WO2006070360A1

WO2006070360A1 - In vivo sensing device with a circuit board having rigid sections and flexible sections

Info

Publication number: WO2006070360A1
Application number: PCT/IL2005/001380
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zvika Gilad; Semion Khait
Original assignee: Given Imaging Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-12-27
Filing date: 2005-12-27
Publication date: 2006-07-06

Abstract

An in vivo imaging device with a circuit board having a rigid portion and a flexible portion so that the circuit board is for example foldable, and so that the circuit board may have electrical components integrated onto for example both sides of the board.

Description

IN VIVO SENSING DEVICE WITH A CIRCUIT BOARD HAVING RIGID SECTIONS AND FLEXIBLE SECTIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an in vivo sensing device and system, such as, for example, for imaging the digestive tract or other body lumens.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In vivo imaging may include the use of an in vivo imager from which image data may be transmitted to an external receiving system. For example, an ingestible capsule comprising an image sensor and a transmitter for transmitting image data may be used for imaging the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In some ingestible capsules the electronic components within the capsule may be arranged on several boards, each board containing different components of the capsule, for example, the image sensor, typically a silicon chip, may be positioned on one board whereas the transmitter may be positioned on a separate Printed Circuit Board (PCB). In some cases the boards are aligned along an axis of the capsule and are electrically connected by a plurality of wires. Assembly of capsules having several boards connected by wires may be complex and may hinder, for example, large scale production.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device, method and system for an in vivo sensor that includes an imaging device having a circuit board, where such circuit board may have a rigid portion and a flexible portion. In some embodiments, an illumination unit may be integrated or embedded onto a rigid portion of the circuit board. In some embodiments, the circuit board may be foldable into a shape of for example a 6, a C, a 2 or a 5 and inserted into the capsule. Other shapes are possible. In some embodiments, the in vivo sensor may include an imager. In some embodiments, the circuit board may hold an optical system, hi some embodiments a ring shaped structure that may hold illumination units may connect a plurality of illumination units to the circuit board, hi some embodiments, the rigid portions of the circuit board may alternate with the flexible portions. In some embodiments, a spring may be connected to one or more parts of the circuit board and to one or more electric or electronic components such as for example a battery to electrically connect a one or more rigid portions or components. In some embodiments electrical components of the device may be integrated on two sides of the circuit board, and electric connections may be made from one side to another side of the circuit board by way of for example micro via. In some embodiments, the device may include a power booster. In some embodiments, the rigid portion of the circuit board may include a connector portion sandwiched between a two or more of rigid materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanied drawings in which: FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an in vivo imaging device according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 2 A and 2B schematically illustrate possible folding patterns of a circuit board according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an in vivo imaging device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an in-vivo imaging system in accordance with embodiments of invention;

FIG. 5A schematically illustrates an illumination circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 B schematically illustrates an illumination circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic flow-chart of a method of manufacturing an in vivo imaging device in accordance with embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details presented herein. Furthermore, well known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention.

The system and method of the present invention may be used with or in an imaging system such as that described in International Publication Number WO 01/65995, entitled "A Device and System for In-Vivo Imaging", international publication date September 13, 2001, international filing date March 8, 2001. A further example of an imaging system with which the system and method of the present invention may be used is described in United States Patent Number 5,604,531 to Iddan et al, entitled "In-Vivo Video Camera System", filed on January 17, 1995. Both these publications are assigned to the common assignee of the present application and are hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively, the system of the present invention may be utilized in any suitable imaging device providing images of a body lumen or cavity. For example, a circuit board according to an embodiment of the invention may be utilized in probes used for in vivo imaging, such as endoscopes.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which schematically illustrates an in vivo imaging device according to an embodiment of the invention. According to one embodiment the device 10 typically comprises an optical window 21 and an imaging system for obtaining images from inside a body lumen, such as the GI tract. The imaging system may include one or more illumination sources 23, such as a white LED, an image sensor 24, such as a CMOS or CCD imaging camera, and an optical system 22 which focuses the images onto the image sensor 24. The illumination source 23 illuminates the inner portions of the body lumen through optical window 21. Device 10 may further include a transmitter 26 and an antenna 27 for transmitting image signals from the image sensor 24, and a power source 25, such as a silver oxide battery, that provides power to the electrical elements of the device 10. A suitable image sensor 24 is, for example, a "camera on a chip" type CMOS imager specified by Given Imaging Ltd. of Yokneam, Israel and designed by Photobit Corporation of California, USA. Other suitable types of imagers or image sensors may be used, for example, a CCD imager. The single chip camera may provide either black and white or color signals. A suitable transmitter 26 may include, for example, a modulator which receives the image signal (either digital or analog) from the image sensor 24, a Radio Frequency (RP) amplifier, an impedance matcher and optionally an antenna. A processor, e.g., for processing the image data may be included in the device 10. The processor or processing circuitry may be integrated, for example, in the image sensor 24 or in the transmitter 26.

