Capsule Orientation Detection for Capsule Docking System with Inductive Power Drive Circuit

摘要

A capsule endoscopic system is disclosed for receiving data from a capsule device and providing inductive power to the capsule device wirelessly, where the capsule endoscopic system incorporates a feature to automatically protect the capsule device and the docking device from damage if the capsule device is docked in a backward orientation. In one embodiment, the docking device comprises a current sense circuit to detect the current flowing through the primary coil or primary drive circuit. The occurrence of wrong orientation can be detected from the current. A detection/control circuit can be used to provide the needed control in order to prevent damage to the system. In another embodiment, a resonant circuit comprising a capacitor and the primary coil is used to provide the needed protection when the capsule device is docked with a wrong orientation.

主权项

1. A capsule endoscopic system comprising:
a capsule device, wherein the capsule device comprises:
a secondary coil;one or more batteries; anda capsule housing with an elongated shape having a first end and a second end in a longitudinal direction of the capsule device, wherein the secondary coil and said one or more batteries are sealed in the capsule housing, and the secondary coil is located in proximity of the first end and said one or more batteries are located in proximity of the second end; and a docking device for receiving capsule data from the capsule device and providing inductive power to the capsule device, wherein the docking device comprises:
a primary coil to generate an alternating magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field is coupled to the secondary coil to supply power to the capsule device wirelessly when the capsule device is docked in the docking device with a correct orientation, corresponding to the secondary coil being inside or proximal to the primary coil;a primary drive circuit coupled to the primary coil to provide an AC (alternating current) signal to the primary coil for generating the alternating magnetic field; anda current sense circuit coupled to the primary drive circuit or the primary coil to measure primary current flowing through the primary drive circuit or the primary coil; and wherein an error signal is generated based on the primary current when the capsule device is docked in a wrong orientation, corresponding to said one or more batteries being inside or proximal to the primary coil.