JP2006525069A - Magnetic switch for use in a system including an in vivo device and method of using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To change the mode of operation in an in vivo device, i.e. to disconnect a power unit from an electrical circuit during storage of the in vivo device, e.g. by introducing a magnetic field in proximity to the in vivo device, such as a normally closed MEMS switch A switch may be used. In vivo devices may be powered by removing the magnetic field in use. Other switches may be used, such as a normally open switch or a switch including multiple sets of leads having multiple functions. When the device is in packaging, the packaging that generates the magnetic field may operate the switch.

Description

The present invention relates to magnetically actuated switches, such as MEMS switches, and in vivo devices, systems and methods using such switches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Devices and methods for performing in vivo imaging of body passageways or cavities and collecting information other than or in addition to image information (eg, temperature information, pressure information) are known in the art. Such devices may include, among other things, various endoscopic imaging systems and devices for performing imaging in various internal body cavities.

  In vivo imaging devices may include, for example, an imaging system for obtaining images from inside a body cavity or lumen, such as a GI tract. The imaging system may include, for example, an illumination unit, an optical system, and possibly a transmitter and antenna. There are other types of in vivo devices, such as endoscopes that do not require a transmitter and devices that perform functions other than imaging.

  Various systems and devices, such as in vivo imaging devices, may require that certain electrical circuits be closed for most of their operating time. Some switches, such as normally open reed switches, may require the operating device to be in close proximity to the magnetic field in order to keep the switch closed. Stabilizing magnets may be added to keep the switch closed, but keeping the switch in close proximity to the magnetic field or creating and / or maintaining the magnetic field needed to keep the switch closed It may be inefficient and / or inconvenient. Size may be an additional factor in in vivo devices. Reed switches may be too bulky for some in vivo devices.

  Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices are typically extremely small mechanical devices. A typical MEMS switch may include two or more terminals made of or containing a typically soft, ferromagnetic material sealed in a plastic or glass or other container containing a vacuum or gas. . One of the terminals may be connected to a lead-like elastic element that can bend in response to an applied magnetic field. Other structures and other suitable materials may be used in the MEMS switch.

  Typically, the MEMS switch may be open at all times so that the two terminals are generally parallel, i.e. not in contact and partially overlapping each other. When the reed switch is in the presence of a magnetic field, one or more of the terminals may bend and contact the other terminal to close the electrical circuit. In some of these switches, a small contact surface area may limit the current that can be passed through the switch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Various embodiments of the invention provide a switch, such as a MEMS switch, that can be used in, for example, an in vivo device, such as an in vivo imaging device. In one embodiment of the invention, the in vivo device may be part of the system and may record, process and display data transmitted by the in vivo device.

  According to an embodiment of the invention, the in vivo device includes one or more MEMS switches, such as a MEMS reed switch, so that when the in vivo imaging device is in use and / or in storage or at rest, the battery or other The power supply or power unit may be connected and / or disconnected.