According to some embodiments the device 10 may be capsule shaped and may operate as an autonomous endoscope for imaging the GI tract. However, other devices, such as devices designed to be incorporated in an endoscope, catheter, stent, needle, etc., may also be used, according to embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the device 10 need not include all the elements described above. For example, the device 10 need not include an internal light source or an internal power source; illumination and/or power may be provided from an external source, as known in the art.

According to an embodiment of the invention, various components of the device 10 may be disposed on a circuit board including rigid and flexible portions; preferably the components are arranged in a stacked vertical fashion. For example, a rigid portion 31 of the circuit board may hold a transmitter and possibly an antenna; preferably the antenna is at one end of the device to avoid screening of the signal by metal or other components in the device. Another rigid portion 33 of the circuit board may include, for example, an illumination source 23 lighting system, such as one or more LEDs or other illumination system, and an image sensor 24 on one side; the other side of this rigid portion 33 may include, for example, a contact for battery or power source 25. According to one embodiment, for example, the battery contact may be or may include a spring, such as described below. Another rigid portion 35 of the circuit board may include, for example, another battery contact. A rigid portion of the circuit board may be connected to another rigid portion of the circuit board by a flexible connector portion (e.g. 32 and 32') of the circuit board. Preferably, a rigid portion of the circuit board may include two rigid sections; sandwiched between the rigid sections may be a flexible connector portion of the circuit board for connecting the rigid boards. In alternate embodiments, other arrangements of components may be placed on a circuit board having rigid portions connected by flexible portions. In alternate embodiments, a circuit board having rigid portions and flexible portions may be used to arrange and hold components in other in vivo sensing devices, such as a swallowable capsule measuring pH, temperature or pressure, or in a swallowable imaging capsule having components other than those described above. According to one embodiment, each flexible connector portion may be equal to or less than 4/1000 inch (4 mils) in thickness. Other suitable sizes or dimensions may be used. According to one embodiment, an electrical connection is made from the outside portion of a rigid portion of a board (on which components are mounted) to the inside of the rigid portion and to the flexible portion contained within, by a small (equal to or less than 4 mils in diameter) hole leading from the outside portion to the flexible portion - e.g., a micro-via. In some embodiments, micro-via may be coated with a conductive paint that may pass a current through a hole from one side of a circuit board to another side. The micro-via may be created, for example, using a laser. Companies providing such flexible connector and micro-via technology are, for example, Eltech, of Petach-Tikva, Israel, and Ufa, of Germany. In alternate embodiments, other types of rigid sections and flexible sections may be used to create a circuit board.

The circuit board may be folded, for example, as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B. When folded, the battery contacts may contact a set of one or more batteries, e.g., power source 25, which may be sandwiched between two rigid circuit board portions. The circuit board may be folded in various manners. For example, Fig. 2A schematically shows a circuit board, according to an embodiment of the invention, arranged as an "S" with rigid portions 31, 35 and 33 and alternating flexible portions 32 and 32'. A set of batteries or other power sources 25 may be sandwiched between one lobe 38 of the "S".

