Encapsulated Medical Imaging Device and Method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an encapsulated medical imaging device and a method for imaging the gastrointestinal tract in patients using optical scanning technologies

1 . An encapsulated medical imaging system comprising:
 a capsule of swallowable proportion comprising:
 at least one optical setup of a number of optical setups comprising an array of microlenses distributed in axial symmetry on at least a portion of the capsule so that the array of microlenses is capable of receiving light reflected from object located in at least a sector outside the capsule; 
 corresponding optical array comprising an array of light sensitive cells optically communicating with said optical setup through focusing means, such that the image of the object is focused on the array of light sensitive cells; 
 electronic circuitry adapted to sample image data obtained by the optical array by scanning the image and converting the image data to digital data; 
 illuminating means for illuminating a sector in front the optical setup, outside the capsule; 
 transmitting means communicating with said electronic circuitry, adapted to receive image digital data and transmit it to an external receiver; 
   receiving means for receiving data transmitted from said capsule;   image processing means for processing the data received by the receiving means and; and   display means for displaying an image.   
     
     
         2 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the number of the optical setups comprises two optical setups, arranged in opposite sides of the capsule, so as to allow counter-directional viewing. 
     
     
         3 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein it is provided with at least one lens of a number of lenses for central view and wherein the array of microlenses is arranged in a coronal arrangement with respect to the tens, so as to provide peripheral view. 
     
     
         4 . The system as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the number of lenses comprises two lenses. 
     
     
         5 . The system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the microlens array comprises a plurality of microlenses having different foci distributed in a known distribution, and wherein the processing means is adapted to identify and distinguish focused image data from unfocused one, disregard the unfocused data and acquire image made of focused data only. 
     
     
         6 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the illumination means comprises light emitting diodes. 
     
     
         7 . The system as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the light emitting diodes illuminate light in different frequency ranges. 
     
     
         8 . The system as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the light emitting diodes emit red, green or blue light. 
     
     
         9 . The system as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the light emitting diodes are operated so as to sequentially illuminate red green and blue light. 
     
     
         10 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the capsule is about 12-20 mm in length and about 5-7 mm in diameter. 
     
     
         11 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the capsule housing is made from a biocompatible material. 
     
     
         12 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the capsule housing is made from a dissolvable material. 
     
     
         13 . The system as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the capsule housing is made from a dissolvable material that is durable enough so that it may pass an entire GI tract without disintegrating during the estimated period of time it would normally take for the capsule to pass through. 
     
     
         14 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the capsule is internally powered. 
     
     
         15 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the capsule is externally powered. 
     
     
         16 . The system as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the capsule is inductively powered. 
     
     
         17 . The system as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the capsule is further provided with supporting means for supporting the capsule and preventing its turning over or around. 
     
     
         18 . The system as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein said supporting means comprise extractable surfaces. 
     
     
         19 . The system as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the extractable surfaces are supported by arms. 
     
     
         20 . The system as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein said arms are resilient. 
     
     
         21 . The system as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein said arms are mechanically foldable. 
     
     
         22 . The system as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the arms are adapted to be housed in cavities provided in the housing of the capsule. 
     
     
         23 . The system as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the cavities are adapted to hold samples obtained by the arms. 
     
     
         24 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the capsule is further provided with a medical parameter sensor. 
     
     
         25 . The system as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the sensor comprises a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor. 
     
     
         26 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the capsule is further provided with wiping means for wiping dirt off the optical setup. 
     
     
         27 . The system as claimed in  claim 26 , wherein the wiping means comprises a wiping arm. 
     
     
         28 . An encapsulated medical imaging system comprising:
 a capsule of swallowable proportion comprising:
 at least one optical setup of a number of optical setups comprising an array of multi-focal lenses distributed in axial symmetry on at least a portion of the capsule so that the array of multi-focal lenses is capable of receiving light reflected from object located in at least a sector outside the capsule; 
 corresponding optical array comprising an array of light sensitive cells optically communicating with said optical setup through focusing means, such that the image of the object is focused on the array of light sensitive cells; 
 electronic circuitry adapted to sample image data obtained by the optical array by scanning the image and converting the image data to digital data; 
 illuminating means for illuminating a sector in front the optical setup, outside the capsule; 
 transmitting means communicating with said electronic circuitry, adapted to receive image digital data and transmit it to an external receiver; 
   receiving means for receiving data transmitted from said capsule;   image processing means for processing the data received by the receiving means and; and   
       display means for displaying an image.