HK1196991A - Mobile communication device, system, and method - Google Patents

Description

Mobile communication device, system and method

Cross reference to related applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/510,434 entitled "Mobile Communication Device, System and Method," filed 7/21/2011, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a mobile device apparatus, system, and method for detecting a communication from another device, e.g., an ingestible device, an implantable device, an Ingestible Event Marker (IEM), an implantable pulse generator such as a pacemaker (e.g., an internal stent), an ingestible or implantable transceiver, and other devices. In the case of an Ingestible Event Marker (IEM), for example, wearable patch devices are currently worn by patients to detect ingestion of a pharmaceutical dose including an IEM embedded therein. The present disclosure relates to a mobile device, e.g., a handheld portable device, a computer, a mobile phone (sometimes referred to as a smartphone), a tablet Personal Computer (PC), a kiosk, a desktop computer, or a laptop computer, or any combination thereof, configured to detect ingestion of an IEM by a patient.

Background

Detecting ingestion of an IEM device by a patient is typically performed by detection electronics provided in the specifications of a wearable patch applied to the outer surface of the skin. The patch may include wet or dry electrodes for contacting the skin. The adhesive layer affixes the entire patch configuration to the patient. Upon ingestion by a patient and contact with gastric juices, the IEM device initiates communication with the detection circuitry of the patch to indicate ingestion of the particular IEM device by the patient.

To address the various problems associated with wearable patch detection of ingested IEM devices, it is desirable to eliminate the patch and communicate directly with the mobile device. The mobile device provides IEM communication in a discreet, discreet manner without requiring the patient to wear a patch.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a mobile device for detecting an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker is provided. The mobile device includes a detection subsystem to receive the electrical signal generated by the ingestible event marker from the detection configuration. The processing subsystem is coupled to the detection subsystem to decode the electrical signal. The radio subsystem is configured to transmit the decoded electrical signal to the wireless node.

Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates one aspect of a system including a mobile device for detecting an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker device.

Fig. 2 illustrates an aspect of the system shown in fig. 1 including a mobile device for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker device.

Fig. 3A shows a side view of one aspect of a detection arrangement in the form of a headset.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of one aspect of the detection configuration shown in FIG. 3A.

Fig. 4 illustrates one aspect of a system including a detection arrangement in the form of a headset wired to a mobile device for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker device.

Fig. 5 is a system diagram of one aspect of a mobile device for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker, the mobile device configured to be coupled to an external detection configuration.

Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram of one aspect of a headset plug coupled to an electrode input circuit portion of a detection subsystem of a mobile device for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker.

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of one aspect of the electrode input circuit of the detection subsystem shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a system diagram of one aspect of a detection subsystem of a mobile device for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker.

Fig. 8 illustrates one aspect of a mobile device including integrated electrodes for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker.

FIG. 9 is a system diagram of one aspect of a mobile device for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker, the mobile device configured to be coupled to an integrated electrode.

Fig. 10 illustrates a patient in the course of using one aspect of a mobile device including the integrated electrodes shown in fig. 8-9 for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker.

Fig. 11 illustrates an aspect of a received mobile device in a mated configuration with a mobile device packaging configuration including detection circuitry integrated therewith for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker.

Fig. 12 illustrates the mobile device in an unmated configuration and a housing for receiving the mobile device shown in fig. 11.

Fig. 13 illustrates an aspect of a housing for receiving a mobile device, wherein the housing includes detection circuitry integrated therewith for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker, and a connector for electrically coupling the detection circuitry to a functional module of the mobile device.

Fig. 14 is a system diagram of one aspect of a detection circuit for detecting an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker.

Fig. 15 illustrates one aspect of a system including a detection arrangement in the form of glasses that are wired to a mobile device for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker.

Fig. 16 illustrates one aspect of a system including an electrode, a detection circuit module, and an antenna integrated in a pair of glasses wirelessly coupled to a mobile device for detecting an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker.

Fig. 17 illustrates one aspect of a system including an electrode, a detection circuit module, and an antenna integrated in a visor that is wirelessly coupled to a mobile device for detecting an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker.

Fig. 18 illustrates one aspect of a system including an electrode, a detection circuit module, and an antenna integrated in a helmet wirelessly coupled to a mobile device for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker.

Fig. 19 illustrates one aspect of a system including an electrode, a detection circuit module, and an antenna integrated in a set of hearing aids wirelessly coupled to a mobile device for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker.

Fig. 20 illustrates one aspect of a system including electrodes, detection circuitry modules, and antennas integrated in a chair wirelessly coupled to a mobile device for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker.

FIG. 21 illustrates a system corresponding to one aspect of an ingestible event marker device.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram representation of another aspect of the event indication system in which dissimilar metals are located on the same end and separated by a non-conductive material.

Fig. 23 illustrates the ion transfer or current path through the conductive fluid when the event indication system of fig. 21 is in contact with the conductive liquid and in an active state.

Fig. 23A shows an exploded view of the surface of the dissimilar material of fig. 23.

Fig. 23B shows the event indication system of fig. 23 with a pH sensor unit.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustration of an aspect of a control device for use in the system of FIGS. 21 and 22.

Fig. 25 is a functional block diagram of a demodulation circuit that performs coherent demodulation, which may be present in a receiver, according to an aspect.

Fig. 26 illustrates a functional block diagram of a beacon module within a receiver, according to an aspect.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of various functional modules that may be present in a receiver according to one aspect.

Fig. 28 is a block diagram of a receiver in accordance with an aspect.

Fig. 29 provides a block diagram of a high frequency signal chain in a receiver according to one aspect.

Fig. 30 provides a schematic diagram of how a system including a signal receiver and an ingestible event marker may be used, according to one aspect.

Detailed Description

In various aspects, the present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus, system, and method using a mobile device for detecting communications from another device, e.g., an ingestible device, an implantable device, an Ingestible Event Marker (IEM), an implantable pulse generator such as a pacemaker (e.g., an internal stent), an ingestible or implantable transceiver, and other devices. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a detection arrangement that may be coupled to a mobile device, either wired and/or wirelessly, for detecting communications directly from another device without the use of conventional detection patches (e.g., as described in Body-Associated Receiver and Method, publication number 2010-0312188a1, filed 12/15/2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference; examples of such receivers are shown in fig. 25-30, as discussed below.) in one aspect, a detection circuitry module may be integrated with the mobile device. In one aspect, the detection circuit module may be integrated within a housing and/or cradle that is removably attachable to the mobile device. In one aspect, the detection circuit module may be integrated within a conventional device that may be coupled to the mobile device by wire and/or wirelessly. In one particular example, the detection circuit module is configured to: the information encoded in the current signature generated by the IEM device is detected and received when the IEM device is contacted with a conductive fluid, and more specifically, when the IEM device is ingested by a patient and is in contact with digestive juices in the stomach. Examples of such IEM devices are shown in fig. 21-24, as discussed below.

It will be appreciated that the term "mobile device" may refer generally to any device that may be configured as a communication node for receiving a first communication from a first device and transmitting a second communication to a second device. In one aspect, a mobile device may include various physical or logical elements that are implemented as hardware, software, or any combination thereof, as desired for a given set of design parameters or performance constraints. In various aspects, physical or logical elements may be connected by one or more communication media. For example, communication media may include wired communication media, wireless communication media, or a combination of both, as desired for a given implementation.