Another configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention, is schematically shown in FIG. 2B. The circuit board, according to an embodiment of the invention may be in the shape of a "6" with rigid portions 31, 35 and 33 and alternating flexible portions 34 and 34'. A set of batteries or other power sources 25 may be positioned, for example, in the closed configuration 38' of the "6". Other configurations are possible. In alternate embodiments, batteries may be connected in different manners, or need not be used.

Preferably, a very thin flexible section may be used due to the radius of the diameter of the turns, given the size of the device 10, and also because the flexible section may be disposed between components, such as between the set of batteries and the side of the device 10. Preferably, the radius of the turn should be more than 6 or 10 times the thickness. In alternate embodiments, the rigid boards and flexible connectors may be of other dimensions. In one embodiment, the rigid portions of the circuit board may include any suitable material, such as for example flexiglass may be used. The flexible portions may include any sort of known material; preferably, Kapton (RTM) by DuPont may be used.

In some embodiments, one or more rigid portions and/or flexible portions of the circuit board may include, for example, one or more wires, links, cables, connectors, electrical connectors, electrical conductors or semi-conductors, or other suitable components.

Reference is made to Fig. 3, which schematically illustrates another view of an embodiment of the invention. According to one embodiment, a vertical physical and electrical connection may be made between rigid portions of the circuit board. For example, the rigid portion 51 holding the illumination source(s) 23 (multiple light sources may be preferably mounted or arranged in a ring shape and embedded on the circuit board or may be held on a ring shaped structure which may be embedded on the circuit board) may be connected physically and electrically to another rigid portion apart from being connected by flexible portion 57. In one embodiment, mini springs 56 may be used to connect a power supply from one circuit rigid portion 53 to the rigid portion 51 holding the illumination source 23. Such springs 56 may have one or more functions, for example, to mechanically connect the two rigid portions (e.g., portions 51 and 53) and/or to conduct current between the two rigid portions (e.g., portions 51 and 53). Preferably, springs 56 may be glued to the two rigid portions, and current may flow between two rigid portions.

In addition, a vertical connection may be made between the set of batteries or power sources 25 and two rigid portions by springs 58. According to one embodiment each contact spring 58 may be or may include a conical spring, which, as it shrinks, allows each circle or coil of the spring to enter a larger encircling coil. Thus, when fully shrunken, the final thickness of the spring may approximate a thickness of a single circle of conductor wire.

Although part of the discussion herein may relate, for exemplary purposes, to "vertical" and/or "horizontal" positions, axes, arrangements, orientations or alignments, embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard. The terms "vertical" and/or "horizontal" as used herein may be relative terms, e.g., relative to an exemplary orientation of an in vivo device, a capsule, one or more components of an in vivo device, a housing, or other objects or areas of interest. In some embodiments, vertical and horizontal positions, axes, arrangements, orientations or alignments may be switched, swapped, interchanged or rotated.

There is also provided a method for the manufacture of an in vivo sensor, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The method may include, for example, the steps of disposing at least a sensor on a rigid section of a circuit board having a plurality of rigid sections and a plurality of flexible sections, and folding or bending the circuit board into a housing of a device configured for in vivo sensing.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an in- vivo imaging system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the system may include a device 40 having an imager 466, an illumination source 442, a power source 445, and a transmitter 441. In some embodiments, device 40 may be implemented using a swallowable capsule, but other sorts of devices or suitable implementations may be used. Outside a patient's body may be, for example, an image receiver 412 (including, for example, an antenna or an antenna array), a storage unit 419, a data processor 414, and a monitor 418. Transmitter 441 may operate using radio waves; but in some embodiments, such as those where device 40 is or is included within an endoscope, transmitter 441 may transmit data via, for example, wire, optical fiber and/or other suitable methods. Other suitable methods or components for wired or wireless transmission may be used. Device 40 typically may be or may include an autonomous swallowable capsule, but device 40 may have other shapes and need not be swallowable or autonomous. Embodiments of device 40 are typically autonomous, and are typically self-contained. For example, device 40 may be a capsule or other unit where all the components are substantially contained within a container or shell, and where device 40 does not require any wires or cables to, for example, receive power or transmit information.

