FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device useful for in-vivo imaging, more specifically to a device for providing illumination in-vivo. .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Devices helpful in providing in-vivo imaging are known in the field. Autonomous in-vivo imaging devices, such as swallowable capsules or other devices may move through a body lumen, imaging as they move along. In vivo imaging may require in-vivo illumination, for example, using one or more LEDs or other suitable illumination sources positioned inside an in-vivo imaging device. Typically, it is required that the illumination be directed outwards from the device, to the body lumen being imaged.

In some in vivo devices, such as ingestible imaging capsules, some components within the capsule, such as illumination sources, may be arranged on a support such as a board or on several boards, such as on a printed circuit board (PCB). In some cases proper alignment or positioning of components, such as the illumination sources, may not be easily achieved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is provided, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention an in vivo imaging device having an illumination sub system. According to one embodiment the illumination sub system may include, for example, a base or support for holding one or more light sources, for example, LEDs or other suitable illumination sources.

According to one embodiment of the present invention the support may include a conductive ring and/or other components for holding illumination sources at a selected angle. According to another embodiment of the present invention a support, for example a PCB, or a set of supports may form a structure on which illumination sources may be positioned. For example, a set of supports may be designed in the shape of a "top hat" or other suitable structure so as to enable an illumination source positioned on the structure to be facing, for example, outwards, at a selected angle.

In another embodiment the support may be manufactured according to several designs, enabling the support to fit into devices of different shapes.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the in vivo imaging device may include a one sheet circuit board. According to one embodiment the circuit board may include at least one leaf (for example, a tongue shaped component). Other numbers of sheets or leaves may be used. A unique shape and various folding options of the leaves may enable folding and positioning of components attached to the flexible circuit board according to, for example, a predefined angle.

In one embodiment various components in the device, such as the image sensor and illumination source, may be disposed on different flexible circuit board sections, for example, on the flexible leaves.

According to an embodiment, the circuit board may be folded and arranged in a stacked vertical fashion.

Additionally, upon folding and inserting the flexible circuit board into the device the leaves may be folded in an angle required for the illumination sources mounted on the leaves to provide illumination as needed. For example, a number of illumination sources mounted on the leaves may fold such that outwards panoramic illumination is achieved.

In another embodiment different components of the system may be mounted on the circuit board and may be folded as necessary. In another embodiment the circuit board may be capable of folding according to several designs, enabling the circuit board to fit into devices of different shapes and/or sizes.

Additionally, the device and method of some embodiments of the present invention may enable easy access to key components of the device even after their assembly and incorporation into the system.

Additionally, the device and method of some embodiments of the present invention may enable exact and meticulous assembly, finish and performance while keeping maintenance and costs of the parts at a minimum.

Additionally, embodiments of the present invention may enable assembly of parts to create a variety of shapes.

Additionally, the device according to embodiments of the present invention may be lightweight and flexible, enabling quick transformation and adjustment of shape and function according to the specific needs and requirement of the procedure performed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The principles and operation of the system, apparatus, and method according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings, and the following description, it being understood that these drawings are given for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be limiting, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an in-vivo imaging device, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Figs. 2A-2D are schematic diagrams of supports and constructions, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 3A shows a schematic illustration of a flexible circuit board, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 3B schematically illustrates possible folding of the flexible circuit board according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a flow chart of a method of illuminating a body lumen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 5 is a flow chart of a method of illuminating a body lumen in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

It should be noted that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Furthermore, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements throughout the serial views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention as provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the described embodiments will be apparent to those with skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and described, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features herein disclosed. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

Illumination sources used with embodiments of the present invention may include, for example, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), Organic LEDS (OLEDs), incandescent sources, or other suitable light sources that may enable in-vivo illumination, and may include devices providing electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum, outside of the visible spectrum, and further a combination of visible and non-visible electromagnetic radiation.

Embodiments of the invention may typically be autonomous and typically self-contained. For example, a device according to some embodiments may be a capsule or other unit where all the components are substantially contained within a container or shell, and where the device does not require wires or cables in order to receive power or transmit information, for example. The device may communicate with an external receiving and display system to provide display of data, control, or other functions. Power may be provided, for example, by an internal battery or a wireless receiving system. Other embodiments may have other configurations and capabilities. Components in some cases may be distributed over multiple sites or units and Control information may be received from an external source.

Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a typically swallowable in-vivo device that may be used for recording and transmitting in vivo data, such as, for example, from the entire length of the gastrointestinal (Gl) tract, to a receiving and/or processing unit. Other embodiments need not be swallowable or autonomous, and may have other shapes or configurations. According to some embodiments the in vivo device may include an image sensor, however, other sensors may be used. Devices according to embodiments of the present invention may be similar to embodiments described in International Application WO 01/65995 and/or in US Patent Number 5,604,531 , each of which are assigned to the common assignee of the present invention and each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, receiving, storage, processing and/or display systems suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention may be similar to embodiments described in WO 01/65995 and/or in US Patent Number 5,604,531. Of course, devices, systems, structures, functionalities and methods as described herein may have other configurations, sets of components and processes etc.

It should be noted that while a device, system and method in accordance with some embodiments of the invention may be used, for example, in a human body, the invention is not limited in this respect. For example, some embodiments of the invention may be used in conjunction or inserted into a non-human body, e.g., a dog, a cat, a rat, a cow, or other animals, pets, laboratory animals, etc.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1 , which is a schematic illustration of an in-vivo imaging device 10 with an illumination sub-system 13, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Device 10, which may be a swallowable capsule, may include, for example, a housing or a housing tube 21 , a power source 11 , a transmitter 12, an imager 14 and possibly a receiver 19. illumination sub-system 13 may include for example a base 17, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB), board or other suitable support, including one or more illumination sources 15, such as LEDs, OLEDs or other suitable illumination sources. Base 17 may include one or more components, for example, conductive rings, and/or conductive step 16. Base 17 may include illumination sources 15 positioned at a selected angle, for example, an angle larger than 0 and smaller than 180 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the device 10. Typically, the imager 14 faces generally in the direction of axis L. Thus, the direction of imaging, which may be the direction in which the imager is facing, may coincide with an axis (e.g., axis L) of the device 10 and the direction of illumination may be at an angle larger than 0 and smaller than 180 degrees relative to the direction of imaging. For example, the illumination elements may be positioned at an angle of more than 0 and smaller than 90 degrees relative to an axis, e.g., a longitudinal axis, of the device, such that illumination may be at an angle to the direction of imaging. The direction of illumination may be for example the direction in which most of the light of the light source is projected; while light may be projected in an expanding beam or beams, each beam may have a center which may be used to define a direction of illumination. However, other arrangements are possible; for example the illumination sources need not be angled relative to a specific axis and need not be angled relative to a viewing or imaging direction. Illumination source 15 may be positioned, for example on base 17 and/or on a conductive ring or conductive step 16 and/or stepped support or substrate (as will be described, for example, with reference to Fig. 2D). A stepped substrate may be or include, for example, a stepped PCB, e.g., a substrate such as a PCB or a set of substrates designed in the shape of a "top hat" or other suitable structure so as to enable an illumination source such as an LED positioned on the structure to be facing outwards at a selected angle. Other designs, components, elements etc. may be used. Other arrangement directions may be chosen, for example, to create different angles of illumination source 15 in order to illuminate, for example, a selected field of view. Other structures may be used in addition to and/or in place of rings, steps, etc.

Device 10 as depicted in Fig. 1 and according to one embodiment is generally capsule shaped, and may be easily swallowed and passively passed through the entire Gl tract, pushed along, for example, by natural peristalsis. Nonetheless, it should be noted that device 10 may be of any shape and size suitable for being inserted into and passing through a body lumen or cavity, such as spherical, oval, cylindrical, etc. or other suitable shapes. Furthermore, device 10 or various embodiments that may include at least some components of device 10 may be attached or affixed on to an instrument that is inserted into body lumens and cavities, such as, for example, on an endoscope, laparoscope, needle, catheter etc.

According to one embodiment, device 10 includes a convex window 23. According to some embodiments one or more illumination source(s) 15 may be arranged in a ring and may be placed in close proximity to the convex window 23. Typically the structure formed by subsystem 13 according to embodiments of the invention, enables the illumination source(s) 15 to be positioned in proximity to a curved window, such as a convex window, and to conform to the shape of the window and/or device, so as to avoid phenomena (such as backscatter) usually associated with illuminating from within a window.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as can be seen with reference to Fig. 2A, grooves or indentations 31 may be formed or cut out of a PCB or other suitable support 30, for holding one or more illumination sources 15, for example, LEDs. For example, angled channels or cutouts in one or more PCBs may be used to hold one or more illumination sources. Conductive pads 32, for example, metal pads, may be placed or molded in grooves 31 , to provide connections for illumination sources. In Fig. 2B, which is a schematic bottom view, a conductive ring 33 may be connected to pads 32, for example, on the bottom of the PCB or other support 30, to provide conductivity between all the pads, and to provide a base for positioning the illumination sources. Illumination sources 34 may be placed on support 30 with one end 3OA being in contact with conductive ring 33, and another end 3OB being in contact with the backs of grooves 31 , thereby facing an angle determined by the conductive ring and the backs of the grooves. Any suitable angle may be provided for the placement of the illumination sources.

