Abstract: The intravital observation apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a capsule endoscope including an illumination section and an image pickup section, a power supply section provided with a battery and a control section, and a control signal generation apparatus disposed outside the capsule endoscope, wherein the control signal generation apparatus is provided with a control signal generation section and a control signal transmitting electrode, and the capsule endoscope is provided with a control signal receiving electrode and a control signal detection section.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to enable a receiving side to easily recognize which of imaging devices has picked up received image data. A capsule endoscope (one example of the in-vivo image acquiring apparatus) of the present invention is swallowed by a subject, and picks up images of the inside of organs of the subject. The capsule endoscope has a plurality of LEDs, a plurality of CCDs, and a transmission module. The CCDs paired with the LEDs pick up images of the inside of a body cavity illuminated by the LEDs. The transmission module adds identification data for identifying the CCDs to image data in front and rear directions of the capsule endoscope picked up by the CCDS, and transmit the image data together with the identification data to the receiving side.

Abstract: A calibration system for a surgical instrument. The calibration system includes an actuator, such as a motor system and a flexible shaft. The calibration system also includes a surgical instrument actuatable by the actuator. The calibration system also include calibration data corresponding to the surgical instrument. A processor is configured to process the calibration data for determining a position of the surgical instrument. The calibration system may include a sensor configured to provide a signal corresponding to a movement of the actuator, the processor being further configured to process the signal for determining a position of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A medical device control system improves an inducing stability and operability of a medical device having its direction controlled with magnetism, which is used for the inspection or treatment in a subject's body. The control system is formed of a medical device including an insertion member inserted into the subject's body, and a magnetic field response portion disposed within the insertion member for generating torque in response to the magnetic field applied from outside the subject's body, a direction detection unit that detects an insertion direction of the insertion member, a user interface through which the information with respect to the control of the insertion direction is input and output, a magnetic field generation portion that generates a magnetic field that directs the insertion member to a control direction, and a user interface control unit that controls the user interface based on a discordance between the control direction and the insertion direction.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically reconfiguring the magnification or zoom level of a surgical camera based upon the detection of a surgical instrument or defined anatomical feature. Utilizing image analysis algorithms, the video images generated by the surgical camera are analyzed for the presence of defined patterns, colors, motion and the like, representing a defined surgical instrument or anatomical feature. Upon detection of a surgical instrument or anatomical feature, the system can automatically adjust the actual or effective focal range of the surgical camera, and thus change the magnification or zoom level of the camera, based on the type of surgical instrument or anatomical feature detected.

Abstract: A method for generating at least one section of a virtual 3D model of a body interior, in particular a hollow organ, uses data that are provided by at least one endoscope introduced into the body interior. The data comprise at least one position and orientation of the endoscope, the at least one position and orientation being assigned at least one distance between the endoscope and the at least one point on a surface of the body interior, and at least one endoscopic image of the surface of the body interior in the region of the at least one point on the surface of the body interior. From the said data relating to a number of different positions and orientations of the endoscope is/are generated the section or sections of the 3D model in superposition with the associated endoscopic image. An appropriate apparatus is also described.

Abstract: An endoscopic accessory medical device is provided. The device can include a handle, a flexible shaft, and an end effector. The handle can include an actuator for operating the end effector through a wire or cable pulling member that extends through the flexible shaft. The handle and actuator can be operable with a single hand, such that the operation of the end effector can be accomplished with the same hand that is used to hold the handle and advance the end effector through an endoscope. The handle can include an actuation mechanism that is decoupled from operation of the end effector when the actuator is in a first open position, which becomes operatively coupled to the end effector when the actuator is moved to a second position, such as by squeezing the actuator, and which operates the end effector when the actuator is moved further to a third position.

Abstract: An endoscopic therapeutic instrument has a therapeutic section, a flexible transmission member which transmits operating driving forces to the therapeutic section by moving forwardly and reversely, and a sheath section in which the transmission member can move forwardly and reversely. A proximal side of this transmission member is connected to an operating tube section, and the therapeutic section is driven by forward and backward movements of the operating tube section. An endoscope having a channel into which the endoscopic therapeutic instrument is insertable, contains a mechanism for driving the sheath section and a mechanism for driving the operating tube section. The endoscope controls these mechanisms to cooperate with each other in controlling the endoscopic therapeutic instrument operations.

