Gas sensor capsule
Inventors
Kalantar-Zadeh, Kourosh • BEREAN, Kyle • Ha, Nam • OU, Jian Zhen
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11419519-B2
Publication Date
2022-08-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
A capsule adapted to be introduced into the digestive system and gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a mammal which consists of a capsule shaped container consisting of a wall material capable of being bio compatible with the digestive system and being adapted to protect the electronic and sensor devices contained in the capsule. The capsule contains gas composition sensors operable at several temperature points for a short duration, a temperature sensor, a micro controller, a power source and a wireless transmission device. The capsule wall incorporates gas permeable membranes adjacent said gas sensors. The microprocessor is programmed to receive data signals from the sensors and convert the signals into gas composition and concentration data and temperature data suitable for transmission to an external computing device.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an ingestible capsule adapted to be introduced into and to pass through a digestive system and gastrointestinal tract of a mammal. The capsule comprises a capsule shaped container including a capsule wall formed of wall material capable of being bio compatible with the digestive system and being adapted to protect electronic devices and gas sensors contained in the capsule. The capsule further includes a microprocessor, a heater, and a transmission antenna.
The capsule includes gas sensors comprising a semi-conductor gas sensor and a thermal conductive gas sensor. Each gas sensor is configured, under the control of the microprocessor, to take readings at two different operating temperature points for a predetermined duration by changing a temperature setpoint of the heater. The semi-conductor gas sensor readings are used to selectively detect one or more of hydrogen and methane, while the thermal conductive gas sensor readings are used to selectively detect one or more of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane.
The microprocessor is programmed to control the operation of both of the gas sensors, and the transmission antenna is configured, during passage through the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract of the mammal, to continuously transmit data including the readings taken by both of the gas sensors to a data receiver external to the mammal. Selectivity is achieved by using temperature-dependent sensor responses as a pseudo spectrometer with multiple temperature pixels, and pattern recognition software may be used to differentiate gases.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim coverage is centered on one independent claim that recites the GI-passable capsule architecture, the combined semiconductor and thermal conductive gas-sensing modalities, temperature-setpoint controlled multi-point readings for selectivity, and continuous wireless transmission to an external data receiver.
GI-passable bio-compatible capsule with protected electronics and transmission antenna
A capsule adapted to be introduced into and to pass through a digestive system and gastrointestinal tract of a mammal, comprising a capsule shaped container including a capsule wall formed of wall material capable of being bio compatible with the digestive system and being adapted to protect electronic devices and gas sensors contained in the capsule, a microprocessor, a heater, and a transmission antenna.
Two gas sensors with heater temperature setpoint controlled multi-point readings for selective detection
Gas sensors comprising a semi-conductor gas sensor and a thermal conductive gas sensor, each configured, under the control of the microprocessor and by changing a temperature setpoint of the heater, to take readings at two different operating temperature points for a predetermined duration to selectively detect hydrogen and methane in the semi-conductor gas sensor readings and to selectively detect hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane in the thermal conductive gas sensor readings.
Microprocessor controlled operation of both sensors and continuous external wireless transmission during GI passage
The microprocessor programmed to control the operation of both of the gas sensors, and the transmission antenna being configured, during passage of the capsule through the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract of the mammal, to continuously transmit data including the readings taken by both of the gas sensors to a data receiver external to the mammal.
Across the independent claim, the inventive focus is on a GI-passable, bio-compatible capsule that protects electronics while integrating a microprocessor-controlled heater and a transmission antenna. Selectivity is provided by taking two-point temperature-setpoint readings using both a semiconductor gas sensor and a thermal conductive gas sensor, with continuous wireless transmission to an external receiver during passage.
Stated Advantages
Selectively detect one or more of hydrogen and methane using a semi-conductor gas sensor with temperature-setpoint changes.
Selectively detect one or more of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane using a thermal conductive gas sensor with temperature-setpoint changes.
Continuously transmit data including readings taken by both gas sensors to a data receiver external to the mammal during capsule passage.
Documented Applications
Human dietary study context is described using high-fibre versus low-fibre diet graphs and benchmarking against breath tests, with reported large accuracy improvements for certain gases.
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