priority
from Israel application 132944, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, all of
which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a method for the
activation of an image collecting process. More specifically, the
method of the present invention can be applied to an image
collecting process meant for imaging the inside of body lumens.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Single chip imaging devices such as charge coupled devices
(CCD) and CMOS type image sensors can operate using small power
sources and relatively little energy. Such imaging devices are
implemented in applications as diverse as star tracking
applications and imaging the inside of the gastrointestinal
tract.
[0004] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,604,531, assigned to the common
assignee of the present invention, describes a swallowable capsule
for imaging the full length of the gastrointestinal tract. The
swallowable capsule includes a camera system, an optical system for
imaging an area of interest onto the camera system and a
transmitter which transmits the video output of the camera
system.
[0005] In some instances the imaging devices are inaccessible to an
operator at the appropriate time for activation, such as for
reasons of sterility, and must be activated by remote control such
as by IR or radio.
[0006] A method for activating a battery, though not a battery of
an imaging device, is exemplified in PED Incs swallowable
temperature pill. PED Inc. advertises a swallowable temperature
pill for tracking core body temperature. The temperature pill is
powered by a silver oxide battery. The battery is kept turned off
during storage by a small magnet that is taped to the pill package
and is activated by removing this magnet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to a method for activating an
image collecting process, comprising the step of releasing the
power source of a component essential to the image collecting
process from an inhibition imposed by an external magnet. The
method enables facile and sterile activation of the image
collecting process, since activation of the process does not
require directly handling any component participating in the
process and does not require a third party, such as a remote
control operator.
[0008] An image collecting process is a process in which images are
obtained and components essential to the image collecting process
are those power source driven components whose operation is
necessary for obtaining an image. Components essential to the image
collecting process may be an imaging device, such as low energy
imaging devices, i.e., a CCD camera or a CMOS type image sensor, a
light source for illuminating the target to be imaged, etc.
[0009] The term power source of a component essential to the image
collecting process includes a motor or an engine which utilize a
power source for operating the component.
[0010] The term "external magnet" in the present invention refers
to a magnet positioned relatively to the component or components
essential to the image collecting process, such that it is capable
of inhibiting the essential component or components power
source.
[0011] In an embodiment of the invention the image collecting
process is designed to image the insides of a body lumen. The
essential components can be a part of or attached to a medical
device that is inserted into the body lumen, such as a needle,
stent, endoscope or a swallowable capsule. The external magnet is
part of or attached to the medical device package and is removed
once the device package is removed.
[0012] The present invention further relates to a packaging
suitable for storing therein an imaging system, said package
comprising a magnet. The imaging system comprises components
essential to an image collecting process, said components operable
in accordance with the invention.
[0013] The present invention still further relates to a method for
imaging a body lumen comprising the steps of:
[0014] a) providing an imaging system inserted in a balancing cup,
said imaging system comprising a camera system having video output;
an optical system for imaging an area of interest onto said camera
system; a transmitter which transmits the video output of said
camera system;
[0015] b) activating within the imaging system an image collecting
process;
[0016] c) releasing the imaging system from the balance cup;
and
[0017] d) inserting the imaging system into a body lumen.
[0018] The imaging system may also comprise other components such
as a light source for illuminating an area of interest, a reception
system which receives the transmitted video output, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The present invention will be understood and appreciated
more fully from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the appended drawings in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a prior art
swallowable capsule comprising an imaging device;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an imaging device in a
package in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and
[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view of the imaging device and package
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the method of the invention
according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The method of the present invention comprises the step of
releasing the power source of any component essential to an image
collecting process, of an inhibition imposed by an external
magnet.
[0025] The essential components are those power source driven
components whose operation is necessary for obtaining images.
Essential components for obtaining images are, for example, an
imaging device or an illumination source (depending on the
requirements and sensitivity of the imaging device). The imaging
device can be any image sensor suitable for use in the method of
the present invention, such as CCD cameras or CMOS image sensors.
The energy for the imaging device is usually supplied through a low
energy motor comprising either an electrical or permanent
magnet.
[0026] The external magnet can be either more powerful than the
essential component motor magnet or aligned with the essential
component motor magnet such as to neutralize its magnetic field.