Abstract: A system and method for in vivo diagnosis are provided. A composition including for example a radioactive marking agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is administered to a patient and an autonomous in vivo device, which may include for example an illumination source an image sensor and a radiation and/or light detector, is used to for example facilitate the difference between. normal and pathological cells in a body lumen.

Abstract: An aspect of the actuator for the moving body in tube according to the present invention is characterized by including: a first expansion/contraction member which includes a first portion that fills between the moving body in tube and the tube wall at the time of being expanded to come into contact with the tube wall, and a second portion that is brought into contact with the tube wall to generate propulsive force, and a part of which is fixed to the moving body in tube; a drive device which drives the first expansion/contraction member; and a control section which controls the first expansion/contraction member and the drive device, and is characterized in that the control section performs control so that the first portion of the first expansion/contraction member is made to become the second portion by the drive by the drive device so as to change the relative position between the moving body in tube and the tube wall.

Abstract: A capsule for endoscopic examinations and a method for assisting the advancement of the capsule through organs are provided. In addition to a device for advancing the capsule through an organ under investigation, the capsule is also provided with a device for generating movements of the capsule to reduce the edge friction impeding the advancement of the capsule. The device for generating movements of the capsule is activated using electromagnetic radiation irradiated from outside to a receiving system of the capsule. The device generates a movement, which helps overcome inhibiting frictional forces.

Abstract: An image processing system is arranged to provide rotation compensation and image stabilization in a video scope system such as in endoscopy and laparoscopy systems. The image processing functions may operate at real-time frame rates so that the resulting processed image is observable with no time lag. A rotation sensor is included in the system to sense the position of scope. The sensed scope rotation may be used to cause rotation of the collected image and/or an image displayed on a video monitor. The sensed rotation may be used to identify or calculate a coordinate transformation matrix that is used for processing the image data. The system may include a horizon lock mechanism that can be user-actuated to engage rotation compensation. When the horizon lock mechanism is not engaged, the output image is locked to the scope tip and rotates with rotation of the scope.

Abstract: Surgical robots and other telepresence systems have enhanced grip actuation for manipulating tissues and objects with small sizes. A master/slave system is used in which an error signal or gain is artificially altered when grip members are near a closed configuration.

Abstract: In a storage case for accommodating a capsule endoscope in which a power supply can be operated by a predetermined magnetic force, when the capsule endoscope is retained by both a retaining portion provided in a blister pack and a hole portion provided in an inner cover portion while accommodated in the storage case, the blister pack, the inner cover portion, a sterilizing sheet, and a shield of the storage case are configured to cover an operable range for power supply of the capsule endoscope, and the storage case prevents malfunction of the capsule endoscope accommodated therein even if a magnet is unintentionally approximated.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system according to the present invention has a video-scope that has an image sensor, and a light source unit that is capable of selectively emitting normal-light and excitation-light. The electronic endoscope system further has a signal processor and a display processor. The signal processor generates normal color image signals, which corresponds to the normal color image, on the basis of the normal image-pixel signals. Similarly, the signal processor generates auto-fluorescent image signals corresponding to the auto-fluorescent image on the basis of the auto-fluorescent image-pixel signals, and generates diagnosis color image signals corresponding to the diagnosis color image on the basis of the normal color image signals and the auto-fluorescent image signals.

Abstract: “An endotracheal intubation device includes an inflatable cuff connected to an inflation tube, visualization means, where the visualization means include means to enlighten and an image guide, where the means to enlighten, the image guide, and the inflation tube are associated to a first three ways connector adapted to connect the endotracheal intubation device to a control panel; a packaging is also provided containing the endotracheal intubation device wherein the first three ways connector is placed across the packaging so as to allow checking the endotracheal intubation device without impairing its sterility with an endotracheal intubation device tester; an intubation method is further provided using the packaging, the control panel and the endotracheal intubation device tester.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope, which is inserted into a subject and picking up an image inside the subject, includes an illuminating unit that illuminates an interior surface of the subject with illuminating light; an imaging unit that generates an electronic signal corresponding to incident light and outputs the electronic signal generated; a noise canceller that eliminates noise charges which are caused by dark current and accumulated in the imaging unit; and a timing controller that controls driving timing of the noise canceller so that the driving timing lays within a period after the imaging unit finishes an output operation of the electronic signals and before the illuminating unit starts to emit the illuminating light.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system, which is adapted to observe a fluorescence image of autofluorescence emitted from a body cavity wall irradiated with excitation light as well as a normal image of the body cavity wall illuminated with white light on a display device, includes a display controller whereby the aspect ratio of at least one of a plurality of images to display is converted so that the plurality of images are displayed in conformity with the shape of a display area of the display device when the plurality of images including the normal image and the fluorescence image are displayed on the display device. In the electronic endoscope system, the display controller converts the aspect ratio of at least one of the plurality of images by cutting both horizontal ends of the image to convert.