In various aspects, the mobile device or elements of the mobile device (e.g., physical or logical elements of the device) may be incorporated into any suitable device, including but not limited to Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, ultra-laptop computers, combination cellular phones/PDAs, mobile units, subscriber stations, user terminals, portable computers, handheld computers, palmtop computers, wearable computers, media players, messaging devices, data communication devices, tablet computers, e-book readers, cellular phones, pagers, one-way pagers, two-way pagers, messaging devices, data communication devices, computers arranged to be worn by a person (e.g., wrist computers, finger computers, ring computers, eyeglass computers, belt computers, arm-band computers, shoe computers, clothing computers, and other wearable computers), Media or multimedia controllers (e.g., audio and/or video remote control devices), smart devices/appliances (e.g., consumer and home devices and appliances capable of receiving data (e.g., physiological data) and performing other data-related functions (e.g., transmitting, displaying, storing, and/or processing data)), refrigerators, scales, toilets, televisions, door frame activity monitors, bedside monitors, bed scales, mobile phones, cellular phones, eyeglasses, hearing aids, headgear (e.g., hat, sun visor, helmet, goggles, ear muffs, head bands), wrist bands, jewelry, furniture, and/or any suitable object that may be configured to incorporate appropriate physical and/or logical elements for implementing a mobile device and receiving a first communication from a first device and transmitting a second communication to a second device.

It will be appreciated that the term "medicament" or "pharmaceutically acceptable dose" as used throughout this disclosure may include, but is not limited to, various forms of ingestible, inhalable, injectable, absorbable or otherwise consumable medicament and/or carriers thereof, such as, for example, pills, capsules, gels, placebo, over-the-package carriers or excipients, herbal medicines, over-the-counter (OTC) substances, nutritional tablets, prescription based drugs, and the like, taken with the IEM.

For clarity of disclosure, these and other aspects of the disclosure will now be described in connection with the associated figures. Thus, turning now to fig. 1, there is illustrated an aspect of a system 100 including a mobile device 102 (e.g., a first node), the mobile device 102 for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker 104 (IEM device). As shown, a living body (e.g., a patient 106) wears a detection arrangement 108 in the form of an earpiece 110, the earpiece 110 being wired to the mobile device 102. In one aspect, the detection arrangement 108 includes a right ear plug 110R and a left ear plug 110L wired to the mobile device by respective conductive cables 112R, 112L. As discussed in more detail below, the conductive cables 112R, 112L are electrically coupled to plugs configured to be received by respective receptacles or jack connectors of the mobile device 102.

As the patient 106 ingests the IEM device 104, digestive fluid 114 in the stomach 116 activates the IEM device 104 to begin executing a unique current signature of various data (e.g., data identifying the IEM device 104, data identifying a drug, etc.). Various aspects of IEM devices are disclosed in the following commonly assigned applications: pharma-information System, PCT application No. PCT/US2006/16370, publication No. WO/2006/116718; controlled activated Ingestable Identifier, PCT application No. PCT/US2007/82563, publication No. WO/2008/052136; ActiveSignal Processing Personal Health Signal Receivers, PCT application No. PCT/US2007/24225, publication No. WO/2008/63626; low Voltage inductor for Medical Devices, PCT application No. PCT/US2007/22257, publication No. WO/2008/066617; ingestable Event Marker Systems, PCT application No. PCT/US2008/52845, publication No. WO/2008/095183; In-Body Power Source Havinghigh Surface Area Electrode, PCT application No. PCT/US2008/53999, publication No. WO/2008/101107; In-Body Device Having a Multi-Directional Transmitter, PCT application No. PCT/US2008/56296, publication No. WO/2008/112577; In-Body Device Having DeployableAntenna, PCT application number PCT/US2008/56299, publication number WO/2008/112578; and In-Body device with Virtual digital Signal Amplification, PCT application No. PCT/US2008/77753, publication No. WO 2009/042812; the disclosures of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. Intelligent parenteral delivery systems are described in PCT application Ser. No. PCT/US2007/015547, publication No. WO 2008/008281; each of the above disclosures is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The IEM device 104 is implemented while in the process of being consumed by the digestive fluid 114 in the stomach 116. In various aspects, the IEM device 104 may be configured to communicate continuously or intermittently while being consumed. Further, the IEM device 104 may be fully or partially consumed. In various aspects, for example, the IEM device 104 or components thereof may pass through the patient's system. In other aspects, the IEM device 104 may be configured to be selectively activated, deactivated, and/or reactivated. The architecture and operation of a typical IEM device 104 is explained in more detail below in conjunction with fig. 21. The detection arrangement 108 coupled to the patient 106 may detect the current signature generated by the IEM device 104 when decomposed in the digestive fluid 114. Each of the earplugs 110R, 110L includes the conductive electrode portion 300R of the right earpiece 110R shown in fig. 3A, 3B.

Referring now to fig. 1, 3A, and 3B, the conductive electrode portion 300R of the right ear plug 110R and the conductive electrode portion 300L of the left ear plug 110L (not shown) are coupled to the skin of the patient 106 and detect the minute current signature generated by the dissolved IEM device 104. The electrodes 300R, 300L electrically couple IEM device 104 (fig. 1 and 2) signals to detection circuitry in the mobile device 102. A detection arrangement 108 in the form of earplugs 110R, 110L may be used to support periodic detection of ingested IEM devices 104.

In use, the patient 106 inserts the earplugs 110R, 110L in the respective ears and connects the plugs to the respective connectors located on the mobile device 102. The electrodes 300 contact the skin of the patient 106 to receive the current signal generated by the IEM device 104. Once the detection configuration is in place, an application is launched on the mobile device 102 and the patient 106 takes medication that includes the IEM device 104. The application may be launched automatically based on detecting earpieces 110R, 110L, electrodes 300, etc., or may be launched by user selection using conventional techniques (e.g., mouse hover and click, button switch activation, virtual button switch activation, voice recognition, vibration, tapping a user interface screen, device positioning). When the IEM device 104 reaches the stomach 116, the IEM device 104 begins to dissolve in the digestive fluid 114 and initiates communication of a unique current signature, which is detected by the electrodes 300 located on the earplugs 110R, 110L. The signal couples to detection circuitry in the mobile device 102 and confirms ingestion of the IEM device 104 or simply suspension of the application due to no detection. The patient 106 is then free to remove the earplugs 110R, 110L. In one aspect, the earpieces 110R, 110L may be used to pipe sound so that the patient 106 may be attracted to music, news feeds, or other sounds while waiting for the mobile device 102 to detect the IEM device 104. In another aspect, the audible signal may alert the patient 106 to remove the earplugs 110R, 110L at the end of the procedure.

It will be appreciated that the specifications of the detection configuration 108 are configured to look like a familiar object so that the patient 106 can easily fit therewith and will not experience the embarrassment associated with wearing the detection configuration 108. For example, the earplugs 110R, 110L will not cause embarrassment regarding the need to view the treatment, as the earplugs 110R, 110L incorporate standard everyday electronics that are quite familiar and frequently used by people.

In one aspect, the patient 106 may be instructed to wear the ear plugs 110R, 110L prior to taking a pharmaceutical dose comprising the IEM device 104 to ensure that the electrodes 300 are detected in place before a detectable event occurs. This also minimizes the possibility of the patient 106 being distracted and forgetting to attach the detection electrodes 300 associated with the earplugs 110R, 110L after administering the pharmaceutical dosage. This also minimizes the concern that detection may be missed and the detector is badly positioned. The techniques described herein also free the hands of the patient 106 for subsequent handling and subsequent activity of the pharmaceutical dose after it is taken while waiting for the test to occur.