  Embodiments of the present invention further provide a method of using a normally closed MEMS switch in an in vivo imaging device circuit. Such MEMS switches may be used for applications other than in vivo devices.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the in vivo device includes at least a sensor and a MEMS switch. The sensor may be an imaging device, for example. The in vivo device may be a swallowable capsule, for example. The MEMS switch may be operable, for example, to change the mode of the device, perhaps in response to a magnetic field. The device may include a transmitter. The MEMS switch may be a normally closed MEMS switch, for example. The MEMS switch may include, for example, a first ferromagnetic conductive terminal, a flexible ferromagnetic conductive terminal, and a nonmagnetic conductive terminal, and the first ferromagnetic conductive terminal and the nonmagnetic conductive terminal are electrically It is separated.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the in vivo device includes at least a sensor and a switch, the switch including at least a first ferromagnetic conductive terminal, a flexible ferromagnetic conductive terminal, and a nonmagnetic conductive terminal. The first ferromagnetic conductive terminal and the nonmagnetic conductive terminal are electrically separated. The switch may be, for example, a MEMS switch. The sensor may be an imaging device, for example. The in vivo device may be a swallowable capsule, for example. For example, the switch may be operable to change the mode of the device, perhaps in response to a magnetic field.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for in vivo imaging includes at least an in vivo device including a sensor and a MEMS switch and an external controller, the external controller at least for operating the switch. Includes a magnetic field source that generates a sufficient magnetic field. The sensor may be an imaging device, for example. The system may include a controller for receiving data relating to in vivo conditions, operating a magnetic field source in response, and / or determining in vivo conditions. This condition may be the location of the in vivo device. The operation of the switch may change the operation of the in vivo device. Changing the operation may include stopping the operation of the components of the in vivo device. The MEMS switch may include a first ferromagnetic conductive terminal, a flexible ferromagnetic conductive terminal, and a nonmagnetic conductive terminal, wherein the first ferromagnetic conductive terminal and the nonmagnetic conductive terminal are electrically separated. ing. The device may be a swallowable capsule.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the MEMS switch includes, for example, a first ferromagnetic conductive terminal, a flexible ferromagnetic conductive terminal, and a nonmagnetic conductive terminal, the first ferromagnetic conductive terminal and The nonmagnetic conductive terminal is electrically isolated. The switch may include, for example, a housing that surrounds the first ferromagnetic conductive terminal, the flexible ferromagnetic conductive terminal, and the nonmagnetic conductive terminal. This switch may surround the dry gas. The first ferromagnetic conductive terminal and the flexible ferromagnetic conductive terminal may be covered with a non-stiction layer, and the non-conductive layer may be included, possibly covered with an insulating layer. The switch may include, for example, a common lead and a normally open lead. The switch may include, for example, a common lead and a normally closed lead.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes, for example, operating an in vivo device in the body, the in vivo device including at least a sensor and a normally closed magnetically operable switch, the method further comprising a magnetic field. Operating the switch. The magnetic field source may be operated by a receiving system that receives data from the in vivo device. The method may include receiving in vivo data from the in vivo device and manipulating the magnetic field in response. Operating the switch with the magnetic field may include applying a magnetic field. The method may include changing the mode of the in vivo device. The method may include receiving image data transmitted from the in vivo device at a receiving system. The in vivo device may be a swallowable capsule. The switch may be a MEMS switch.

  One embodiment of the present invention may include an in vivo sensing system including an in vivo sensing device including, for example, at least a normally closed magnetic switch and a sensor. The switch may be, for example, a MEMS switch. The sensor may be an imaging device, for example. The apparatus may include at least a transmitter.

  What is considered as an invention is particularly shown and clearly claimed in the final portion of this specification. However, both the structure and method of operation of the present invention, as well as its objects, features and advantages, will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, some dimensions of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details set forth herein. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention.

  Embodiments of the system and method of this invention are typically assigned to a common assignee with this invention, both of which are incorporated herein by reference, US Pat. No. 5,604, Iddan et al. No. 531 and / or International Application No. WO 01/65995, entitled “A Device And System For In-Vivo Imaging” published September 13, 2001. Used with in vivo sensing systems or devices such as However, devices, systems and methods according to various embodiments of the present invention may be used with any in vivo device. Alternative embodiments of the systems and methods of this invention may be used with other devices, non-imaging and / or non-in vivo devices.

In vivo device embodiments may typically be autonomous or typically stand alone. For example, the in vivo device may be a capsule or other unit in which all components may be substantially contained within a container or shell, and the in vivo device may receive power or information, for example. No wires or cables may be required to transmit In vivo devices may provide an indication of data, control or other functions by communicating with an external receiving and display system. For example, power may be provided by an internal battery or a wireless reception system. Other embodiments may have other configurations and capabilities. For example, a component may be distributed across multiple sites or units. Control information may be received from an external source.

  A system according to some of the embodiments of the present invention provides an in vivo sensing device that transmits information (eg, images or other data) to a data receiver and / or recorder that is probably close to or attached to the subject. Including. The data receiver and / or recorder may take other suitable configurations. The data receiver and / or recorder may transfer the received information to a larger computing device such as a workstation or personal computer where the data may be further analyzed, stored, and / or displayed to the user. Good. In other embodiments, each of the various components may not be required. For example, the internal device may send the information directly to the viewing system or processing system or otherwise transfer it (eg, by wire).