Abstract: An endoscope, an endoscope system having an endoscope, and an endoscope control method are disclosed. The endoscope includes: a main body and a buoyancy control device. The main body may be configured in the form of a capsule and include an image capturing unit for capturing image information. The buoyancy control device may control buoyancy by changing the volume of the main body. Images of various types of internal organs can be precisely captured.

Abstract: In a diagnostic system, a diagnostic unit for an operator of an electronic endoscope and a diagnostic unit for an instructor are in half-duplex radio communication. An inquiry that is input as a voice signal through a microphone into the electronic endoscope is superimposed on a modulated picture signal while shifting the phase of the voice signal, to produce an RF signal, which is sent as an electric wave to an operator's processor and an instructor's processor. The processors demodulate the RF signal, to display an endoscopic image based on the picture signal and output the inquiry through speakers based on the voice signal. An instruction that is input as a voice signal through a microphone into the instructor's processor is superimposed on a dummy signal, to produce an RF signal, which is sent as an electric wave to the operator's processor, to output the instruction through the speaker.

Abstract: A system and method to model a tracking curve of an in-vivo device capturing in-vivo data of the colon is provided. Data analysis is performed on a raw tracking curve to identify one or more milestone data points that correspond to defined locations in the colon. A modeled path may be defined between and along the selected milestone data points. Raw tracking curve data may be translated to modeled data along the modeled path. The modeled tracking curve may be displayed alongside a streaming display of captured in-vivo image frames of the colon.

Abstract: A first medical instrument includes a flexible catheter having a distal end which has a substantially bullet-nose shape, which is insertable into a body lumen of a patient, and which has at least one guidewire passageway opening. The first medical instrument also includes a medical guidewire having a working portion extendable beyond the at-least-one guidewire passageway opening. A second medical instrument includes a flexible catheter, a medical guidewire having a working portion extendable beyond the distal end of the catheter, and at least one wire length counter which is operably connectable to the medical guidewire to measure a length of the working portion being extended beyond the distal end of the catheter. A third medical instrument includes a flexible catheter, a medical guidewire, and a force/torque-limiting clutch operatively connectable to the medical guidewire.

Abstract: The present invention realizes a medical device guidance system capable of improving propulsion control characteristic.

Abstract: A sleeve for simple assembly of in-vivo devices, such as endoscopy capsules, is provided. The sleeve comprises grippers and leaf springs at either end to hold the rigid portions of a rigid-flex PCB (printed circuit board) in a folded configuration before the PCB is inserted into an in-vivo device's housing. A method of assembly of the rigid-flex PCB into the sleeve is provided.

Abstract: A multi-user voice control system for use in endoscopic imaging system includes a first input channel, a second input channel, an automatic speech recognizer (ASR), a control unit, and a selector. The first input channel receives speech of a first user, and the second input channel receives speech of a second user. The ASR recognizes speech received on the first channel and recognizes speech received on the second channel. The control unit enables the voice control system to control a device in the endoscopic imaging system in response to recognized speech. The selector selectively determines whether recognized speech associated with the first channel or recognized speech associated with the second channel is used to control the device, by applying a selection priority to the first and second channels.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope has a video-scope with an image sensor and a video-processor. The electronic endoscope has a first memory, a second memory, and a program data transmitter. The first memory is provided in the video-scope, and is capable of storing program data associated with an operation of the video-processor. The second memory is provided in the video-processor, and is capable of storing the program data. The program data transmitter according to the present invention is capable of transmitting the program data from the first memory to the second memory in a situation where the video-scope is connected to the video-processor.