Referring back to fig. 1, the mobile device 102 acts as a first node for detecting the unique current signature generated by the IEM 104. In response to detecting the unique current signature generated by the IEM device 104, the mobile device 102 may perform a number of functions. In one aspect, the mobile device 102 can store a time and date when the unique current signature is detected, which approximately corresponds to the time and date when the patient 106 ingested the IEM device 104. Additionally, the mobile device 102 may store information encoded in the unique current signature. For example, the identity of the IEM device 104, the type of medication associated with the IEM device 104, the manufacturer of the medication and/or IEM device 104, and other information may be encoded by the unique current signature, without limitation.

The mobile device 102 may transmit the detected information associated with the IEM device 104 to the wireless node 120 (e.g., the second node). For example, wireless node 120 may include a mobile station or a fixed station having wireless capabilities. Examples of wireless node 120 may include any of the examples given for mobile device 102, and further may include a wireless access point, base station or node, base station radio/transceiver, router, switch, hub, gateway, and the like. In one aspect, for example, wireless node 120 may comprise a base station of a cellular radiotelephone communications system. Although some aspects may be described with the wireless node 120 implemented, for example, as a base station, it should be appreciated that other aspects may be implemented using other wireless devices. Wireless node 120 may be a communications hub, an access point, another mobile device, etc. Thus, wireless node 120 may act as a local access point for a wide area network (e.g., the internet) to communicate information received from IEM device 104 to node 122, node 122 being located remotely from a first node and a second node, e.g., mobile device 102 and wireless node 120, respectively. The remote node 122 may be a medical facility (doctor's office, hospital, pharmacy), pharmaceutical factory, nutrition center, back-end patient medical data processing facility, or the like.

In one aspect, mobile device 102 communicates with wireless node 120 over a wireless medium 124. In various aspects, mobile device 102 and wireless node 120 may comprise or be implemented by wireless devices. A wireless device may generally include various physical or logical elements implemented as hardware, software, or any combination thereof, as desired for a given set of design parameters or performance constraints. In various aspects, the physical elements or logical elements may be connected by one or more communication media. For example, communication media may include wired communication media, wireless communication media, or a combination of both, as desired for a given implementation.

In various embodiments, the described aspects of mobile device 102 and/or wireless node 120 may comprise part of a cellular communication system. In one aspect, mobile device 102 and wireless node 120 may provide voice and/or data communication functionality in accordance with different types of cellular radiotelephone systems. Examples of cellular communication systems may include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cellular radiotelephone communication systems, global system for mobile communications (GSM) cellular radiotelephone systems, North American Digital Cellular (NADC) cellular radiotelephone systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) cellular radiotelephone systems, extended TDMA (E-TDMA) cellular radiotelephone systems, narrow band advanced mobile phone service (NAMPS) cellular radiotelephone systems, third generation (3G) systems (e.g., wideband CDMA (wcdma), CDMA-2000, Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS) cellular radiotelephone systems conforming to the third generation partnership project (3 GPP)), fourth generation systems (4G), and so forth.

In addition to voice communication services, mobile device 102 and wireless node 120 may be arranged to communicate using a number of different Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) data communication services. Examples of cellular data communication systems providing WWAN data communication services may include GSM and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) systems (GSM/GPRS), CDMA/1xRTT systems, Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (EDGE) systems, evolution data only or optimized for evolution data (EV-DO) systems, evolution data and voice (EV-DV) systems, High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) systems, and so forth.

In one aspect, wireless node 120 may be connected by a wired communication medium to additional nodes and to other networks, including voice/data networks (e.g., the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)), packet networks (e.g., the internet, Local Area Networks (LANs), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), enterprise networks, private networks), and so forth. In one aspect, for example, network 130 may be arranged to communicate information in accordance with one or more internet protocols defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), such as the transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP). The network may also include other cellular radiotelephone system infrastructures and equipment, such as base stations, mobile subscriber centers, central offices, and the like.

In various aspects, mobile device 102 and wireless node 120 may also be capable of voice and/or data communication. Communication between mobile device 102 and wireless node 120 may be performed over wireless shared media 124 according to a number of wireless protocols. Examples of wireless protocols may include various Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) protocols, including Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)802.xx family of protocols, such as IEEE802.11a/b/g/n, IEEE802.16, IEEE802.20, and so forth. Other examples of wireless protocols may include various WWAN protocols such as GSM cellular radiotelephone system protocols and GPRS, CDMA cellular radiotelephone communication systems and 1xRTT, EDGE systems, EV-DO systems, EV-DV systems, HSDPA systems, and the like. Other examples of wireless protocols may include wireless Personal Area Network (PAN) protocols (e.g., infrared protocols), protocols from the bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) family of protocols (including bluetooth specification versions v1.0, v1.1, v1.2, v2.0, and Enhanced Data Rates (EDR)), as well as one or more bluetooth specifications, among others. In one aspect, bluetooth wireless technology uses short wavelength radio transmissions in the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) radio band of 2400-. Yet another example of a wireless protocol may include near field communication techniques and protocols, such as electromagnetic induction (EMI) techniques. Examples of EMI techniques may include passive or active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) protocols and devices. Other suitable protocols may include Ultra Wideband (UWB), Digital Office (DO), digital home, Trusted Platform Module (TPM), ZigBee, and other protocols.

In various aspects, the mobile device 102 may have one or more application client modules. In one aspect, the application client module receives information from the detection configuration 108 and processes the information to confirm that the patient 106 has ingested the IEM device 104. The application client module records the time and date that the IEM device 104 was detected, which approximately corresponds to the time and date when the patient 106 ingested the IEM device 104. Additionally, the client application module may store information encoded with a unique current signature, such as the identity of the IEM device 104, the type of medication associated with the IEM device 104, the manufacturer of the medication and/or IEM device 104, and other information. In some aspects, the client application module may implement a data logging function that tracks ingestible events associated with the patient 106. The client application module may initiate communication with other devices and/or networks.

Other client application modules may be arranged to retrieve information from a network (e.g., a server) and process the information, and display the information on a display or audibly publish the information through a speaker. The mobile device 102 may be implemented as an open platform adapted to execute one or more application clients and to integrate with third-party software application clients. The application client module may provide the necessary interfaces to existing data sources or back-end services (e.g., related websites and wireless services), support a GPS navigation module, process browser-based content, and operate with, for example, one or more wireless mobile computing devices and web applications. In one aspect, the application client module may interface with third party application client programs through an API to retrieve location information, such as geographic coordinates, map interfaces, search engine queries, interfaces to third party Location Based Services (LBS), and any other services provided through a server, and the like. The application client module may include a user interface layer to process search queries, search results, display maps (e.g., zoom/pan), provide split-segment navigation, provide voice-activated split-segment navigation, and provide a permission-based interface for LBS-type location information, among others. The application client module may also include an interface layer to process local information, interface Point (POI) data, and a data abstraction layer to process map data, for example. The application client module may also process data from various data sources or back-end services distributed in a network (e.g., servers), such as a GPS integrated circuit located on or off the mobile device 500, a carrier AGPS, various rich search engines (e.g., GOOGLE, YAHOO, etc.), vector data, tile data, and others. One skilled in the art will appreciate that tile data may be defined as spatial units representing sub-regions of an image (typically in the nature of a rectangle) whereby geographic data is organized, subdivided and stored in a map library.

In one aspect, for example, the mobile device 102 may use a software architecture to retrieve information from a communication network and process the information. For example, the software architecture may enable the mobile device 102 to communicate information and process information from networks and servers. The software architecture includes components that implement and specify standard programming interfaces (e.g., APIs) to facilitate the common requirements of wirelessly retrieving information between an application client and multiple data source servers. Thus, the software architecture may provide a way for application clients to interact with different data providers.