  Referring to FIG. 1A, a schematic diagram of an in vivo imaging system according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. In one embodiment, device 40 may be a swallowable capsule that captures images, for example, but may be another device that can collect information other than or in addition to image information. Typically, the device 40 illuminates a body lumen with at least one sensor, such as an imaging device 46, for capturing an image, a processing chip or circuit 47 that processes the signal generated by the imaging device 46, and the like. And one or more illumination sources 42 such as, for example, one or more white LEDs or any other suitable light source. For example, one or more lenses or composite lens assemblies (not shown), one or more suitable optical filters (not shown), or any other suitable optical element (not shown), etc. An optical system 50 that includes one or more optical elements (not shown) may help focus the reflected light onto the imaging device 46 and perform other light processing. The processing chip 47 need not be a separate component; for example, the processing or processing chip may or may not be integrated into the imaging device 46. The sensor may be other types of sensors, such as a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, a pressure sensor, or other suitable sensor.

  The device 40 may typically include a transmitter 41 for transmitting images and possibly other information (eg, control information) to the receiving device 12. The transmitter 41 may typically be an ultra low power radio frequency (RF) transmitter with a high bandwidth input, possibly provided during chip scale packaging. The transmitter 41 may transmit via the antenna 48. The transmitter 41 may also include circuitry and functions for controlling the device 40. Typically, the device 40 may include a power source or power unit 45 such as one or more batteries. For example, the power source 45 may include a silver oxide battery, a lithium battery, or other electrochemical cell having a high energy density. Other suitable power sources may be used. For example, the power source 45 may be a unit designed to receive power from an external source.

  In one embodiment, the imaging device 46 may be a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging camera. Such CMOS imagers may typically be ultra-low power imagers and may be provided in chip scale packaging (CSP). Other types of CMOS imaging devices may be used. In other embodiments, other imaging devices such as CCD imaging devices or other suitable imaging devices may be used.

In an embodiment of the invention, the device 40 may include a switch 200, such as a normally closed MEMS switch or other suitable switch, which may be opened in the presence of a magnetic field and has its structure and function. This will be described in detail here. The switch 200 may be used, for example, to disconnect the power supply 45 during storage and / or for a period of time during which it is desired to keep the device 40 in a dormant state. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, switch 200 may be connected to an electrical circuit that includes a power supply 45, and switch 200 may be closed at all times, so that the electrical circuit may be closed without the presence of a magnetic field. Additionally or alternatively, when the device 40 is desired to be inoperative, for example when the device 40 is in storage, the device 40 may be placed in close proximity to the magnetic field, so that the switch 200 is opened. Well, any suitable electrical circuit, such as the circuit containing the power supply 45, may be disconnected.

  One skilled in the art will recognize that switch 200 may be used for various functions within device 40, such as, for example, switching electrical circuitry within device 40 from a closed mode to an open mode, or vice versa. Will be done. Additionally or alternatively, switch 200 may be used to change the characteristics or mode of device 40 and / or its function, for example, switch 200 is electrically connected to processing circuitry on processing chip 47 or imaging device 46. For example, the image capturing rate of the device 40 may be changed by the operation. The operation of switch 200 may control the circuit, which in turn controls the operation or on / off state of device 40. It should be noted that in embodiments of the invention, the device 40 includes a switch 200 or a plurality of switches 200 to close and / or open one or more of these electrical circuits, or one or more similar to the power source 45. One or more of the functions may be performed, such as connecting and / or disconnecting more power sources. As described in detail below, starting the switch 200 into the open mode may be accomplished, for example, by an external magnet such as a permanent magnet, a stable magnet, or an external electromagnetic coil.