In some embodiments, device 40 may communicate with an external receiving and display system (e.g., through receiver 412) to provide display of data, control, or other functions. For example, power may be provided to device 40 using an internal battery, an internal power source, or a wireless system to receive power. Other embodiments may have other configurations and capabilities. For example, components may be distributed over multiple sites or units, and control information may be received from an external source. In one embodiment, device 40 may include an in-vivo video camera, for example, imager 466, which may capture and transmit images of, for example, the GI tract while device 40 passes through the GI lumen. Other lumens and/or body cavities may be imaged and/or sensed by device 40. In some embodiments, imager 466 may include, for example, a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera or imager, a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) camera or imager, a digital camera, a stills camera, a video camera, or other suitable imagers, cameras, or image acquisition components.

In one embodiment, imager 466 in device 40 may be operationally connected to transmitter 441. Transmitter 441 may transmit images to, for example, image receiver 412, which may send the data to data processor 414 and/or to storage unit 419. Transmitter 441 may also include control capability, although control capability may be included in a separate component. Transmitter 441 may include any suitable transmitter able to transmit image data, other sensed data, and/or other data (e.g., control data) to a receiving device. For example, transmitter 441 may include an ultra low power Radio Frequency (RF) high bandwidth transmitter, possibly provided in Chip Scale Package (CSP). Transmitter 441 may transmit, for example, via antenna 448. In some embodiments, transmitter 441 and/or another unit in device 40, e.g., a controller or processor 447, may include control capability, for example, one or more control modules, processing module, circuitry and/or functionality for controlling device 40, for controlling the operational mode or settings of device 40, and/or for performing control operations or processing operations within device 40. hi some embodiments, transmitter 441 may include a receiver which may receive signals (e.g., from outside a patient's body), for example through antenna 448 or through a different antenna or receiving element. According to some embodiments, signals or data may be received by a separate receiving component in device 40

Power source 445 may include, for example, one or more batteries. For example, power source 445 may include silver oxide batteries, lithium batteries, other suitable electrochemical cells having a high energy density, or the like. Other suitable power sources may be used. For example, power source 445 may receive power or energy from an external power source (e.g., an electromagnetic field generator), which may be used to transmit power or energy to device 40.

Optionally, in one embodiment, transmitter 441 may include a processing unit or processor or controller, for example, to process signals and/or data generated by imager 466. In another embodiment, the processing unit may be implemented using a separate component within device 40, e.g., controller or processor 447, or may be implemented as an integral part of imager 466, transmitter 441, or another component, or may not be needed. The optional processing unit may include, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a controller, a chip, a microchip, a controller, circuitry, an Integrated Circuit (IC), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or any other suitable multi-purpose or specific processor, controller, circuitry or circuit. In one embodiment, for example, the processing unit or controller may be embedded in or integrated with transmitter 441, and may be implemented, for example, using an ASIC. In some embodiments, device 40 may include one or more illumination sources 442, for example one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), "white LEDs", or other suitable light sources. Illumination sources 442 may, for example, illuminate a body lumen or cavity being imaged and/or sensed. An optical system 450, including, for example, one or more optical elements, such as one or more lenses or composite lens assemblies, one or more suitable optical filters, or any other suitable optical elements, may optionally be included in device 40 and may aid in focusing reflected light onto imager 466 and/or performing other light processing operations.

Data processor 414 may analyze the data received via receiver 412 from device 40, and may be in communication with storage unit 419, e.g., transferring frame data to and from storage unit 419. Data processor 414 may also provide the analyzed data to monitor 418, where a user (e.g., a physician) may view or otherwise use the data. In one embodiment, data processor 414 may be configured for real time processing and/or for post processing to be performed and/or viewed at a later time. In case that control capability (e.g., delay, timing, etc) is external to device 40, a suitable external device (such as, for example, data processor 414 or image receiver 412) may transmit one or more control signals to device 40.

