Smart optical CMOS sensor for endoluminal applications

Abstract

A custom CMOS image sensor for capsular endoscopy is presented. The complete functionality of the chip is guaranteed through seven signal pins, used for the I 2 C like input and the LVDS output interfaces. Prototypes have been produced in the UMC 0.18µm-CIS (CMOS Image Sensor) technology both in the monochrome and colour-RGB versions. The imager has been electrically and optically characterized and ex-vivo images have been acquired and evaluated. The results of the characterization show state of the art performance in terms of power consumption (<40mW) and light sensitivity (0.1 lux@555nm for the monochrome imager), comparable to CCD technology.

Swallowable medical devices for diagnosis and surgery: The state of the art

“…When compared with the PillCam SB, it has been shown that the EndoCapsule generally scores higher in image quality and resolution, but both yield comparable diagnostic performance [46,47]. CMOS technology has also been applied to a variety of robotic capsules within the Versatile Endoscopic Capsule for Gastrointestinal Tumor Recognition and Therapy (VECTOR) European project, where a monolithic 320 × 240 active-pixel colour-RGB or grey level camera-on-a-chip sensor was developed and tested in the ex-vivo setting [48,49].…”

Wireless power and data transmission strategies for next-generation capsule endoscopes

“…In the meantime, a large set of capsule-dedicated modules has been produced by the scientific community, enabling quality improvement. These devices range from electromechanical actuators for biopsy [9,10], locomotion [11][12][13] and therapy [14], to purely electronic systems to improve transmission rate and image resolution [15,16]. Unfortunately, due to their high power consumption and the lack of available power, these modules cannot be embedded in the currently available capsules.…”