Optimizes Signal Quality to Improve Visualization of Gastrointestinal Tract
This omnidirectional patch antenna minimizes a camera pill’s blind spots to improve the view of the gastrointestinal tract during a wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE). Endoscopic procedures help doctors identify pathologies, cancers, and internal bleeding locations within the gastrointestinal tract. WCEs offer additional benefits compared to standard endoscopic procedures, as they do not require any sedation and provide better visualization of the small intestine. In fact, the market for capsule endoscopy systems is expected to exceed $1 billion by 2026. However, the size of the camera pill endoscopes can be difficult for patients to swallow and can also lead to blockages in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, the emitted signals transmitting the internally captured images can experience electromagnetic interference, causing blind spots.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed an omnidirectional patch antenna that is 50 percent smaller than the antenna used in many available camera pills for WCEs. This will improve the design of camera pills to make them easier to swallow and less likely to cause blockages, while equipping them for reliable 360-degree coverage of the stomach and intestines to reduce the occurrence of blind spots.
Application
An improved patch antenna for smaller, easier to swallow camera pills that enable better, more reliable visualization of the stomach and intestines
Advantages
- Emits image transmission signal in all directions, ensuring optimal signal quality regardless of orientation while reducing blind spots
- Uses less material for signal transmission, reducing the necessary capsule space to support smaller, easier to swallow camera pills
- Provides an open cavity within antennae, allowing for insertion of additional electronics that boost versatility
- Allows for various antenna patch shapes, granting freedom of design based on the application
Technology
Microstrip patch antennae facilitate signal transmission in a wide range of electronic devices. This patch antenna folds to create an omnidirectional radiation pattern. The folded patch forms an electromagnetically shielded space near the ground plane of the patch antenna. This space can accommodate electronic circuits or integrate with a printed circuit board to protect them from electromagnetic interference. The antenna then tunes to satisfy input impedance matching without requiring an extra matching circuit.
Brochure