Monitor 418 may include, for example, one or more screens, monitors, or suitable display units. Monitor 418, for example, may display one or more images or a stream of images captured and/or transmitted by device 40, e.g., images of the GI tract or of other imaged body lumen or cavity. Additionally or alternatively, monitor 418 may display, for example, control data, location or position data (e.g., data describing or indicating the location or the relative location of device 40), orientation data, and various other suitable data. In one embodiment, for example, both an image and its position (e.g., relative to the body lumen being imaged) or location may be presented using monitor 18 and/or may be stored using storage unit 419. Other systems and methods of storing and/or displaying collected image data and/or other data may be used.

In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of revealing pathological or other conditions of the GI tract, the system may provide information about the location of these conditions. Suitable tracking devices and methods are described, for example, in embodiments of the above-mentioned United States Patent Number 5,604,531 and/or United States Patent Application Publication Number 2002/0173718, filed on May 20, 2002, titled "Array System and Method for Locating an In- Vivo Signal Source", assigned to the common assignee of the present invention, and fully incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable location identification systems and methods may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Typically, device 40 may transmit image information in discrete portions. Each portion may typically correspond to an image or a frame; other suitable transmission methods may be used^'. For example, in some embodiments, device 40 may capture and/or acquire an image once every half second, and may transmit the image data to receiver 412. Other constant and/or variable capture rates and/or transmission rates may be used. Optionally, device 40 may include one or more sensors 443, instead of or in addition to a sensor such as imager 46. Sensor 443 may, for example, sense, detect, determine and/or measure one or more values of properties or characteristics of the surrounding of device 40. For example, sensor 443 may include a pH sensor, a temperature sensor, an electrical conductivity sensor, a pressure sensor, or any other suitable in- vivo sensor.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, device 40 may include a circuit board 430 which may have one or more rigid portions and one or more flexible portions. For example, circuit board 430 may include rigid portions 431, 433 and 435, which may be interconnected through flexible portions 432 and 434. Other numbers, orders or combinations of rigid portions and/or flexible portions may be used.

The one or more flexible portions of circuit board 430 may allow bending, folding, twisting or positioning of circuit board 430 into certain shapes. For example, circuit board 430 may have a "2" shape as shown in FIG. 4, a "5" shape as shown in FIG. 2A, a "6" shape as shown in FIG. 2B, a "C" shape, or other suitable shapes.

In some embodiments, illumination units 442 may be attached to rigid portion

435, or may be integrated or embedded within a surface of rigid portion 435. For example, rigid portion 435 or circuit board 430 may be manufactured such that illumination units 442 are an integral part of rigid portion 435. In some embodiments, illumination units 442 and rigid portion 435 or circuit board 430 may be an integrative unit, such that illumination units 442 may not be easily detached or separated from rigid portion 435 or from circuit board 430, or may be firmly attached to and substantially inseparable from rigid portion 435 or circuit board 430. In some embodiments, illumination units 442 may be mounted or arranged on rigid portion 435, for example, in accordance with a pre-defined pattern or arrangement, e.g., having a pre-defined spacing between illumination units 442, having an even spacing or uneven spacing between illumination units 442, having illumination units 442 in similar or various sizes and shapes, or the like. In some embodiments, multiple illumination units 442 (e.g., multiple LED units) may be interconnected, held, controlled, mounted and/or supported using a connecting member, for example, an illumination body or illumination ring 499. In some embodiments, illumination ring 499 by itself may not have illumination functions, but rather illumination ring 499 may, for example, connect, place, position, support and/or hold one or more illumination units 442. hi one embodiment, for example, illumination ring 499 may hold one or more illumination units 442 at a predefined position or angel, may mediate or assist in providing power to one or more illumination units 442, or may mediate or assist in controlling one or more illumination units 442. In one embodiment, for example, illumination ring 499 may be an integral part of rigid portion 435.