  Typically, the device 40 may be swallowed by the patient and cross the patient's GI tract, but other body lumens or cavities may be imaged or examined. The device 40 may transmit images and possibly other data to components that can receive and process data located outside the patient's body. A receiver 12 that typically includes an antenna or antenna array 11 for receiving images and possibly other data from the device 40 at one or more locations outside the patient's body; Transmitted from receiver storage unit 16 for storing images and other data, data processor 14, data processor storage unit 19, optional data recovery module 610 for recovering compressed data, and in particular from device 40 Then, a display such as an image monitor 18 for displaying an image recorded by the receiver 12 is installed. The receiver 12 may include a controller 17 or processor that may control data collection or control transmission of signals to the device 40, for example. Typically, receiver 12 and receiver storage unit 16 may be small and portable and may be worn on the patient's body during image recording. Typically, the data processor 14, data processor storage unit 19 and monitor 18 may be part of a personal computer or workstation, such as a controller 17 or processor 13 (eg, CPU or other processor), memory ( Examples may include standard components such as storage device 19 or other memory), disk drives, and input / output devices, but alternative configurations are possible. In alternative embodiments, the data reception and storage component may be another configuration. Further, images and other data may be received in other manners by other sets of components. Typically, during operation, image data is transferred to the data processor 14, which stores the image data with the processor 13 and software and possibly processes it for display on the monitor 18. Other systems and methods for storing and / or displaying collected image data may be used.

Referring to FIG. 1B, a schematic diagram of an in vivo imaging system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In device 40, imaging device 46 may be electrically connected to transmitter 41 and power supply 45 via switch 200, such as a MEMS switch or other suitable magnetically operated switch, and sensor 49 may be connected to transmitter 41 and / or The power supply 45 may be directly electrically connected. Sensor 49 may be, for example, a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, or other suitable sensor. For example, the sensor 49 may transmit the detected data to the external receiver 12 via the transmitter 41 and the antenna 48. A controller (eg, controller 17 or processor 13) detects or receives information regarding in vivo conditions (eg, the presence of a substance, the position of an in vivo device) and operates a magnetic field source in response. For example, the receiver 12 may include one or more electromagnetic coils 15 or other suitable units that can generate or add a magnetic field. Typically, the magnetic field is of sufficient strength to operate a MEMS or other suitable switch that may be installed in an in vivo device. In one embodiment of the invention, the magnetic field may be initiated or alternatively terminated upon receipt of data from sensor 49 or imaging device 46 corresponding to a predetermined value and / or threshold. Good. Analysis of data received from sensor 49 or imaging device 46 may result in magnetic field operations such as image analysis that detects the presence of a substance, changes in light levels, and the like. The sensor 49 may not be used. Furthermore, the magnetic field generating unit may be separated from the receiver 12. Termination or removal of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 15 may cause the switch 200 to close, which may result in an operational change of the device 40 or components within the device 40. For example, the imaging device 46 may be electrically connected to the power supply 45 and the transmitter 41. Other operational changes, such as changes in image capture rate, changes in lighting, etc. may result. Various analysis methods may be performed on the data received from the sensor 49 and the imaging device 46 to cause an external unit such as the receiver 12 to turn on or change the magnetic field, such a magnetic field being It may have other suitable effects on the device 40. In one embodiment, changing the magnetic field may cause the imaging device 46 to start capturing images and / or cause the transmitter 41 to transmit images.

  For example, an external processor installed in the receiver 12 or data processor 14 may control the magnetic source to control or operate the in vivo device 40. For example, the controller may receive data regarding in vivo conditions (eg, pressure, pH, location, etc.) or itself may calculate the presence of such conditions. “In vivo conditions” may include conditions such as motility, location, etc. of the device 40. The controller may then operate the electromagnetic source, which may operate a switch inside the in vivo device 40. In response, the operation of the device 40 may be changed. For example, the frame capture rate may be changed in response to detecting the location or relative location of the device 40. In response to the lack of relative movement of the device 40, the device 40 may be paused, and certain components (eg, imaging device, transmitter, etc.) may reduce or stop its operation. Other combinations of in vivo or device conditions and modes or operational changes may be used.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the magnetic field, or the generation, addition or removal of a magnetic field may be implemented in an alternative manner. For example, an external magnet may be physically placed near the device 40. The receiver 12 may prompt the user to remove or alternatively position the external magnet by indicating receipt of data corresponding to a predetermined value and / or threshold by audio or visual signal. . In other embodiments of the invention, switch 200 may be positioned in an alternative manner and may be electrically connected to other components or sets of components in device 40. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the power supply to the transmitter 41 may be turned on / off using a MEMS switch. In this way, transmission may be controlled by the presence and / or absence of a magnetic field. According to another embodiment, a MEMS switch may be used to turn the illumination source on / off.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of the MEMS switch 200 in a closed deactivation mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Switch 200 is for example surface mount packaging (SMP)
Or the like, which may enclose the terminals 210, 220 and 230 and the layers 240, 250, 260, 270 and 280. Other suitable types of packaging may be used, such as other suitable packaging used in other known silicon devices. Materials such as plastic may be used and other numbers of layers may be used. The housing may be filled with a gas, such as a vacuum or a dry noble gas such as nitrogen or Aragon, and may be sealed, for example.

