Magnetic Localization of Wireless Ingestible Capsules Using a Belt-Shaped Array Transmitter

In the last 20 years, research into and clinical use of wireless ingestible capsules (WIC) has increased, with capsule endoscopy being most common application in practice. Additionally, there been an increased interest sensing capsules. To maximize usefulness information provided by these devices, it is crucial to know their location within gastrointestinal tract. The main WIC localization methods include radio frequency approaches, video-based methods, magnetic-based methods. Of show potential terms accuracy. However, need for external transmitting (or sensing) array poses important limitation, as evidenced reported involving a rigid structure. This challenge its wearability performance daily life environments. paper provides overview state art on WIC, followed proof concept system that aims solve challenges. Comparative simulations different transmitter arrays are presented. effect including one or two receiver coils also evaluated simulation. Experimental results planar more wearable belt-shaped presented compared. A mean absolute error (MAE) low 6.5 mm was achieved volume 15 cm × cm, starting at 5 distance from transmitter. Evaluating belt similar (15 7.5 transmitter) resulted MAE 13.1 across plane-specific 9.5 when 12.5 distance. These initial demonstrate comparable performances between transmitters, while enable measurements daily-life Despite promising results, identified improvement model magnetic field using ferrite cores necessary likely result better belt-array approach, together compensation techniques body motion, recently arrays, uncontrolled environments minimal impact user’s life.