In some embodiments, illumination units 442 and/or illumination ring 499 may be formed, manufactured or produced as an integrated or integral part of rigid portion 435. For example, a process of manufacturing rigid portion 435 may include bonding, gluing, soldering, connecting, or otherwise firmly attaching illumination units 442 and/or illumination ring 499 as a part of rigid portion 435. Such manufacturing may result in a pre-provided rigid portion 435 having illumination units 442 and/or illumination ring 499 integrated therein, and may eliminate the need to assemble or further connect illumination units 442 and/or illumination ring 499 to rigid portion 435 after the manufacturing process of rigid portion 435 is completed.

In some embodiments, device 40 may include an optical system 450 having one or more lenses, prisms, lens assembly, apertures, shutters, or other optical components. Optionally, optical system 450 may be supported, held in position, mounted, positioned or placed using a holder 451, for example, a lens holder or a lens assembly holder. Imager 446 may be placed, for example, in proximity to illumination units, for example, in a central area of illumination ring 499, and between rigid portion 435 and optical system 450 and/or lens holder 451.

In some embodiments, illumination ring 499 may be placed around lens holder 451 , for example, such that lens holder 451 may be surrounded by illumination ring 499. In alternate embodiments, illumination ring 499 may be placed such that at least a portion of lens holder 451 is inside illumination ring 499. Other suitable positioning of illumination ring 499, lens holder 451, optical system 450, imager 446 and/or illumination units 442 may be used.

In some embodiments, circuit board 430 may be manufactured to include a rigid portion 435 having integrated illumination units 442, and optionally having an integrated illumination ring 499. This may allow, for example, a relatively easier, quicker and/or more efficient production, assembly or manufacturing of device 40, e.g., by eliminating a need to attach or manually attach illumination units 442 and/or illumination ring 499 to circuit board 430 and/or to another component of device 40. In some embodiments, circuit board 430 may be manufactured to have an initial flat, non-twisted or non-folded shape, and may be later folded, bended, twisted or positioned in a desired shape in device 40. For example, circuit board 430 may be folded or re-shaped upon its insertion into device 40, or before encapsulation of circuit board 430 inside device 40. In one embodiment, the circuit board may include, for example, one or more rigid portions and one or more flexible portions. For example, the circuit board may include four rigid portions which may be interconnected using three flexible portions. Although four rigid portions and three flexible portions are discussed herein, embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard, and may include other numbers, orders or combinations of rigid portions and/or flexible portions.

In some embodiments, the first rigid portion and/or the fourth rigid portion may include, for example, one or more illumination units or LEDs, and optionally one or more resistors and/or capacitors to regulate or control the power provided to the illumination units or LEDs. Although two rigid portions having illumination units or LEDs are discussed herein, embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard; for example, in one embodiment, the circuit board may include other numbers of rigid portions having other suitable components mounted or attached thereon. In some embodiments, the second rigid portion may include a first imager and an antenna. In some embodiments, the third rigid portion may include a battery holder, e.g., a spring able to hold a battery or other power source in place. The third rigid portion may optionally include a second imager. Although two imagers are discussed herein, embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard; for example, in one embodiment, the circuit board may include one imager, or another suitable number of imagers.

The one or more flexible portions of the circuit board 435 may allow bending, folding, twisting or positioning of circuit board 435 into certain shapes. For example, the circuit board may have a "2" shape as shown in Fig. 4, a "5" shape as shown in Fig. 2A, a "6" shape as shown in Fig. 2B, a "C" shape, or other suitable shapes.

In another embodiment, the circuit board may include, for example, one or more rigid portions and one or more flexible portions. For example, the circuit board may include three rigid portions which may be interconnected using two flexible portions. Although three rigid portions and two flexible portions are discussed herein, embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard, and may include other numbers, orders or combinations of rigid portions and/or flexible portions.