  Terminal 210 may be formed of a non-magnetic conductive material, such as a non-magnetic metal such as gold or chromium, or any other suitable conductive material or alloy. For example, each of terminals 220 and 230 may include a terminal made of a typically soft, ferromagnetic conductive material such as permalloy. Terminals 220 and 230 may be coated with a suitable non-stiction layer, thereby preventing the terminals 220 and 230 from resisting separation after contact. The terminal 220 may be a flexible ferromagnetic conductive terminal.

  Non-conductive layers 240, 250, 260, 270 and 280 may include MEMS layers made of silicon, for example, and may be coated with an insulating layer such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride for insulation. Materials other than silicon-based materials may be used. In addition, other numbers of layers and other structures may be used. For example, the support and spacing provided by layers 260 and 280 may be provided by other structures.

  The terminals 210, 220 and 230 and the layers 240, 250, 260, 270 and 280 are manufactured and placed in a shape as schematically illustrated in FIG. 2A so that the terminal 220 undergoes a predetermined elastic deformation. It may be configured to contact the terminal 210 but not to contact the terminal 230 when activated by a magnetic field.

  Various leads and lead combinations may be used. Common lead 290, normally closed lead 292, and normally open lead 296 may be in the form of a ball grid array, a lead frame, or other suitable leads. When connecting common lead 290 and normally closed lead 292 to an electrical circuit, MEMS switch 200 acts as a normally closed switch. When connecting common lead 290 and normally open lead 296 to an electrical circuit, MEMS switch 200 may act as a normally open switch. In this way, the MEMS switch described in embodiments of the present invention may serve as both a normally open switch and a normally closed switch. In one embodiment of the present invention, leads 290, 292, and 296 may be integral parts of terminals 220, 210, and 230, respectively. Other sets of leads may be used. For example, one of the leads 292 and 296 may be omitted to generate a normally open or normally closed switch.

  Referring also to FIG. 2B, a schematic diagram of a MEMS switch 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention when placed in close proximity to a magnetic field is shown. Switch 200 is placed in proximity to magnet 300, indicating that switch 200 is switched to the open mode. The magnet 300 may include any suitable magnet, such as a stable magnet, permanent magnet, electromagnetic coil, or magnetic field source. When the switch 200 is thus placed in close proximity to the magnet 300, the terminals 220 and 230 acquire magnetic properties and the terminal 220 bends or moves away from the terminal 210, causing the open position between the terminal 220 and the terminal 210 to change. It may be generated. Further, although the invention is not limited in this regard, the terminal 220 may bend and contact the terminal 230 to form and / or close an electrical circuit, creating a closed position between the terminal 220 and the terminal 230. Good.

  While the present invention is not limited in this regard, in embodiments of the present invention, terminals 220 and 230 are streamlined magnetic fields generated by external magnet 300 when switch 200 is placed in proximity to magnet 300. A “short circuit” may be formed. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, to obtain a minimum magnetoresistance, terminal 220 may bend toward terminal 230, thereby opening an electrical circuit, to which terminals 210 and 220 are connected. Therefore, when the magnetic field is applied, the terminal 220 and the terminal 210 may be in an open mode, and in the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal 220 and the terminal 230 may be in a closed mode. It should be noted that the same result may be obtained using other sources of magnetic fields, for example using electromagnetic coils, in addition to or instead of the external magnet 300. In addition, although a two-way switch is shown, other numbers of terminals may be used.