Thus, proximity of the external magnet to the essential component
power source or motor acts to inhibit the activation of the image
collecting process since components essential for the image
collecting process are not operative.
[0027] The external magnet may be distanced from the essential
component power source or motor, so as to enable the essential
component operation, directly by an operator or by mechanical or
other means, suitable for distancing the external magnet from the
essential component power source or motor.
[0028] In one embodiment of the invention an imaging device is
attached to or is a part of a medical device that is suitable for
imaging the inside of body lumens, such as blood vessels, the
gastrointestinal tract, etc. The medical device may be a stent,
needle, endoscope or swallowable capsule, or any other device
suitable for being inserted into body lumens.
[0029] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 which shows a schematic
illustration of a prior art swallowable capsule comprising an
imaging device. Such a swallowable capsule is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,604,531. U.S. Pat. No. 5,604,531, which is assigned to
the common assignees of the present invention, is hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0030] Swallowable capsule 10 typically comprises a viewing unit 11
and a unit 12 housing the electrical elements of the capsule. The
viewing unit 11 contains an imaging system which includes a light
source 18, a viewing window 14 through which the light illuminates
the inner portions of the digestive system, the image collector
component of an imaging device 16, such as a charge coupled device
(CCD) camera, which detects the images, an optical system (not
shown) which focuses the images onto the image collector component
of the imaging device 16, and means for transmitting the video
signal of the imaging device. The imaging system may also include a
reception system which is in communication with the imaging device
and which receives the transmitted video output.
[0031] The unit 12 typically includes the electronics and power
source for producing a video signal from the output of the CCD
device and a power source, such as a battery, which provides power
to the entirety of electrical elements of the capsule.
[0032] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2 and 3 which are schematic
overview and side views of a swallowable capsule 20 in a package 22
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Capsule 20 is
similar to the capsule described in FIG. 1. The viewing unit of the
capsule 20 is inserted in a white balance cup 26, which in turn is
attached to a holder 28, for sterile handling of the capsule 20.
Capsule 20, holder 28 and balance cup 26 are encased in package 22
which comprises a magnet 24. The package 22 also includes a base 23
(FIG. 3) and a transparent sterile upper plastic cover 21 (FIG. 3).
The magnet 24 is positioned in alignment with the encased capsule
20 such that the magnet 24 inhibits the imaging device power source
or inhibits the battery which provides power to the entirety of
electrical elements of the capsule.
[0033] The magnet 24 may be ring shaped or curved (as illustrated
in FIG. 2) so that no specific directionality of the capsule, in
relation to the magnet, is required.
[0034] The imaging system in capsule 20, while the capsule 20 is
still in the package 22, is inactive due to the proximity of the
magnet 24. The imaging device and/or other power source driven
components of the capsule 20 are activated once the capsule is
distanced from the magnet 24, namely by removing the capsule 20
from the package 22. The capsule 20 may be removed from the package
22 by peeling off either base 23 or cover 21 in the direction shown
by arrow 25 and extracting the holder 28, balance cup 26 and
capsule 20 inserted therein.
[0035] The package 22 may be made of any material suitable for
storing capsule 20. For example, package 22 may be a blister type
package in which cover 21 is made of a firm but flexible plastic
and base 23 is a foil of material which can be ruptured by pressure
applied by a user. Capsule 20 is released from the package 22 by
exerting pressure on it, through the cover 21 in the direction of
the base 23 of the package 22, until the base 23 is ruptured,
releasing the holder 28, balance cup 26 and capsule 20 inserted
therein.
[0036] Once the capsule 20 is released from package 22 it is
distanced from magnet 24 and the imaging device and/or other
components essential for the imaging collecting process in capsule
20 are activated and the imaging system begins capturing images.
Having the viewing unit of the capsule 20 inserted in a white
balance cup 26, ensures that the first images captured and
transmitted are white, thus enabling automatic white balance. The
capsule 20 can be snapped out of the balance cup 26 to be swallowed
by the patient.
[0037] In another embodiment the balance cup is marked on its inner
wall, which is the wall being imaged once the image collecting
process initiates. The image collecting process is operated for a
predetermined initial period, prior to being released from the
balance cup, during which identification of the mark is preformed.
