Abstract: A system and method for detection of colorimetric abnormalities within a body lumen includes an image receiver for receiving images from within the body lumen. Also included are a transmitter for transmitting the images to a receiver, and a processor for generating a probability indication of presence of colorimetric abnormalities on comparison of color content of the images and at least one reference value.

Abstract: An in-vivo imaging device including a camera may include a frame storage device. Systems and methods which vary the frame capture rate of the camera and/or frame display rate of the display unit of in-vivo camera systems are discussed. The capture rate is varied based on physical measurements related to the motion of the camera. Alternatively, the frame capture rate is varied based on comparative image processing of a plurality of frames. The frame display rate of the system is varied based on comparative image processing of a multiplicity of frames. Both the frame capture and the frame display rates of such systems can be varied concurrently.

Abstract: A device, system and method for selectively activating or altering the operational mode of an autonomous in vivo device in response to in vivo conditions. They system may include an in vivo sensing device with a condition tester, and a controller. The in vivo sensing device may be in communications with an external receiver. The condition tester may include at least one layer of a dissolvable material coated on at least a portion of the autonomous device. The layer may dissolve when exposed to a specific material of a specified site along the GI tract. A sensor may be exposed when the layer dissolves or a switch autonomously activated with the layer dissolves.

Abstract: An imager and a method for real-time, non-destructive monitoring of light incident on imager pixels during their exposure to light. Real-time or present pixel signals, which are indicative of present illumination on the pixels, are compared to a reference signal during the exposure. Adjustments, if necessary, are made to programmable parameters such as gain and/or exposure time to automatically control the imager's exposure to the light. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, only a selected number of pixels are monitored for exposure control as opposed to monitoring the entire pixel array.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for obtaining in vivo images. The system contains an imaging system and a transmitter for transmitting signals from a camera to a receiving system located outside a patient.

Abstract: An in-vivo imaging device including a camera may include a frame storage device. Systems and methods which vary the frame capture rate of the camera and/or frame display rate of the display unit of in-vivo camera systems are discussed. The capture rate is varied based on physical measurements related to the motion of the camera. Alternatively, the frame capture rate is varied based on comparative image processing of a plurality of frames. The frame display rate of the system is varied based on comparative image processing of a multiplicity of frames. Both the frame capture and the frame display rates of such systems can be varied concurrently.

Abstract: An imager and a method for real-time, non-destructive monitoring of light incident on imager pixels during their exposure to light. Real-time or present pixel signals, which are indicative of present illumination on the pixels, are compared to a reference signal during the exposure. Adjustments, if necessary, are made to programmable parameters such as gain and/or exposure time to automatically control the imager's exposure to the light. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, only a selected number of pixels are monitored for exposure control as opposed to monitoring the entire pixel array.

Abstract: A device and system for in-vivo sensing having a relatively heavy part and a relatively light part such that the heavy and light part may be temporarily attached in-vivo. Detachment of the heavy part may be provided at a predetermined location along a body lumen. The light part upon detachment of the heavy part may for example float within a body lumen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for obtaining in vivo images. The system contains an imaging system and a transmitter for transmitting signals from a camera to a receiving system located outside a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for implanting electronic implants within the body are described herein. Such electronic implants can include, for example, elongated stimulating devices, sensors and/or electronic leads. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first member and a second member operatively coupled to the first member. The first member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the first member includes a target probe. The second member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the second member is configured to be selectively coupled to an electronic implant.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes implanting an implant entirely under the subject's skin. The implant includes a passive electrical conductor of sufficient length to extend from subcutaneous tissue located below one of a surface cathodic electrode and a surface anodic electrode to the tibial nerve. The surface electrodes are positioned in spaced relationship on the subject's skin, with one of the electrodes positioned over the pick-up end of the electrical conductor such that the portion of the current is transmitted through the conductor to the tibial nerve, and such that the current flows through the tibial nerve and returns to the other of the surface cathodic electrode and the surface anodic electrode. An electrical current is applied between the surface cathodic electrode and the surface anodic electrode to cause the portion of the electrical current to flow through the implant to stimulate the tibial nerve.

Abstract: An in-vivo device may include an optical system, and a method for viewing in-vivo sites. A dome or cover may cover an end of the device, protecting optical elements such as illumination devices or imagers, which may be behind the dome. The dome may be forward projecting. The field of view of the imager may be for example forward looking. Illumination element(s) and a receiving unit or imager may be disposed behind a single optical window, which for example may enable obtaining of images free of backscatter and stray light.

Abstract: A method includes inserting a target probe along a first path within a body such that a portion of the target probe is disposed adjacent a target location within the body. The target location can be, for example, a portion of a nerve, a muscle or the like. An electronic implant is inserted along a second path within the body such that a portion of the electronic implant is disposed adjacent the target location within the body. The second path is different from the first path. The electronic implant is inserted when the target probe is disposed adjacent the target location within the body.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a device in vivo. The system and method may utilize a steerable receiver, typically an element that is maneuverable by a magnetic field, for controlling the movement of a device, including the direction, force and velocity of the device movement.

Abstract: An in vivo imaging device and method, the device including at least one illumination source; at least one image sensor; and at least two optical systems. The optical systems have different depths of focus. A first and second image are focused onto the image sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for obtaining in vivo images. The system contains an imaging system and a transmitter for transmitting signals from a camera to a receiving system located outside a patient.

Abstract: A device, system and method for selectively activating or altering the operational mode of an autonomous in vivo device in response to in vivo conditions. The system may include an in vivo sensing device with a condition tester, and a controller. The in vivo sensing device may be in communication with an external receiver. The condition tester may include at least one layer of dissolvable material coated on at least a portion of the autonomous device. The layer may dissolve when exposed to a specific material of a specified site along the GI tract.

Abstract: An in-vivo device may include an optical system, and a method for viewing in-vivo sites. A dome or cover may cover an end of the device, protecting optical elements such as illumination devices or imagers, which may be behind the dome. The dome may be forward projecting and may have a convex shape. The field of view of the imager may be for example forward looking. Illumination element(s) and a receiving unit or imager may be disposed behind a single optical window, which for example may enable obtaining of images free of backscatter and stray light. The convex shape of the dome may be defined such that it may have a shape having an isolated area. At least one illumination element and at least one receiving unit may be geometrically positioned (for example in the isolated area) such that rays from the illumination elements, some of which are internally reflected from the internal and/or external surface of the optical window, will not be incident on the receiving unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides improvements to an implant, system and method using passive electrical conductors which route electrical current to either external or implanted electrical devices, to multiple target body tissues and to selective target body tissues. The passive electrical conductor extends from subcutaneous tissue located below either a surface cathodic electrode or a surface anodic electrode a) to a target tissue to route electrical signals from the target body tissue to devices external to the body; b) to implanted electrical devices to deliver electrical current to such devices, or c) to multiple target body tissues or to selective target body tissues to stimulate the target body tissues. The conductor has specialized ends for achieving such purposes.

Abstract: 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. In an embodiment of the invention the image collecting process is designed to image the insides of a body lumen. 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.