In one aspect, for example, a software architecture may be implemented using Object Oriented Programming (OOP) techniques. OOP is a computer programming style. OOP assumes that a computer program consists of a collection of individual units or objects, as opposed to the traditional assumption that a program is a list of computer instructions. Each object is capable of receiving messages, processing data, and sending messages to other objects. Almost any concept can be represented as an object. Examples of the object may include a menu object, an image object, a frame object, a title object, a boundary object, a tag object, a list object, a blue object, a button object, a scroll bar object, an input field object, a text and image object, and the like. Although the software architecture may be described, for example, in the context of OOP, it should be appreciated that other software styles may be used, as desired for a given implementation. For example, a software architecture may also be implemented using a model-view-controller (MVC) architecture. Aspects are not limited in this context.

As shown, wireless node 120 may include an optional display 126. The display 126 may be implemented using any type of visual interface, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a capacitive touch screen panel, or the like.

As shown, wireless node 120 may include memory 128. In various aspects, memory 128 may comprise any machine-readable or computer-readable medium capable of storing data, including volatile memory and non-volatile memory. For example, the memory may include Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), double data rate DRAM (DDR-RAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Static RAM (SRAM), Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable rom (eeprom), flash memory (e.g., "nor" or "nand" flash memory), Content Addressable Memory (CAM), polymer memory (e.g., ferroelectric polymer memory), phase change memory (e.g., ovonic memory), ferroelectric memory, silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) memory, magnetic disk memory (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magnetic disk), or card (e.g., magnetic card, optical card), or any other type of media suitable for storing information.

Wireless node 120 may include a processor 130, e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU). In various aspects, the processor 130 may be implemented as a general purpose processor, a multi-processor on a Chip (CMP), a special purpose processor, an embedded processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a network processor, a media processor, an input/output (I/O) processor, a Media Access Control (MAC) processor, a radio baseband processor, a co-processor, a microprocessor (e.g., a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) microprocessor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) microprocessor, and/or a Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) microprocessor), or other processing device. The processor 510 may also be implemented by a controller, microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Programmable Logic Device (PLD), or the like.

In various aspects, the processor 130 may be arranged to run an Operating System (OS) and various mobile applications. Examples of an OS include, for example, the operating system commonly known under the trademark Microsoft Windows OS, as well as any other proprietary or open source OS. Examples of mobile applications include, for example, telephone applications, camera (e.g., digital camera, video camera) applications, browser applications, multimedia player applications, gaming applications, messaging applications (e.g., email, short message, multimedia), viewer applications, and so forth.

In various aspects, processor 130 may be arranged to receive information through communication interface 132. Communication interface 132 may include any suitable hardware, software, or combination of hardware and software that is capable of coupling wireless node 120 to one or more networks and/or devices. In one aspect, wireless node 120 wirelessly communicates with mobile device 102 over a wireless medium 124. Wireless node 120 may also communicate with remote node 122 via wired 134 or wireless 136 communication media. Communication interface 132 may be arranged to operate using any suitable technique for controlling information signals using a desired set of communication protocols, services, or operating procedures. Communication interface 138 may include appropriate physical connectors to connect with a corresponding communication medium (whether wired or wireless).

The communication vehicle includes a network. In various aspects, the network may include LANs and WANs (including, but not limited to, the internet), wired channels, wireless channels, communication devices (including telephones, computers), wired, radio, optical, or other electromagnetic channels, and combinations thereof (including other devices and/or components capable of/associated with communicating data). For example, the communication environment includes human body communication, various devices, various communication modes (e.g., wireless communication, wired communication, and a combination thereof).

The wireless communication mode includes any communication mode between points that at least partially utilize wireless technologies including various protocols and combinations of protocols associated with wireless transmissions, data, and devices. For example, these points include wireless devices such as wireless headsets, audio and multimedia devices and equipment (e.g., audio players and multimedia players), telephones (including mobile telephones and cordless telephones), and computer-related devices and components (e.g., tablet computers, printers).

The wired communication mode includes any communication mode between points utilizing wired technologies including various protocols and combinations of protocols associated with wired transmissions, data and devices. For example, these points include devices such as audio and multimedia devices and equipment (e.g., audio players and multimedia players), telephones (including mobile telephones and cordless telephones), and computers and computer-related devices and components (e.g., tablet computers, printers).

Thus, in various aspects, the communication interface 138 may include one or more interfaces, such as a wireless communication interface, a wired communication interface, a network interface, a transmission interface, a reception interface, a media interface, a system interface, a component interface, a switch interface, a chip interface, a controller, and so forth. When implemented by wireless devices or within a wireless system, for example, the local node 120 may include a wireless communication interface 132 including one or more antennas 133, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, amplifiers, filters, control logic, and so forth.

In various aspects, wireless node 120 may include functionality for wirelessly receiving and/or wirelessly transmitting data received from mobile device 102 and transmitting this data to other nodes (e.g., external node 122 or other nearby nodes). Further, in various aspects, wireless node 120 may incorporate and/or be associated with (e.g., communicate with) various devices. Such devices may generate, receive, and/or communicate data (e.g., physiological data). For example, devices include "smart" devices, e.g., gaming devices, e.g., electronic slot machines, handheld electronic games, electronic components associated with gaming and entertainment activities.

In addition to the standard voice functionality of a telephone, various aspects of a mobile telephone may support a number of additional services and accessories, such as Short Message Service (SMS) for text messaging, email, packet switching for accessing the internet, java games, wireless (e.g., short-range) data/voice communications, infrared, video cameras with video recorders, and Multimedia Messaging Systems (MMS) for sending and receiving photos and video. Some aspects of mobile phones are connected to a cellular network of base stations (cell sites), which in turn are interconnected to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or satellite communications in the case of satellite phones. Various aspects of the mobile phone may be connected to the internet, and at least a portion of the internet may be navigated using the mobile phone.

Some aspects may be implemented, for example, using a machine-readable medium or article which may store an instruction or a set of instructions that, when executed by a machine, may cause the machine to perform a method and/or operations in accordance with the aspects. For example, such machine may include any suitable processing platform, computing device, processing device, computing system, processing system, computer processor, or the like, and may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware and/or software. For example, the machine-readable medium or article may include any suitable type of memory unit, memory device, memory article, memory medium, storage device, storage article, storage medium and/or storage unit, e.g., memory, removable or non-removable media, erasable or non-erasable media, writeable or re-writeable media, digital or analog media, hard disk, floppy disk, compact disk read Only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk recordable (CD-R), compact disk Rewriteable (CD-RW), optical disk, magnetic media, magneto-optical media, removable memory cards or disks, various types of Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), a tape, a cassette, or the like. The instructions may include any suitable type of code, for example, source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, and the like. The instructions may be implemented using any suitable high-level, low-level, object-oriented, Visual, compiled and/or interpreted programming language (e.g., C, C + +, Java, BASIC, Perl, Matlab, Pascal, Visual BASIC, configuration language, machine code, etc.).

In one aspect, wireless node 120 may be configured as a communications hub and may include any hardware devices, software, and/or communications components, as well as systems, subsystems, and combinations thereof generally used to communicate information received from mobile device 102 to remote node 122. Communication of information includes receiving, storing, manipulating, displaying, processing, and/or transmitting data to remote node 122 via wired or wireless media 134, 136.

In various aspects, the wireless node 120 is also used to communicate (e.g., receive and transmit) non-physiological data. Examples of non-physiological data include game rules and data that are generated by a separate heart-related device (e.g., an implanted pacemaker) and communicated to the hub (local node 120), for example, directly or indirectly through the mobile device 102.