Abstract: A capsule guiding system includes a capsule medical device having an imaging device that takes an in-vivo image of a subject and a magnet with a magnetization direction that is relatively fixed with respect to the imaging device; a magnetic guiding device that applies a magnetic field to the magnet in the subject and guides the capsule medical device; a display unit that displays the in-vivo image of the subject; and a control unit that causes the magnetic guiding device to apply a magnetic field in a reference direction to the magnet, initializes a rotation angle of an image taken by the imaging device when the magnetization direction of the magnet is oriented to the reference direction following the magnetic field in the reference direction, performs, referring to the image, rotation correction on subsequent in-vivo images, and causes the display unit to sequentially display the corrected in-vivo images.

Abstract: A flexible endoscope device includes an elongated flexible body having an end segment bearing or defining the endoscope head, and provided with an optical system that can be curved or bent in at least two mutually perpendicular directions, the elongated body being functionally connected at the other end thereof to a control element capable of controlling at least the movements and/or the arrangement of the end segment. The device includes automatic flexion and positioning elements of the end segment by visual control, the elements essentially including a video processing element for receiving the images or video signals provided by the optical system of the endoscope head using a computer element capable of carrying out visual control operations on the basis of the processed video signals and of transmitting control signals, and actuation members that are part of or associated with the control elements.

Abstract: An active medical apparatus system includes: an active medical apparatus having a joint; an active medical apparatus driving section; an instruction input section; an instruction input section driving section to which information of a force acting on the active medical apparatus is fed back and inputted, and which drives the instruction input section according to the information of force, a determining section which determines whether or not a movement of the instruction input section in the acting direction of the driving force driving the instruction input section is generated in an amount of a threshold value or more; and a control section which, when the movement of the instruction input section is generated in the amount of the threshold value or more, suppresses at least one of the driving in the instruction input section driving section and the driving in the active medical apparatus driving section.

Abstract: A positionable imaging device includes a body defining a first end and a second end. The body is configured to be received within an internal body cavity. An imaging device is located at the first end of the body. A releasable fastener is coupled to the body to removably attach the imaging device to tissue within the internal body cavity. A release mechanism is coupled to the releasable fastener to detach the imaging device from the tissue.

Abstract: A self propelled, endoscopic apparatus formed of a flexible, fluid-filled toroid and a motorized or powerable frame The apparatus may be used to advance a variety of accessory devices into generally tubular spaces and environments for medical and non-medical applications. The apparatus when inserted into a tubular space or environment, such as the colon of a patient undergoing a colonoscopy, is advanced by the motion of the toroid. The toroid's surface circulates around itself in a continuous motion from inside its central cavity along its central axis to the outside where its surface travels in the opposite direction until it again rotates into its central cavity. As the device advances within the varying sizes, shapes and contours of body lumens, the toroid compresses and expands to accommodate and navigate the environment. The motion of the toroid can be powered or unpowered and the direction and speed may be controlled.

Abstract: A medical image recording system easily obtains information of a device, etc. used at the time of an examination without conscious effort on operator's part, and records image information and the device information, which are obtained at the time of the examination, by making a 1-to-1 association between them. The system comprises at least an image information obtaining unit obtaining an observation image at the time of an examination for a medical treatment, a device information obtaining unit obtaining information of a device used at the time of the examination, and a recording unit recording information composing of the image information obtained by the image information obtaining unit and the device information obtained by the device information obtaining unit, as one associated information.

Abstract: A living body observation system of the present invention includes an in vivo observation apparatus including: an in vivo information acquisition section; a power supply section; a magnetic field detection section for detecting a magnetic field from outside; and a power supply control section for controlling a supply state of driving power supplied to the in vivo information acquisition section, based on an electric signal, and a magnetic field generation section which generates the magnetic field, the magnetic field generation section including: a transmission antenna which includes a transmission coil which generates an alternating magnetic field for controlling activation and deactivation of the in vivo observation apparatus and a ferromagnetic material which is arranged in an outer periphery of the transmission coil and decreases a leakage of the alternating magnetic field in surroundings, and transmits the alternating magnetic field; a driver for driving the transmission antenna; and a power supply for s

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: An endoscopic surgical instrument has an insertion portion to be inserted in a channel of an endoscope, a treatment portion provided at a tip of the insertion portion for treating an objective part and a manipulation portion provided close to a proximal end of the insertion portion. The operator can move the insertion portion forward and backward at least relative to the channel by operating the manipulation portion in a state the endoscopic surgical instrument is inserted in the channel of the endoscope. In this manner, by the manipulation portion, the endoscopic surgical instrument can be operated to move forward and backward relative to the channel. Therefore in case the manipulation portion is located close to a channel entrance (forceps port) of the endoscope, the operator of the endoscope is able to manipulate the endoscopic surgical instrument without assistance from others.