In some embodiments, the first rigid portion may include, for example, one or more illumination units or LEDs, and optionally one or more resistors and/or capacitors to regulate or control the power provided to the illumination units or LEDs. In some embodiments, the second rigid portion may include an imager and an antenna. In some embodiments, the third rigid portion may include a battery holder, e.g., a spring able to hold a battery or other power source in place.

In some embodiments, an illumination ring, illumination system or illumination assembly may be used to hold or connect the illumination units or LEDs. For example, in an embodiment, the first rigid portion may include an optional illumination ring or illumination assembly. In an alternate embodiment, illumination units or LEDs, and/or an optional illumination ring, may be part of the second rigid portion 435. The one or more flexible portions of the circuit board may allow bending, folding, twisting or positioning of the circuit board into certain shapes. For example, the circuit board may have a "2" shape as shown in Fig. 4, a "5" shape as shown in Fig. 2A, a "6" shape as shown in Fig. 2B, a '^LC" shape, or other suitable shapes.

In yet another embodiment, the circuit board may include, for example, one or more rigid portions and one or more flexible portions. For example, the circuit board may include two rigid portions, which may be interconnected using a flexible portion. Although two rigid portions and one flexible portion are discussed herein, embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, and may include other numbers, orders or combinations of rigid portions and/or flexible portions. In some embodiments, the first rigid portion may include, for example, a lens holder and a LEDs ring having one or more illumination units or LEDs. The first rigid portion may optionally include one or more resistors and/or capacitors to regulate or control the power provided to the illumination units or LEDs. In some embodiments, the second rigid portion may include a controller, processor or ASIC. In some embodiments, one or more components of the circuit board may be pre-shaped to accommodate or allow bending, folding, shaping or positioning of the circuit board. For example, in one embodiment, the LEDs ring may have a substantially round perimeter, or a flattened perimeter area, to facilitate folding or bending of portions of the circuit board, or to facilitate insertion of the circuit board into a housing.

The flexible portion of the circuit board may allow bending, folding, twisting or positioning of circuit board into certain shapes. For example, the circuit board may have a "2" shape as shown in FIG. 4, a "5" shape as shown in FIG. 2A, a "6" shape as shown in FIG. 2B, a "C" shape, or other suitable shapes. FIG. 5 A schematically illustrates an illumination circuit 701 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Circuit 701 may include one or more branches of illumination units, for example, branches 741, 742, 743 and 744, which may be connected in parallel to a controller or an ASIC 730. Although four branches 741-744 are shown, other numbers of branches may be used. Branch 741 may include one or more illumination units or LEDs 711, connected in series to one or more resistors 721. Branch 742 may include one or more illumination units or LEDs 712, connected in series to one or more resistors 722. Branch 743 may include one or more illumination units or LEDs 713, connected in series to one or more resistors 723. Branch 744 may include one or more illumination units or LEDs 714, connected in series to one or more resistors 724. Resistors 721- 724 may, for example, regulate, stabilize or otherwise control the current provided to LEDs 711-714, respectively.

ASIC 730 may provide power to branches 741-744, for example, in a voltage source mode or in a current source mode.

In one embodiment having a voltage source mode, branches 741-744 may be connected at a first side to a power booster 733 able to modify, boost or increase a voltage provided to branches 741-744. Branches 741-744 may be connected at a second side to a current a switch 731, which may allow current to pass in pulses so that illumination units or LEDs 711-714 may illuminate in accordance with current pulses, e.g., in accordance with time periods in which an imager acquires images. In one embodiment, for example, switch 731 may automatically or periodically toggle, turn off or turn on illumination units or LEDs 711-714 in accordance with a predefined timing scheme, illumination scheme, imaging scheme, pre-defined time intervals, pre-defined illumination time slots, a pulsed illumination scheme, or the like. Other illumination methods may be used, instead of or in addition to pulsed illumination.

In an alternate embodiment having a current source mode, a current limiter 732 may be used to limit, control or otherwise regulate the power provided to branches 741-742.