  Although the present invention is not limited in this regard, for example, the switch 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention needs to be closed by default without using a magnetic field, for example most of the time, for example when a small percentage of time is required It may be used as part of an electrical circuit that may be opened by a magnetic field. Alternatively, for example, switch 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention needs to be opened by default without using a magnetic field, for example, for most of the time, eg closed by a magnetic field when a small percentage of time is required. It may also be used as part of a good electrical circuit.

  In operation, a switch 200 according to an embodiment of the invention may be placed and / or connected, for example, in an electrical circuit within an in vivo device. During such placement or connection, the normally closed switch 200 may be in a closed mode. The surface contact area that can be achieved between terminals 220 and 230 may allow high current to pass through the switch in the closed mode. In addition, although a two-way switch is shown, other numbers of terminals may be used.

  By adding or increasing the magnetic field, the switch 200 may be switched to the open mode (or to the closed mode using a suitable arrangement of terminals). In embodiments of the invention, this may be done using an external magnet or any suitable magnetic field source such as an electromagnetic coil. In one embodiment, when switch 200 is included in an in vivo device, the magnetic field may be provided by an external source such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic coil.

  Then, optionally, switch 200 may be switched back to closed mode (or to open mode using a suitable arrangement of terminals) by removing or reducing the magnetic field. It should be noted that other applications for using normally closed or normally open MEMS switches, or other suitable switches in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. In alternative embodiments, the switch according to embodiments of the present invention may have other uses and may be used in other devices. For example, such a switch may be used in other types of in vivo devices. Furthermore, such switches may be used in non-in vivo and non-medical devices.

  Referring to FIG. 3, a method for putting an in vivo device into a dormant state prior to use in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. At block 320, a switch, such as a MEMS switch, eg, a normally open MEMS switch, may be connected, eg, electrically connected, to a power unit in the in vivo device. During storage, the in vivo device may be stored in proximity to the magnetic field (340). For example, a permanent magnet may be packaged with the in vivo device. Other suitable methods for generating the magnetic field may be implemented. In use, the magnetic field source may be removed from the proximity of the in vivo device (360). For example, the user may open the package and remove the permanent magnet. Other suitable methods may be used.

Referring to FIG. 4, a method for changing the mode or operation of an in vivo device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In block 500, the in vivo device is inserted into the body, such as by swallowing, such as through an endoscope or other tool. The in vivo device may be as described in the embodiments of the invention or may have a different suitable structure. For example, the device may have a sensor such as an image sensor, a pH sensor, a pressure sensor. In block 510, an external magnetic field may operate a magnetic switch in the device. For example, an external controller may turn the electromagnet on or off, and the magnet may be moved closer to or away from the area where the device on the patient is located. Depending on its structure, the switch may be opened or closed in the presence of a magnetic field. In one embodiment, the switch is a normally closed MEMS switch, although other suitable switches may be used. In some embodiments, the operation of the magnetic field may be responsive to data received from in vivo (eg, image data). At block 520, the operation of the switch results in a mode or operation change in the device. For example, the frame capture rate may be changed in response to detection of the location or relative location of the in vivo device. In response to a lack of relative movement of the device, the device may be in a dormant state, and certain components (eg, imaging device, transmitter, etc.) may reduce or stop its operation. Other combinations of in vivo or device conditions and modes or operational changes may be used. Other steps or series of steps may be used.

