Abstract: An in vivo device, such as an in vivo imaging device or other sensing device, may include a device body and at least one appendage coupled to the device body. According to some embodiments the appendage(s) may be extended or expanded, or reduced or removed, in vivo, thereby altering the device geometry while in a body lumen.

Abstract: A method for inserting an autonomous capsule into the G.I. tract includes use of an endoscope having a clamp and at least one retractable support for retaining the clamp. The capsule is engaged with the clamp and pushed to its desired position within the G.I. tract. The capsule is then disengaged by loosening the hold of the clamp on the capsule. The insertion of the capsule can be observed through an imaging unit placed within the endoscope.

Abstract: In-vivo images including three-dimensional or surface orientation information may be captured and viewed An in-vivo site is illuminated by a plurality of sources, and the resulting reflected images may be used to provide three-dimensional or surface orientation information on the in-vivo site. The system may include a swallowable capsule.

Abstract: A device, method and system for sensing the temperature of an environment. An image sensor may be introduced into an environment having an image sensing module. The dark current noise of the image sensor may be sensed, and the temperature of the image sensor (and environment) calculated. Such a device, system and method may be used in, for example, a medical imaging device.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a device and method for controlled positioning and/or releasing an object in a body lumen.

Abstract: A system and method for maneuvering a device in vivo, wherein a tube has a longitudinal axis, a distal end and a proximal end, and an in vivo sensing device is changeably connected to the distal end of the tube. Typically, the sensing device may be moved from one position where it is, for example, within the axial profile of the tube or along the longitudinal axis of the tube, to a second position, where it is not.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and analyzing motility within a body lumen such as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where an in vivo imaging device such as a capsule captures images and transmits the images to a processor, which calculates the motility of the device based on comparison of the images. Preferably, the processor compares the intensity of pairs of images or of elements of pairs of images, generates a variance for the compared images, and calculates the motility of the imaging device from the variances. The motility data may be presented to a user in various manners; for example, a plot of motility over time may be generated, or indications of low motility may be presented to the user of the system.

Abstract: A method and system for positioning an in vivo device and for obtaining a three dimensional display of a body lumen include obtaining a plurality of in vivo images; generating position information corresponding to each in vivo image; and combining the plurality of in vivo images into a single image according to the position information.

Abstract: A device, system and method may enable the obtaining of in vivo images from within body lumens or cavities, such as images the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where the data such as image data is typically transmitted or otherwise sent to a receiving system. The data transmitted, including, for example, image information, is compressed.

Abstract: An in vivo examining device and method are described. The in vivo examining device has two operational phases; an initial phase in which the device is of initial dimensions and a final phase in which the device is of final dimensions. In the initial phase the device can pass freely through a normally configured body lumen whereas it may not be able to pass freely through an abnormally configured lumen. In the final phase the device can pass freely through a body lumen even if it is abnormally configured.

Abstract: A method for inserting an autonomous capsule into the G.I. tract includes use of an endoscope having a clamp and at least one retractable support for retaining the clamp. The capsule is engaged with the clamp and pushed to its desired position within the G.I. tract. The capsule is then disengaged by loosening the hold of the clamp on the capsule. The insertion of the capsule can be observed through an imaging unit placed within the endoscope.

Abstract: A system and method allows for the annotation of an image stream, which may be produced by, for example, an ingestible capsule. A workstation accepts images acquired by the capsule and displays the images on a monitor as a moving image. A user inputs an annotation which corresponds to a portion of the moving image, and the annotation is recorded in a database associated with the selected portion. The annotation may include, for example, textual notes regarding the image portion. The annotations may be displayed at a later time.

Abstract: An in vivo imaging device including at least one image sensor and an energy receiving unit that is configured to receive electromagnetic energy and to convert the received electromagnetic energy to energy for powering at least one electrical component of the image sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for the in vivo determination of the presence and/or concentration of biological and/or chemical substances in body lumens. The system of the invention comprises a solid support, the support being inserted into a body lumen and having immobilized thereon at least one reactant capable of reacting with the substance resulting in an optical change; and a detecting unit, in communication with the support, capable of detecting a reaction resulting in an optical change between the reactant and the substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and system for the in vitro detection of blood.

Abstract: A system and method for wide angle imaging of body lumens are provided. The system comprises at least one imager and an optical system having a plurality of optical paths for imaging images from within the body lumen onto the at least one imager. The system may be incorporated in or attached onto a device that is configured to be inserted into and pass through body lumens such as an endoscope a needle or a swallowable capsule.

Abstract: An energy saving device for acquiring in vivo images of the gastro-intestinal tract is provided. The device, such as an autonomous capsule (10), includes at least one imaging unit (12), a control unit (14) connected to the imaging unit, and a power supply (24) connected to the control unit. The control unit includes a switching unit (18, 20), and an axial motion detector (22) connected to the switching unit, disconnects the power supply thereby preventing the acquisition of redundant images.