For example, the broad category of each of mobile device 102 and/or wireless node 120 includes base stations, personal communication devices, handheld devices, mobile telephones, and mobile computing devices having wireless capabilities commonly referred to as smart phones capable of executing computer applications, as well as voice communications and/or data communications. Examples of mobile computing devices include any type of wireless device, mobile station, or portable computing device having a self-contained power source (e.g., a battery). Examples of smart phones include, for example, products commonly known under the trade names Palm, Blackberry, iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, and others. In various aspects, mobile device 102 and/or wireless node 120 may comprise or be implemented as a PDA, laptop computer, ultra-laptop computer, combination cellular telephone/PDA, mobile unit, subscriber station, user terminal, portable computer, handheld computer, palmtop computer, wearable computer, media player, messaging device, data communication device, tablet computer, electronic book reader, cellular telephone, pager, one-way pager, two-way pager, messaging device, data communication device, and the like. Examples of mobile device 102 and/or wireless node 120 may also include computers arranged to be worn by a person, such as wrist computers, finger computers, ring computers, eyeglass computers, belt computers, arm band computers, shoe computers, clothing computers, and other wearable computers. For example, a stationary computing device may be implemented as a desktop computer, a workstation, a client/server computer, and so on.

Mobile device 102 and/or wireless node 120 may comprise personal communication devices, including, for example, devices having communication and computer functionality and typically used for personal use, such as mobile computers, sometimes referred to as "handsets". A base station includes any device or appliance capable of receiving data (e.g., physiological data). Examples include computers (e.g., desktop and laptop computers), and smart devices/appliances. Smart devices/appliances include consumer and home devices and appliances that are capable of receiving data (e.g., physiological data). The smart device/appliance may also perform other data-related functions, such as transmitting, displaying, storing, and/or processing data. Examples of smart devices/appliances include refrigerators, weight scales, toilets, televisions, door frame activity monitors, bedside monitors, bed scales. Such devices and appliances may include additional functionality, such as sensing or monitoring various physiological data (e.g., weight, heart rate). Mobile phones include telephonic communication devices associated with various mobile technologies (e.g., cellular networks).

As shown in fig. 1, wireless node 120 communicates with remote node 122. Remote node 122 includes a processing system 138 communicatively coupled to a database 140. Information associated with the patient, including identity and drug type and dosage, may be stored in the database 140. In one aspect, the processing system 138 receives information from the mobile device 102 through the wireless node 120 and accesses information in the database 140 to provide the information to the healthcare provider through the wireless node 120 and/or the mobile device 102. The remote node 122 may communicate various information; for example, identification information (e.g., a picture of the patient used for identification, a picture of the IEM device 104 before being taken), the type of medication combined with the IEM device 104, and a confirmation of the type and dosage of medication taken by the patient. The wireless node 120 may communicate with the remote node 122 using any pattern and frequency of communication available in the field, (e.g., wireless, G2, G3, G4, real-time, periodically based on a predetermined time delay), and store and forward at a later time.

The communication cart between wireless node 120 and remote node 122 includes a network. In various aspects, the network may include LANs and WANs (including, but not limited to, the internet), wired channels, wireless channels, communication devices (including telephones, computers), wired, radio, optical, or other electromagnetic channels, and combinations thereof (including other devices and/or components capable of/associated with communicating data). For example, the communication environment includes human body communication, various devices, various communication modes (e.g., wireless communication, wired communication, and a combination thereof).

The processing system 138 at the remote node 122 may include a server configured as needed, for example, to provide subject indication permission. For example, the server may be configured to allow home caregivers to participate in a subject's treatment regimen, e.g., through an interface (e.g., a web interface), allowing home caregivers to monitor alerts and trends generated by the server and provide support to patients. The server may also be configured to provide the response directly to the subject, e.g., in the form of a subject alert, a subject stimulus relayed to the subject through the communication device. The server may also interact with health care professionals (e.g., RNs, doctors) who may use data processing algorithms to obtain measures of subject health and compliance, e.g., health index summaries, alerts, cross patient benchmarks, and provide informed clinical communication and support to patients. The server may also interact with pharmacies, nutrition centers, and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

In one aspect, the remote node 122 may store information received from the mobile device 102 in the database 140. This information may include approximate time and date stamps when the patient 106 ingested the IEM device 104. Further, an identification number (e.g., serial number) associated with the IEM device 104, an individual patient identification, a source of the medication, and an expiration or expiration date of the medication associated with the IEM device 104 may be stored in the database 140.

Fig. 2 illustrates one aspect of a system 200 including a mobile device 102, the mobile device 102 for detecting an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker, such as the IEM device 104 (fig. 1). In one aspect, shortly after the patient 106 ingests the IEM device 104, the IEM device 104 communicates information to the mobile device 102 through the detection configuration 108 wired to the mobile device 102. Mobile device 102 is in communication with cellular tower 202 and base station 204 and can access the internet 206 through cellular network 208. Thus, information received by mobile device 102 from IEM device 104 may be communicated to remote node 122 through cellular network 208, through internet 206. Processing system 138 at remote node 122 receives information from mobile device 102 and stores the information in database 140.

In another aspect, the mobile device 102 communicates with a local wireless access point 210 (e.g., Wi-Fi) coupled to the LAN 212. The LAN212 is coupled to a WAN (e.g., the internet 206) that is coupled to the remotely located remote node 122. Upon detecting the unique current signature generated by the IEM device 104, the mobile device 102 may communicate information to the processing system 138 at the remote node 122 through the access point 210, the LAN212, and the internet 206. Processing system 134 stores the information in database 140. Remote node 122 may access other networks 214 for additional processing of information associated with IEM devices 104 stored in database 140.

In another aspect, the mobile device 102 may transmit information associated with the IEM device 104 to another mobile device. Another mobile device then communicates with the cellular tower 202, base station 204, cellular network 208, and internet 206 and communicates to the remote node 122. In another aspect, another mobile device communicates with access point 210, LAN212, and internet 206 and communicates to remote node 122. Once communications with the remote node 122 are generated, information associated with the IEM device 104 may be processed by the processing system and/or stored in the database 140.

Fig. 4 illustrates one aspect of a system 400 including a detection arrangement 108 in the form of a headset 110, the headset 110 being wired to the mobile device 102 for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker device. As shown in fig. 4, the detection arrangement 108 includes earplugs 110R, 110L coupled by electrical conductors 112R, 112L to a plug 402. The plug 402 is received in a corresponding data port receptacle or jack connector 404 portion of the mobile device 102. Mobile device 102 includes a housing 406, a display 408, an input/output (I/O) system 410, an aperture 412 for capturing a digital image, and an antenna 414. The functional modules of mobile device 102 are described below in conjunction with fig. 5.

Display 408 may include any suitable display unit for displaying information appropriate for mobile device 102. The I/O system 410 may include any suitable I/O device for inputting information into the mobile device 102. Examples of I/O system 410 may include an alphanumeric keyboard, a numeric keypad, a touch pad, a capacitive touch screen panel, input keys, buttons, switches, rocker switches, voice recognition devices and software, and so forth. For example, the I/O system 410 may include a microphone and a speaker. Information may also be entered into the mobile device 102 through a microphone. This information may be digitized by a speech recognition device.