Fig. 2C1 which is a schematic view from the top, illustrates the addition of resistors 35 adjacent to illumination sources 34, according to one embodiment of the invention.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, as can be seen, for example, with reference to Fig. 2D1 a PCB or other substrate with surfaces on two or more planes may be provided. An outer ring 36 in a first plane may be connected to an inner ring 37 which may be of smaller diameter and on a parallel plane to the first plane, for example, being higher and narrower than outer ring 36. Conductive pads 32 may be placed on both outer ring 36 and inner ring 37, enabling illumination sources 34 to be placed at an angle, leaning on both the outer ring 36 and inner ring 37. According to one embodiment of the present invention, any suitable angle may be provided for the placement of the illumination sources. According to another embodiment of the present invention, any suitable number of PCB planes may be used. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a support including ceramic may be used as a base on which to place illumination sources. Ceramic may be provided with grooves and pads for the placement of light sources. In one embodiment a ceramic cone may be provided, such that light sources placed therein may transmit light at an angle created by the slope of the cone shaped ceramic.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3A showing an exemplary embodiment of a one sheet flexible circuit board 310 in its spread out form, before it is folded and inserted into an in-vivo device, for example, a capsule, according to an embodiment of the invention. Devices having forms other than capsules may be used. According to some embodiments, the flexible circuit board 310 may be a printed circuit board (PCB) made of, for example, silicone or plastic. Other suitable materials may be used. In one embodiment of the invention flexible circuit board 310 may include one or more battery contacts 312, for example, placed at each end, and one or more (e.g., two) wider portions 314 and 316, connected to one another by means of a narrowed flexible circuit board strip 318. Underneath each flexible portion 314 and 316, a rigid portion 324 and 326 may be attached, respectively, enabling, for example, the stability of the components each portion holds. According to one embodiment, a portion or section of the circuit board may have a set of components mounted or disposed upon it. According to one embodiment, portion 316 of the circuit board, for example, may include components such as a switch 334, a transmitter, processor or controller such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 336, a silicon timer 322 and an antenna 332, while the other portion 314 of the circuit board 310 may have an imaging system, for example, for obtaining images from inside a body lumen, mounted upon it. Other components and sets of components may be used. The imaging system may include one or more illumination units 309, an image sensor such as an imaging camera 315 and for example one or more capacitors 317. The illumination unit 309 may include one or more illumination sources 313, such as white LEDs and or OLEDs, and one or more resistors 319. According to one embodiment the circuit board components may be arranged on one side of the circuit board 310, enabling comfortable accessibility during a device production process. In alternate embodiments, other components layouts may be arranged on a flexible circuit board with a different shape.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, as seen, for example, with reference to Fig. 3A, flexible leaves 342 and 340 may be formed, respectively, of the circuit board portions 314 and 316, including different components. According to one embodiment, flexible leaves 340 protruding from flexible portion 316 may comprise for example test points 341 , while flexible leaves 342 protruding from flexible circuit board 314 may include one or more illumination units 309. Each illumination unit 309 may comprise, for example, at least one illumination source 313 and resistors 319. Flexible leaves 342 protruding from portion 314 may be folded inwards at a required angle. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the angle of the folded flexible leaves 342 may follow the angle or shape of the imaging device housing tube 21 (as will be described, for example, with reference to Fig. 3B). The shape and proportions of the device housing may determine the exact angle in which each flexible leaf 342 will fold upon insertion of the circuit board. According to one embodiment the angles thus created, enable the illumination units 313, mounted on the leaves 342, to create the specific field and angle of illumination required.

In addition, flexible leaves 340 protruding from portion 316 may also be folded inwards at a required angle when the flexible circuit board 310 is inserted, for example, into the imaging device housing tube 21.