Abstract: A capsule-type endoscope is disclosed. Information related to position and movement of the capsule-type endoscope inserted into a body are checked and a frame rate is controlled according to a digestive organ in which the capsule-type endoscope is located based upon the information, so as to capture every digestive organ inside the body by using one capsule-type endoscope. Also, the frame rate can be controlled according to a moving velocity in each digestive organ, thus to reduce unnecessary power consumption, resulting in a decrease of an operation time of the capsule-type endoscope having a limited battery capacity. In addition, an amount of captured images can be reduced by effectively obtaining images according to the moving velocity in each digestive organ and a time taken by a doctor for a medical examination can be shortened.

Abstract: The specific gravity of a capsule-type endoscope according to the invention is set to be lower than that of liquid in an organ, so that the capsule-type endoscope is floated on a liquid surface of the liquid. A center of gravity of the capsule-type endoscope is set to a position deviated from a center of a casing, so that the casing is maintained in a specific floating position while being floated on the liquid surface. A boundary between the casing and the liquid surface is formed within a projection plane, which is obtained by projecting the casing in the specific floating position perpendicularly to the liquid surface, at a position excluding an outer periphery of the projection plane Ka.

Abstract: A control system for a minimally invasive surgical system. In one aspect the control system is a distributed system. A control and transform processor receives data from a master arm controller, an instrument controller, an imaging system controller, and a guide tube controller and distributes data received from one controller to the other controllers. The other controllers use the received data, along with received optimization goals, to control associated slave arms in a distributed but coordinated way. In another aspect, the control system is centralized, in which a motion coordinator receives master inputs, sensor inputs from the slave arms, and optimization inputs. The motion coordinator uses the received inputs to output control signals to an instrument, an imaging system, and a guide tube controller.

Abstract: An electric bending endoscope comprises a bending portion arranged to an inserting portion, a bending driving unit and a buffering member. The bending driving unit bends the bending portion, and includes a motor, a first unit and a second unit. The motor generates driving force for bending the bending portion. The first unit holds the motor. The second unit includes a driving force transmitting member. The buffering member connects the first unit to an outer member of the inserting portion, a connecting code and a switch. The buffering member absorbs external force generated during the operation of the electric bending endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical instrument comprising an instrument body. The instrument body comprises at least one outer surface, and a recess is disposed in said instrument body. A non-contact readable data carrier is embedded in said recess, wherein means are arranged between said data carrier and said recess by which the data carrier is floatingly embedded in said recess.

Abstract: A steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a elongate housing and an actuation system. The elongate housing is adapted to be coupled to the steerable portion of the medical device. The actuation system includes an actuator, a first cam, and a second cam. The actuator can move the first cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along a first axis (or about a second axis different than the first axis). Movement of the first cam between its first and second positions moves the steerable portion of the medical device along a first plane. The actuator can move the second cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along the second axis (or about the first axis).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to readily initiate an operation of a capsule medical apparatus which is inserted into a subject and executes a predetermined function. In a capsule endoscope 3 according to the present invention, a reed switch 14 connected to a power supply unit and a function executing unit is arranged parallel to a direction of a longitudinal axis t of a capsule-like casing 16 in the substantially cylindrical capsule-like casing 16 of the capsule endoscope 3. A pair of movable electrodes of the reed switch 14 operates according to magnetic induction of a magnetic field of a magnet 6 applied substantially parallel to the direction t of the longitudinal axis of the capsule-like casing 16, and come into contact with each other. As a result, power supply from the power supply unit to the function executing unit is allowed.

Abstract: Waypoints for a steerable medical device are stored as the steerable medical device is moved within a patient. The stored waypoints are an ordered sequence of locations. The ordered sequence of locations defines a safe path within the patient for moving an articulatable portion of the steerable medical device. The articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to follow the safe path as the articulatable portion moves within the patient. For example, the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to remain within a boundary region enclosing the safe path as the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device follows the safe path.