Fig. 5 illustrates a system diagram of one aspect of a mobile device 500, the mobile device 500 for detecting an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker, such as the IEM device 104 (fig. 1 and 2), the mobile device 500 configured to be coupled to an external detection configuration. Fig. 5 illustrates a more detailed block diagram of the mobile computing device 102 described with reference to fig. 1, 2, and 4. As shown in fig. 5, for example, mobile device 500 may include multiple elements. Although fig. 5 illustrates a limited number of elements in a certain topology by way of example, it is to be appreciated that more or fewer elements in any suitable topology may be utilized in mobile device 500, as desired for a given implementation. Further, any of the elements described herein may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of both, as previously described with reference to a node implementation. However, aspects of the mobile device 500 are not limited in this context.

In various aspects, the mobile device 500 includes a housing 406, an antenna 414, a radio subsystem 514, and a processing subsystem 512 coupled to the radio subsystem 514 via a bus. Radio subsystem 514 may perform voice and data communication operations using the wireless shared media of mobile device 500. Processing subsystem 512 may execute software for mobile device 500. Buses may include, among others, Universal Serial Bus (USB), micro-USB bus, data ports, and appropriate interfaces. In one aspect, radio subsystem 514 may be arranged to communicate voice information and control information over one or more allocated frequency bands of a wireless shared media.

In one aspect, mobile device 500 can include an imaging subsystem 508 for processing images captured through aperture 412. The camera may be coupled (e.g., wired or wirelessly) to processing subsystem 512 and configured to output image data (photographic data of a person or thing, e.g., video data, digital still image data) to processing subsystem 512 and display 408. In one aspect, the imaging subsystem 508 may include a digital camera implemented as an electronic device for electronically capturing and storing images in a digital format. Further, in some aspects, the digital camera may also be capable of recording sound and/or video in addition to still images.

In one aspect, the imaging subsystem 508 may include a controller to provide control signals to the components of the digital camera (including the lens position component, the microphone position component, and the flash control module) to provide the functionality of the digital camera. In some aspects, the controller may be implemented as a main processor element of the processing subsystem 512 of the mobile device 500, for example. Alternatively, the imaging controller may be implemented as a processor separate from the main processor.

In various aspects, the imaging subsystem 508 may include memory as an element of the processing subsystem 512 of the mobile device 500 or as a separate element. It is worthy to note that in various aspects some portion or the entire memory may be included on the same integrated circuit as the controller. Alternatively, some portion or the entire memory may be disposed on the integrated circuit or other medium (e.g., a hard disk drive) external to the integrated circuit of the controller.

In various aspects, the imaging subsystem 508 may include an aperture 412 having a lens assembly and a lens position assembly. The lens assembly may comprise a photographic or optical lens, or a configuration of lenses made of a transparent material (e.g., glass, plastic, acrylic or perspex). In one aspect, one or more lens elements of the lens assembly may reproduce an image of an object and allow zooming in or out on the object by mechanically changing the focal length of the lens elements. In various aspects, digital zoom may be used in the imaging subsystem 508 to zoom in or out on an image. In some aspects, one or more lens elements may be used to focus on different portions of an image by changing the focal length of the lens elements. For example, the desired focus may be achieved using an autofocus feature of the digital imaging subsystem 508 or by manually focusing a desired portion of the image.

The navigation subsystem 510 supports navigation using the mobile device 500. In various aspects, the mobile device 500 may include location or position determination capabilities and may use one or more position determination techniques including, for example, Global Positioning System (GPS) techniques, Cell Global Identity (CGI) techniques, CGI including Timing Advance (TA) techniques, Enhanced Forward Link Trilateration (EFLT) techniques, time difference of arrival (TDOA) techniques, angle of arrival (AOA) techniques, advanced forward link trilateration (afll) techniques, observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA), Enhanced Observed Time Difference (EOTD) techniques, Assisted GPS (AGPS) techniques, hybrid techniques (e.g., GPS/CGI, AGPS/CGI, GPS/AFTL, or AGPS/AFTL for CDMA networks, GPS/EOTD or AGPS/EOTD for GSM/GPRS networks, GPS/OTDOA or AGPS/OTDOA for UMTS networks, and others.

In one aspect, mobile device 500 may be configured to operate in one or more position determination modes including, for example, a standalone mode, a Mobile Station (MS) assisted mode, and/or an MS-based mode. In standalone mode (e.g., standalone GPS mode), the mobile device 500 may be configured to determine its position without receiving wireless navigation data from the network, however the mobile device 500 may receive certain types of position assistance data, such as almanac, ephemeris and heading data. In standalone mode, mobile device 500 may include local position determination circuitry (e.g., a GPS receiver) that may be integrated within housing 406, configured to receive satellite data and calculate a position fix via antenna 414. The local position determination circuitry may alternatively include a GPS receiver in a second housing separate from the housing 406 but in proximity to the mobile device 500 that is configured to communicate wirelessly (e.g., over a PAN (e.g., bluetooth)) with the mobile device 500. However, when operating in an MS-assisted mode or an MS-based mode, the mobile device 500 may be configured to communicate with remote computers (e.g., a Location Determination Entity (LDE), a Location Proxy Server (LPS), and/or a Mobile Positioning Center (MPC), among others) over a radio access network (e.g., a UMTS radio access network).

Detection subsystem 516 is coupled to connector 404, and connector 404 is configured to receive the plug 402 (FIG. 4) portion of detection arrangement 108. The detection subsystem 516 detects a unique current signature generated by the IEM device 104 (fig. 1, 2), which encodes information associated with the IEM device, the drug, and/or the patient, among other information. The detection subsystem 516 is coupled to the processing subsystem 512 and provides decoded information to the processing subsystem 512. The processing subsystem 512 activates the radio subsystem 514 to communicate the decoded IEM information to the wireless node 120 (fig. 1, 2) and/or the cellular network 208 (fig. 2). Detection subsystem 516 is described in more detail below in conjunction with fig. 6 and 7.

In various aspects, the mobile device 500 may also include a power management subsystem (not shown) to manage power for the mobile device 500, including the radio subsystem 514, the processing subsystem 512, and other elements of the mobile device 500. For example, the power management subsystem may include one or more batteries to provide Direct Current (DC) power and one or more Alternating Current (AC) interfaces to draw power from a standard AC mains power supply.

In various aspects, radio subsystem 514 may include antenna 414. The antenna 414 may broadcast and receive RF energy over the wireless shared media 124 (fig. 1). Examples of the antenna 414 may include an internal antenna, an omni-directional antenna, a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, an end-fed antenna, a circularly polarized antenna, a microstrip antenna, a diversity antenna, a dual characteristic antenna, an antenna array, a helical antenna, and so forth. Aspects are not limited in this context.

In various aspects, the antenna 414 may be connected to a multiplexer. The multiplexer multiplexes the signals from the power amplifiers for delivery to the antenna 414. The multiplexer demultiplexes the signals received from the antennas for delivery to the RF chipset.

In various aspects, the multiplexer may be connected to a power amplifier, where the power amplifier may be used to amplify any signal to be transmitted over wireless shared media 124 (fig. 1). The power amplifier may operate in all designated frequency bands, for example, four (4) frequency bands in a quad band system. The power amplifier may also operate in various modulation modes, such as Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) modulation suitable for GSM systems and eight-ary phase shift keying (8-PSK) modulation suitable for EDGE systems.

In various aspects, a power amplifier may be connected to an RF chipset. The RF chipset may also be connected to a multiplexer. In one aspect, an RF chipset may include an RF driver and an RF transceiver. The RF chipset performs all modulation and direct conversion operations required for GMSK and 8-PSK signal types for quad band E-GPRS radios. The RF chipset receives analog in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) signals from the baseband processor and converts the I/Q signals to RF signals suitable for amplification by the power amplifier. Similarly, the RF chipset converts signals received from the wireless shared media 124 (fig. 1) through the antenna 414 and multiplexer to analog I/Q signals that are sent to the baseband processor. Although an RF chipset may use, for example, two chips, it should be appreciated that an RF chipset may be implemented using more or fewer chips and still be within the intended scope of the aspects.