  In some embodiments, the magnetic field for controlling the switch in the in vivo device may be generated by a package or container that is probably designed to hold the in vivo device during storage. Removing the device from the packaging may change the mode of the device, for example, switching the device from sleep to non-sleep mode or turning the device on. Other mode changes may occur. An example of a system and method for packaging, and an apparatus that can be controlled by the packaging, 2001, entitled “Method For Activating An Image Collecting Process”, incorporated herein by reference. It is disclosed in International Application No. WO 01/35813 published on May 25. In some embodiments, the in vivo device may include a normally closed switch, such as a normally closed MEMS switch or other suitable switch. Such an arrangement may, in some embodiments, allow for the elimination of circuitry that converts signals from normally open switches and may reduce components, current consumption, and the like. Other or different benefits may be obtained. FIG. 5 shows an in-vivo device and packaging or container for holding the device according to an embodiment of the invention. Device 40 may have similar structure and operation (eg, sensors, power supplies, etc.) as the other embodiments described herein, as will be described elsewhere in FIG. 5 for clarity. The essential components are not shown. Switch 200 may be a normally closed switch such as, for example, a MEMS switch or other suitable switch, which may operate device 40 when closed and deactivate device 40 when open. . Other suitable mode changes may be provided. The package 400 may contain or partially contain the device 40 and may include a permanent magnet 410 or another suitable magnetic field source. The package 400 may be made from plastic, glass, metal or other suitable material. When device 40 is inserted into package 400, magnet 410 may operate switch 200 to cause switch 200 to open, thereby preventing operation of device 40, for example. When the device 40 is removed from the package 400 (or separated by a certain distance), the switch 200 may be closed, thereby causing or starting the operation of the device 40, for example. Other suitable packaging structures may be used and other mode changes may result.

  While particular features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many changes, substitutions, modifications and equivalents will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, it is understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit of this invention.

1 is a schematic diagram of an in vivo imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an in vivo imaging system having a sensor according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a MEMS switch in a closed deactivation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2B is a schematic diagram of the MEMS switch of FIG. 2A in an activated open mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for keeping an in vivo device in a dormant state according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a method for changing the mode or operation of an in vivo device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an in vivo device and packaging or container for holding the device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Claims (22)

A sensor,
An in vivo device comprising a MEMS switch.   The in vivo device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is an imaging device.   The in vivo device of claim 1, wherein the in vivo device is a swallowable capsule.   The in vivo device of claim 1, wherein the MEMS switch is operable to change a mode of the device.   The in vivo device of claim 1, wherein changing the mode of the device is performed in response to a magnetic field.   The in vivo device of claim 1, comprising a transmitter.   The in vivo device of claim 1, wherein the MEMS switch is a normally closed MEMS switch. The MEMS switch includes a first ferromagnetic conductive terminal,
A flexible ferromagnetic conductive terminal;
The in vivo device according to claim 1, comprising a nonmagnetic conductive terminal, wherein the first ferromagnetic conductive terminal and the nonmagnetic conductive terminal are electrically separated. A sensor,
A switch, the switch comprising: a first ferromagnetic conductive terminal;
A flexible ferromagnetic conductive terminal;
An in vivo device comprising: a non-magnetic conductive terminal, wherein the first ferromagnetic conductive terminal and the non-magnetic conductive terminal are electrically separated.   The in vivo device of claim 9, wherein the switch is a MEMS switch.   The in vivo device of claim 9, wherein the sensor is an imaging device.   10. The in vivo device of claim 9, wherein the in vivo device is a swallowable capsule.   The in vivo device of claim 9, wherein the switch is operable to change a mode of the device in response to a magnetic field. An in vivo device comprising at least a sensor and a MEMS switch;
A system for in vivo imaging including an external controller, the external controller including at least a magnetic field source that generates a magnetic field sufficient to actuate the switch.   The system of claim 14, wherein the sensor is an imaging device.   The system of claim 14, comprising a controller for receiving data relating to in vivo conditions and operating a magnetic field source in response.   The system of claim 16, wherein the controller is for defining in vivo conditions.   The system of claim 16, wherein the condition is a location of an in vivo device.   15. The system of claim 14, wherein operation of the switch changes operation of an in vivo device.   The system of claim 19, wherein changing the operation includes stopping operation of a component of the in vivo device. The switch includes a first ferromagnetic conductive terminal;
A flexible ferromagnetic conductive terminal;
15. The system of claim 14, including a non-magnetic conductive terminal, wherein the first ferromagnetic conductive terminal and the non-magnetic conductive terminal are electrically separated.   15. The system of claim 14, wherein the in vivo device is a swallowable capsule.

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