Abstract: An interface between a surgeon and an automated assistant, including: at least one array comprising N RF transmitters, where N is a positive integer; at least one RF receiver provided with at least two directional antenna; means for attaching said RF transmitter array to at least one surgical tool; and a computerized operating system adapted to record the received signal strength (RSS) received by each antenna of the one RF receiver and to calculate therefrom the position of each of the N RF transmitters, and further adapted to provide automatically the results of the calculation to the surgeon.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus which is used while connected to a plurality of antennas, the receiving apparatus receiving a radio signal through the antennas to perform a predetermined process to the received radio signal, the radio signal being transmitted from a body-insertable apparatus inserted into a subject, includes a receiving antenna selection unit that selects the antenna which is suitable for reception of the radio signal when the radio signal is transmitted from the body-insertable apparatus; a sequential antenna selection unit that sequentially selects each of the plurality of antennas when performance inspection of the plurality of antennas is performed; and a signal processing unit that performs a predetermined process to the radio signal received through the antenna, the antenna being selected by the receiving antenna selection unit or the sequential antenna selection unit.

Abstract: A balloon controller for an endoscope apparatus which enables an operator to correctly and immediately grasp circumstances relating to an abnormal condition at the time of occurrence of the abnormal condition. The balloon controller controls expansion and shrinkage of each of a first balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope and a second balloon attached to an insertion assist implement, by supplying air to the balloon or drawing air from the balloon. Pressure indicating portions on which the values of pressures in the first and second balloons are displayed are provided in a front surface of a main body of the balloon controller. When an abnormal condition occurs, an error code and the pressure values are alternately displayed on the pressure indicating portions.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes, in order to automatically detect a type of optical adapter and to generate to display an excellent image according to an intended purpose by performing an image signal processing control corresponding to the type of the optical adapter, a signal processing circuit for performing various image signal processings on an image signal from an image-pickup element, a plurality of optical adapters each including an image-formation optical system, adapter discriminating section, and LED, the optical adapters being detachably and selectively provided to the distal end of the endoscope section, and an apparatus main body including an image processing section for performing predetermined signal processing on the image signal from the signal processing circuit, an adapter detection section for detecting the adapter discrimination section, and a controller for controlling the whole endoscope system.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus including an insertion portion for insertion into a body cavity; an image-acquisition unit disposed at a tip thereof that acquires an image of the inside of the body cavity; an insertion-length measuring unit disposed at a base end of the insertion portion that measures an insertion length of the insertion portion inside the body cavity; a storage unit that stores the image acquired by the image-acquisition unit in association with the insertion length measured by the insertion-length measuring unit; a following decision unit that determines whether insertion movement at the tip follows insertion movement at the base end; and a correcting unit that corrects the insertion length of the insertion portion associated with the acquired image to cancel a change in the insertion length measured in a non-following period on the basis of the result of that determination.

Abstract: A magnetic force control system for guiding a medical instrument within a body includes: a controlled magnet coupled to the medical instrument; a controller magnet that exerts a magnetic force on the controlled magnet; a magnetically permeable shield, placed between the controlled magnet and the controller magnet, that selectively modulates the magnetic force by rerouting magnetic field lines; and a control system. A method for guiding a medical instrument within a body with magnetic force control includes: providing a controlled magnet coupled to the medical instrument, inserting the controlled magnet and medical instrument into the body, providing a controller magnet outside the body, placing a magnetically permeable shield between the controlled magnet and the controller magnet, applying magnetic force, and selectively modulating the magnetic force with the shield to vary at least one of amplitude and orientation of the magnetic force, thereby guiding the controlled magnet within the body.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for obtaining images of a subject using a capsule type medical device, The method performs the steps of preparing a swallowable capsule type medical device including at least an imaging device and a memory for storing a setting associated with an operation; changing the setting stored in the memory; introducing the capsule type medical device into the subject; and controlling the operation based on the setting. The operation can include controlling an imaging device. The system includes a swallowable case; an imaging device arranged in the case, the imaging device being operated based on a setting stored in a memory disposed in the case; and a receiver arranged in the case adapted to receive an instruction to change the setting from outside of the case.