FIG. 5B schematically illustrates an illumination circuit 751 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Circuit 751 may include one or more branches of illumination units, for example, branches 791, 792, 793 and 794, which may be connected as shown in FIG. 5B to a controller or an ASIC 780. Although four branches 791-794 are shown, other numbers of branches may be used.

Branch 791 may include one or more illumination units or LEDs 761, connected in series to one or more resistors 771. Branch 792 may include one or more illumination units or LEDs 762, connected in series to one or more resistors 772. Branch 793 may include one or more illumination units or LEDs 763, connected in series to one or more resistors 773. Branch 794 may include one or more illumination units or LEDs 764, connected in series to one or more resistors 774. Resistors 771-

774 may, for example, regulate, stabilize or otherwise control the current provided to

LEDs 761-764, respectively. ASIC 780 may provide power to branches 741-744, for example, in a voltage source mode or in a current source mode, e.g., using a booster 783.

The connection of branches 791-794 as shown in FIG. 5B may allow, for example, individual control of branches 791-794 or illumination units or LEDs 761-

764 by ASIC 780. FIG. 6 is a schematic flow-chart of a method of manufacturing an in vivo imaging device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

As indicated at box 810, the method may include manufacturing or providing a circuit board having one or more rigid portions and one or more flexible portions, wherein one or more illumination units or LEDs are embeded or integrated within at least one of the rigid portions.

As indicated at box 820, the method may optionally include attaching or connecting one or more components to a rigid portion of the circuit board. This may include, for example, attaching a lens holder, a LED ring, an imager, a battery, a power source, a sensor, or other suitable components. As indicated at box 830, the method may include folding, bending, twisting and/or shaping of the circuit board or a flexible portion of the circuit board, for example, into a pre-defined shape.

As indicated at box 840, optionally, the method may include inserting the folded circuit board into a suitable housing adapted or configured for in vivo imaging, for example, a housing of a swallowable capsule.

Other suitable operations or methods may be used in accordance with embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims which follow.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An in vivo sensing device comprising a circuit board, said circuit board having a rigid portion and a flexible portion.

2. The in vivo imaging device of claim 1, wherein an illumination unit is embedded into said rigid portion.

3. The in vivo imaging device of claim 1, wherein said circuit board is foldable.

4. The in vivo sensing device of claim 1, comprising an imager.

5. The in vivo imaging device of claim 1, comprising a holder to hold an optical system.

6. The in vivo imaging device of claim 1, comprising a ring connecting a plurality of illumination units .

7. The in vivo imaging device of claim 1, wherein said rigid portion alternates with said flexible portion.

8. The in vivo imaging device of claim 1, comprising a spring to electrically connect a plurality of said rigid portions.

9. The in vivo imaging device of claim 1, wherein electrical components are integrated on two sides of said circuit board.

10. The in vivo imaging device of claim 1, comprising a power booster.

11. The in vivo imaging device of claim 1, wherein said rigid portion comprises a connector portion sandwiched between a plurality of rigid materials.

12. The in vivo imaging device of claim 1, wherein said rigid portion comprises a micro via.

13. The in vivo imaging device of claim 1, wherein said circuit board is folded into a shape selected from the group comprising a 6 shape, a C shape , a 5 shape and a 2 shape.

14. A method of manufacturing an in vivo imaging device, the method comprising inserting into said in vivo imaging device a circuit board having a rigid portion and a flexible portion.

15. The method as in claim 14, wherein said rigid portion has an illumination unit integrated thereon.

16. The method of claim 14, comprising folding said circuit board.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein said inserting comprises inserting said circuit board into a swallowable capsule.

18. An in vivo imaging system comprising a circuit board having a rigid portion and a flexible portion.

19. The in vivo imaging system of claim 18, comprising an imager connected to said circuit board.

20. The in vivo imaging system of claim 18, comprising a transmitter connected to said circuit board.

21. The imaging system of claim 18 comprising an illumination unit integrated onto said circuit board.