In various aspects, the RF chipset may be connected to a baseband processor, where the baseband processor may perform baseband operations of the radio subsystem 514. The baseband processor may include analog and digital baseband portions. The analog baseband section includes I/Q filters, analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, audio circuits, and other circuits. The digital baseband section may include one or more encoders, decoders, equalizers/demodulators, GMSK modulators, GPRS ciphers, transceiver controls, Automatic Frequency Control (AFC), Automatic Gain Control (AGC), Power Amplifier (PA) ramp control, and other circuits.

In various aspects, the baseband processor may also be coupled to one or more memory units via a memory bus. In one aspect, for example, a baseband processor may be connected to a flash memory unit and a Secure Digital (SD) memory unit. The storage unit may be a removable or non-removable memory. In one aspect, for example, the baseband processor may use the requirements of the E-GPRS static read-only memory (SRAM) and other protocol stacks of approximately 1.6 megabytes.

In various aspects, the baseband processor may also be connected to a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). The baseband processor may have a SIM interface for the SIM, where the SIM may include a smart card that encrypts voice and data transmissions and stores data about a particular user so that the user may be identified and authenticated to a network providing voice or data communications. The SIM may also store data, such as personal telephone settings, that are specific to the user and telephone number. The SIM may be removable or non-removable.

In various aspects, the baseband processor may further include various interfaces for communicating with a main processor of the processing subsystem 512. For example, the baseband processor may have one or more universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) interfaces, one or more control/status lines of the main processor, one or more control/data lines of the main processor, and one or more audio lines to communicate audio signals to an audio subsystem of the processing subsystem 514. Aspects are not limited in this context.

In various aspects, processing subsystem 514 may provide computing or processing operations for mobile device 500 and/or detection subsystem 516. For example, the processing subsystem 514 may be arranged to execute various software programs of the mobile device 500 as well as several software programs of the detection subsystem 516. While the processing subsystem 514 may be used to implement the operations of the various aspects as software executed by a processor, it is to be understood that the operations executed by the processing subsystem 514 may also be implemented using hardware circuitry or structures, or a combination of hardware and software, as desired for a particular implementation.

In various aspects, the processing subsystem 512 may include a processor implemented using any processor or logic device, such as a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) microprocessor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) microprocessor, a Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) microprocessor, a processor implementing a combination of instruction sets, or other processor device. In one aspect, for example, the processor may be implemented as a general purpose processor, such as a processor manufactured by Intel corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. The processor may also be implemented as a special purpose processor such as, for example, a controller, a microcontroller, an embedded processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a network processor, a media processor, an input/output (I/O) processor, a Media Access Control (MAC) processor, a radio baseband processor, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), or the like.

In one aspect, the processing subsystem 514 may include memory to connect to the processor. Memory may be implemented using any machine-readable or computer-readable media capable of storing data, including volatile and non-volatile memory. For example, the memory may include ROM, RAM, DRAM, DDRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, polymer memory (e.g., ferroelectric polymer memory), ovonic memory, phase change or ferroelectric memory, silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) memory, magnetic or optical cards, or any other type of media suitable for storing information. It is noted that some portion or all of the memory may be included on the same integrated circuit as the processor, thereby avoiding the need for a memory bus. Alternatively, some portion or all of the memory may be located on the integrated circuit or other medium external to the integrated circuit of the processor (e.g., a hard disk drive), and the processor may access the memory, for example, via a memory bus.

In various aspects, the memory may store one or more software components (e.g., an application client module). A software component may refer to one or more programs, or portions of programs, for performing a discrete set of operations. The collection of software components for a given device may be collectively referred to as a software architecture or application framework. The software architecture of the mobile device 500 is described in more detail below.

A software architecture suitable for use with the mobile device 500 may include a User Interface (UI) module, an interface module, a data source or back-end service module (data source), and a third-party API module. The optional LBS modules may include a user-based permission module, a profiler module (e.g., national marine electronics association or NMEA), a storage unit information source module, and a location information source module. In some aspects, some software components may be omitted and other software components may be added. Further, the operations of some programs may be divided into additional software components, or combined into fewer software components, as desired for a given implementation. The software architecture of the mobile device 500 may include several elements, components, or modules, collectively referred to herein as "modules. A module may be implemented as a circuit, an integrated circuit, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an array of integrated circuits, a chipset comprising an integrated circuit or array of integrated circuits, a logic circuit, a memory, an array of integrated circuits or elements of a chipset, a stacked array of integrated circuits, a processor, a digital signal processor, a programmable logic device, code, firmware, software, or any combination thereof.

Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram 600 of one aspect of the headset plug 402 coupled to an electrode input circuit 602 portion of the detection subsystem 516 of the mobile device 500, the mobile device 500 for detecting an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker, e.g., the IEM device 104 (fig. 1 and 2). Plug 402 includes conductive pins 604 having a plurality of conductive segments (L, R, G) separated by electrically insulative elements. Segment L is electrically connected to the left ear plug 110L (fig. 1, 2, 4) electrode element 300L (not shown), segment R is electrically connected to the right ear plug 110R (fig. 1, 2, 4) electrode element 300R (fig. 3A, 3B), and segment G is grounded. It will be appreciated that other configurations or additional segments may be included in the plug. For example, in addition to providing electrical connections to the electrode elements 300R, 300L, additional segments may be employed to tube audio signals to the earplugs 110R, 110L. The plug 402 may be any type of electrical connector suitable for carrying electrical signals in analog or digital form. The conductive segments (L, R, G) are coupled to respective connector 514 portions of the electrode input circuit 602.

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of one aspect of the electrode input circuit 602 of the detection subsystem 516 shown in FIG. 6A. Fig. 6B provides a more detailed block diagram of a circuit configured to implement the block functional diagram of the electrode input circuit 602 shown in fig. 6A, according to one aspect. In fig. 6B, electrode input circuit 602 includes electrodes e1, e2(611, 612), which receive signals conductively transmitted by the IEM device through connections L and R, for example, from plug 402. Multiplexer 620 multiplexes the signals received by electrodes 611, 612, and multiplexer 620 is electrically coupled to electrodes 611, 612.

Multiplexer 620 is electrically coupled to high bandpass filter 630. The signal chain provides a programmable gain to cover a desired level or range. In this particular aspect, the high band pass filter 630 passes frequencies in the 10KHz to 34KHz frequency band while filtering out-of-band frequency noise. In other aspects, high band pass filter 630 may be replaced with any suitable band pass filter of any suitable frequency. In the aspect shown in FIG. 6B, the high frequency band may vary, and may include a range of, for example, about 3KHz to about 300 KHz. In other aspects, the frequency band may vary, and may include a range of about 0.3KHz to about 30KHz, for example. The pass frequency is then amplified by amplifier 632 and high power processor 680 is electrically coupled to the frequency signal chain before being converted to a digital signal by converter 634 for input into high power processor 680 (shown as a DSP). Also shown in fig. 6B is flash memory 690, which is electrically coupled to high power processor 680, to enable memory storage and improve efficiency of operation.

For example, high power processor 680 may be a VC5509 digital signal processor from Texas Instruments (Texas Instruments). The high power processor 680 performs signal processing actions during the active state. These actions may require a greater amount of current than the idle state, e.g., 30 μ Α or more current (e.g., 50 μ Α or more), and may include actions such as scanning for, or processing, conductively transmitted signals when received, for example.

