Abstract: A method for intraframe image compression of an image is combined with a method for reducing memory requirements for an interframe image compression. The intraframe image compression includes (a) dividing the image into blocks; (b) selecting a block according to a predetermined sequence; and (c) processing each selected block by: (1) identifying a reference block from previously processed blocks in the image according to an activity metric; and (2) using the reference block, compressing the selected block. The selected block may be compressed by compressing a difference between the selected block and the reference block, where the difference may be offset by a predetermined value. The difference is compressed after determining that an activity metric of the difference block. The activity metric depends on elements of a difference block, which is a block in which elements are each a difference between an element of the current image frame and a corresponding element of the reference frame.

Abstract: An in vivo imaging system is provided with a capsule having at least one balloon configured to orient the capsule in a consistent orientation relative to an internal organ; at least one valve configured to control the quantity of gas within the at least one balloon; and an imager encased within the capsule.

Abstract: A swallowable capsule with a camera and a memory for imaging the colon. Standard semiconductor memory (memories made of standard memories processes or processes modified from standard process by adopting comprehensible silicon planar technology process steps) is used. This is made possible by the use of an optimal type of image compression that can be performed with limited processing power and limited memory (e.g., without requiring a full size frame buffer). Also, controls on the number of images taken are used in one embodiment.

Abstract: An in vivo imaging system is provided with a capsule having at least one balloon configured to orient the capsule in a consistent orientation relative to an internal organ; at least one valve configured to control the quantity of gas within the at least one balloon; and an imager encased within the capsule.

Abstract: A method for intraframe image compression of an image is combined with a method for reducing memory requirements for an interframe image compression. The intraframe image compression includes (a) dividing the image into blocks; (b) selecting a block according to a predetermined sequence; and (c) processing each selected block by: (1) identifying a reference block from previously processed blocks in the image; and (2) using the reference block, compressing the selected block. The selected block may be compressed by compressing a difference between the selected block and the reference block, where the difference may be offset by a predetermined value. The difference is compressed after determining that an activity metric of the difference block exceeds a corresponding activity metric of the selected block. The activity metric is calculated for a block by summing a difference between each pixel value within the block and an average of pixel values within the block.

Abstract: A capsule camera includes a pixel cell array of pixel cells exposed to light from a field of view, an illuminating system that illuminates the field of view, a signal processor receiving and processing data from the pixel cell array, and a control module that causes the pixel cell array to be read out using an improved scanning method. The scanning method includes pre-charging the pixel cells in the pixel cell array, illuminating a field of view of the pixel cells for a predetermined exposure time, and reading out data from the pixel cells only after the illuminating of the field of view is completed. The pre-charging of the pixel cells is carried out over a predetermined time period prior to the field of view being illuminated. The rows of the pixel may be precharged at different times. The time interval between the precharging and the reading out of the pixel cells in each row may be substantially the same.

Abstract: A capsule camera apparatus includes a swallowable housing, a light source within the housing, a camera within the housing for capturing a first digital image and a second digital image of a view of the camera illuminated by the light source, a a motion detector that detects a motion of the housing using the first digital image and the second digital image, and a motion evaluator that selects a disposition of the second digital image, based on a metric on the motion. The disposition may include writing the second image into an archival storage or providing the second digital image to the outside by a wireless communication link.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device and an associated method suitable for use in specific applications with predictable memory access pattern, such as in a capsule camera. The memory device takes advantage of the memory access pattern to simplify address processing circuit to realize savings in power and silicon area. Because random access to the semiconductor device is not required, the interface from external to the semiconductor device is also simplified by eliminating at least the address port that is used to specify the memory locations accessed. The method is applicable not only to non-volatile memory technologies (e.g., flash memory), it is also applicable to volatile memory technologies, such as transient charge storage-based memory circuits (e.g., DRAMs) and metastable states-based memory circuits (e.g., SRAMs).

Abstract: An image compression apparatus for compressing image data provided to an input terminal and providing compressed data to an output terminal includes a 4×4 weighted digital cosine transformer (DCT) coupled to the input terminal and configured to convert the image data into weighted frequency data. A zigzag circuit is coupled to the DCT and configured to zigzag process the frequency data and generate create zigzag data. A Q-factor estimator is coupled to the DCT and configured to estimate the frequency data and generate a Q-factor. A DC coding circuit is coupled to the zigzag circuit and configured to code the zigzag data and generate a DC code. A quantization circuit is coupled to the zigzag circuit and the Q-factor estimator and configured to quantize the zigzag data based on the Q-factor and generate quantized data.