The image collecting process will be allowed to proceed only if
identification of the mark is positive.
[0038] The mark may be a company logo or any other emblem or string
of characters. The mark may be used, inter alia, to ensure that all
parts of the imaging system are compatible, for example, that the
capsule and its imaging device are compatible with the reception
system and its software.
[0039] This point is demonstrated by the block diagram presented in
FIG. 4.
[0040] Inhibition of the power source of any component essential to
the image collecting process is removed (32) and the image
collecting process initiates (34). As discussed above, the first
images collected will be images of the balance cup inner walls and
of any mark on the balance cup inner wall. This initial data
received from the imaging device is perceived by a reception system
which is in communication with the imaging device and a process of
identification of the mark (36) is initiated. The following
factors, for example, might require adjustment for accurate
identification of the mark:
[0041] a) The light conditions might vary between different
capsules due to environment light and due to differences in the
electronic components of the capsule (such as the light source and
sensor);
[0042] b) The capsule and balance cup are not necessarily aligned,
which will cause the image of the mark to appear in a different
rotation angle each time;
[0043] c) The distance from the actual image is not accurate which
results in different sizes of the object in the image; and
[0044] d) The image of the mark needs to be compared to a reference
image and similarity needs to be confirmed.
[0045] Various algorithms may be executed to ensure accurate
identification of the mark. For example, the following algorithms
are executed in order to overcome the above:
[0046] Light correction (36a) is performed using an algorithm
similar to AGC (Automatic Gain Control). This algorithm measures
some statistical parameters of the input image. (The image is
divided into 8.times.8 blocks and the average intensity is
calculated. From this array average intensity and minimum and
maximum block intensity are calculated.) Next, the brightness and
contrast of the image are changed in order to bring the statistical
parameters to a reference value.
[0047] In order to correct rotation (36b) the image is converted
from Cartesic coordination into polaric coordination (from X,Y
plane into R Theta plane), where R=SQRT (X*X+Y*Y) and
Theta=ATAN(X/Y).
[0048] After the conversion of the image into R, Theta plane, the
magnification is corrected (36c) by applying a LOG function to the
image. This function converts magnification, which is actually
multiplication by a factor, into a bias/shift difference.
[0049] The identification of the mark is done by an image
identification process (36d) in which the cross correlation
function between a reference image and the input image is
calculated and the maximum value of this cross correlation function
is calculated. This maximum value is compared to a threshold. If it
is higher than the threshold then the conclusion is that the images
are similar.
[0050] If the result is that the images are similar (identification
is positive), the image collecting process is allowed to proceed
(35). If the result is that the images are not similar
(identification is negative), the image collecting process is
terminated (37).
[0051] Thus, the system will operate initially, for a predetermined
time or to collect a predetermined number of frames, but the image
collecting process will be allowed to continue further than the
initial operation only if identification of the mark is positive.
This mode of operation can be utilized to ensure that the system
will only operate when all its components are the original
components. For example, an original reception system that is used
with a swallowable capsule from a different make (that does not
have a marked balance cup) will not operate after the initial
operation, because there will not be a positive identification of
the mark.
[0052] The patient may be alerted if the image collecting process
has terminated before swallowing the capsule.
[0053] The fact that the system is inoperable when unauthorized
components are being used and the fact that the patient is warned
greatly contributes to the patient's safety.
[0054] It will be appreciated that algorithms and calculations are
carried out by software or software means executable on computing
means such as a computer or similar data processors,
microprocessors, embedded processors, microcomputers,
micrcontrollers etc.
[0055] The capsule may be utilized for diagnostic purposes or can
be implemented in therapeutic processes. The capsule can also
include any known system for collecting or releasing substances
from or into the gastrointestinal tract environment, such that
samples may be collected or medicaments may be released from the
capsule at required points along the gastrointestinal tract. It
will be appreciated that the image collecting process enables
precise identification of required points and accurate localization
of the capsule along the tract.
[0056] The method and packaging of the present invention enable
safe activation of an image collecting process directly prior to
use thereby providing safe, economic and facile use of components
in an image collecting process.
[0057] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly
shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention
is defined by the claims which follow:
* * * * *