According to one embodiment, a flexible circuit board 310 length in its spread out form may be equal to or less than for example about 36.5 mm (measured between the centers of battery contacts 312) while the circuit board 310 breadth may be for example about 13mm (measured between the edges of flexible portions 314 and 316). Such a flexible circuit board may be suitable for use in a device that is about 20-30mm long. Flexible circuit boards and micro technology according to embodiments of the invention may be similar to flexible boards produced by Al-tech of Petach-Tikva, Israel. Other dimensions or sizes may be used. Reference is now made to Fig. 3B showing an exemplary embodiment of a flexible circuit board 350 shape after it has been folded and inserted into an in vivo device, for example, a capsule. While the invention is shown in use with a capsule, other in-vivo devices may house embodiments of the invention, and devices may be used having other configurations (e.g., spherical, rounded, an endoscope, etc.). According to one embodiment of the present invention, flexible circuit board portions 314 and 316 may be folded upon insertion so that they are facing each other resulting in for example a "C" shape. In this folded state, according to one embodiment, antenna 332 and an imaging device such as imaging camera 315 are facing outwards while battery contacts 312 are folded under flexible portions 314 and 316 which may, according to some embodiments, having rigid portions 324 and 326 attached to them, for example, so that contact may be made with a set of batteries which may be sandwiched between circuit board portions 316 and 314. According to one embodiment, flexible leaves 342 holding illumination sources 313 and resistors 319 may, for example bend in a range of degrees upon inserting the flexible circuit board into a device housing, such as housing tube 21 , so as to enable, for example, an outwards illumination at different angles. The illumination angle may be determined by for example the housing or housing tube shape. In another embodiment of the present invention, test points 341 placed on flexible leaves 340, may be folded inwards so as to allow a better space utilization in a device. In some embodiments of the present invention, various components may be sandwiched between or otherwise disposed between circuit board portions.

The folding of the leaves 340 upon which the test points 341 are mounted may enable preservation of the test points without wasting any valuable space. This method of preserving the test points instead of cutting and removing them, prior to packaging the circuit board into a device, may save time and may reduce the chance of a short circuit. According to one embodiment the flexible circuit board 350 offers little manufacturing and assembly hindrances such as delicate and expensive welding of parts, sophisticated manufacturing protocols etc. Different arrangements may determine the exact folding of the flexible circuit board and components, enabling different angles and scopes of, for example, illumination and camera rotation. Different folding options of the flexible circuit board may free up more space in accordance with the number of mounted and loose components that need to be housed within a device shell.

In one embodiment the flexible circuit board may be incorporated into a device such as a panoramic field of view imaging device, for example, as shown schematically in Fig. 1. Other suitable imaging or sensing devices, including or not including panoramic viewing, may be used with embodiments of the present invention.

According to one embodiment, for example as shown in Fig. 1 , illumination sources 15 may be placed or mounted on flexible circuit board leaves slanted outward in relation to the plane of an image sensor 106. In one embodiment the flexible circuit board leaves may be part of a flexible circuit board.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, as shown, for example, in Fig. 4, a method is provided for in-vivo illumination that may include, providing, in an in vivo imaging device, an illumination source at an angle (410), for example between 0-90 degrees. According to some embodiments the angle may be relative to the direction of imaging. According to other embodiments the angle may be relative to a longitudinal axis of the device. According to one embodiment the angle is typically less than 90 degrees, to the direction of imaging, which may coincide, for example, with an axis of the imaging device. In block 420 a body lumen may be illuminated, and in block 430 images of the body lumen may be obtained.

Embodiments of the invention may achieve a broad field-of-view, by using, for example, a panoramic imaging device which includes a reflective element, for example, a curved or other suitably shaped mirror, to capture a panoramic image. According to one embodiment a segment of the outside wall of the panoramic imaging device may be partially or entirely transparent. The illumination in a panoramic imaging device may be provided by angled illuminations sources, according to an embodiment of the invention. An in-vivo lumen may be illuminated using the light source, which may be enabled to provide light at a wide angled. However, the method according to one embodiment may be implemented using other in-vivo devices having other suitable structures. Any combination of the above steps may be implemented. Further, other steps or series of steps may be used. An embodiment of a method for providing in vivo illumination at an angle is shown in Fig. 5. According to one embodiment the method may include providing an illumination source on a flexible support (510) and inserting the support into a housing tube of an in vivo device (520). Typically, the support will assume the shape of the device housing. According to one embodiment an illumination source provided on a flexible support may be, upon insertion into a device housing, placed against a transparent section of the housing (e.g., an optical window), typically at an angle that is dictated by the shape of the housing, thus enabling illumination of an area out side of the device, for any shape of device. According to one embodiment the support may include additional components of the device.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents are possible in light of the above teaching. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.