The detection subsystem 516 (e.g., fig. 6A) may include a hardware accelerator module (not shown) to process the data signals. A hardware accelerator module (not shown) may be implemented instead of, for example, a DSP. As a more specialized computational unit, the hardware accelerator module uses fewer transistors (lower cost and power) to perform aspects of the signal processing algorithm than a more general purpose DSP. The hardware blocks may be used to "speed up" the performance of important specific functions. Some architectures of hardware accelerators may be "programmable" by microcode or VLIW assemblies. During use, its functionality may be accessed by calling a function library.

Fig. 7 is a system diagram of one aspect of a detection subsystem 516 of a mobile device for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker, such as IEM device 104 (fig. 1 and 2). FIG. 7 is a block functional diagram of one aspect of an integrated circuit assembly. As shown in fig. 7, the detection subsystem 516 includes an electrode input circuit 602 that receives the current signature generated by the IEM device 104 from the detection configuration 108 (shown in fig. 1 and 2). In one aspect, the through-body conductive communication module 702 is electrically coupled to the electrode input circuit 602, and in another aspect, the physiological sensing module 704 can be selectively coupled to the electrode input circuit 602. In one aspect, the trans-body conduction communication module 702 may be implemented as a first (e.g., High) Frequency (HF) signal chain and the physiological sensing module 704 may be implemented as a second (e.g., Low) Frequency (LF) signal chain. In one aspect, the detection subsystem 516 may also include a temperature sensing module 706 for detecting ambient temperature and a three-axis accelerometer 708. In one aspect, the temperature sensing module 706 may be implemented using complementary oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuit elements. In various aspects, additional modules may be provided for sensing (e.g., including but not limited to Ph sensing, impedance sensing) the environment surrounding the IEM device 104. The detection subsystem 516 may also include a memory 710 for data storage (similar to any of the storage elements previously discussed), and a wireless communication module 712 for receiving data from and/or transmitting data to another device, e.g., in a data download/upload campaign, respectively. In various aspects, a sensor 714 and a feedback module 716 may also be included in the detection subsystem 516. In one aspect, as shown in FIG. 7, various functional modules are coupled to processing subsystem 512 of mobile device 500 (FIG. 5). In other aspects, the detection subsystem may include its own dedicated processing engine. For example, as shown, for example, in fig. 14, the detection subsystem 516 may include a dedicated processing engine 1402, e.g., a microcontroller or digital signal processor, separate from the processing subsystem 512 of the mobile device 500.

Referring back to fig. 7, in various aspects, the through-body conductive communication module 702 and the wireless communication module 712 can each include one or more transmitter/receiver ("transceiver") modules. The term "transceiver" as used herein may be used in a generic sense to include a transmitter, a receiver, or a combination of both, without limitation. In one aspect, the through-body conductive communication module 702 is configured to communicate with the IEM device 104 (fig. 1 and 2). In one aspect, the wireless communication module 712 may be configured to communicate with the wireless access point 210 (fig. 2). In another aspect, the wireless communication module 712 may be configured to communicate with other mobile devices.

In various aspects, the sensor 714 is generally in contact with the patient 106 (fig. 1 and 2), e.g., may be removably attached to the torso. In various other aspects, the sensor 714 can be removably or permanently attached to the detection subsystem 516. For example, sensor 714 may be removably connected to detection subsystem 516 by a suction metal spike. For example, the sensor 714 may include various devices capable of sensing or receiving physiological data. For example, the types of sensors 714 include electrodes (e.g., biocompatible electrodes). For example, the sensor 714 may be configured as a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, an accelerometer 708, an Electromyography (EMG) sensor, an IEM device 104 (fig. 1 and 2), a biopotential sensor, an electrocardiogram sensor, a temperature sensor, a tactile event marker sensor, an impedance sensor, among other sensors.

In various aspects, the feedback module 716 may be implemented in software, hardware, circuitry, various devices, and combinations thereof. The function of the feedback module 716 is to provide communication to the patient 106 (fig. 1 and 2) in a discreet, graceful, discreet manner, as described above. In various aspects, the feedback module 716 may be implemented using techniques that utilize vision, hearing, vibration/touch, smell, and taste to communicate with the patient 106 (fig. 1 and 2).

Fig. 8 illustrates an aspect of a mobile device 800 including integrated electrodes 804A, 804B, the mobile device 800 for detecting an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker, such as the IEM device 104 (fig. 1 and 2). Referring now to fig. 8-10, the integrated electrodes 804A, 804B are coupled to a detection subsystem 516 (fig. 9) similar to the detection subsystem 516 (fig. 5-7). In this particular aspect, the electrodes are replaced with integrated electrodes 804A, 804B. Thus, in use, the patient 106 (fig. 10) ingests a medication comprising the IEM device 104 (fig. 10) and holds the mobile device 800 while contacting the electrodes 804A, 804B with both hands in order to couple the unique current signature generated by the IEM device 104 to the detection subsystem 516. In another aspect, a mobile device having contact electrodes may be placed on a wrist band or arm band to enable a physical connection with a user.

The mobile device 800 also includes a housing 806, a display 808, an input/output (I/O) system 810, an aperture 812 for capturing digital images, and an antenna 814. A deep description of similar functional modules is provided in connection with the mobile device 102 shown in fig. 5 and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity and clarity.

Fig. 9 is a system diagram of one aspect of a mobile device 900, the mobile device 900 for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker (e.g., the IEM device 104 (fig. 1, 2, and 10)) configured to be coupled to the integrated electrodes 805A, 804B. As shown in fig. 9, mobile device 900 may include multiple elements. Although fig. 9 illustrates a limited number of elements in a certain topology by way of example, it is to be appreciated that more or fewer elements in any suitable topology may be utilized in mobile device 900, as desired for a given implementation. Further, any of the elements described herein may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of both, as previously described with reference to a node implementation. However, aspects of the mobile device 900 are not limited in this context.

In various aspects, the mobile device 900 includes a housing 806 and an antenna 814. The mobile device 900 also includes a radio subsystem 514 connected to the processing subsystem 512 by a bus. Radio subsystem 514 may perform voice and data communication operations using the wireless shared media of mobile device 900. The processing subsystem 512 may execute software for the mobile device 900. The bus may comprise a USB or micro-USB bus and appropriate interfaces, among others.

The detection subsystem 516 as previously described in connection with fig. 5-7 is coupled to the integrated electrodes 804A, 804B, the integrated electrodes 804A, 804B configured to be contacted by the patient 106 (fig. 10) to perform the unique electronic signature generated by the IEM device 104 (fig. 10). Thus, once the patient 106 has ingested the IEM device 104 and contacted the integrated electrodes 804A, 804B, the detection subsystem 516 detects a unique current signature generated by the IEM device 104 and coupled through the integrated electrodes 804A, 804B. As previously discussed, the unique current signature generated by the IEM device 104 encodes information associated with the IEM device 104, the drug, and/or the patient 106, among other information. The detection subsystem 516 is coupled to the processing subsystem 512 and provides the decoding order to the processing subsystem 512. The processing subsystem 512 activates the radio subsystem 514 to communicate the decoded information received from the IEM device 104 to the wireless node 120 (fig. 1, 2) or the cellular network 208 (fig. 2). The imaging subsystem 508, navigation subsystem 510, processing subsystem 512, and radio subsystem 514 were previously described in connection with fig. 5 and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity and clarity of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 illustrates a patient 106 in the course of using one aspect of a mobile device 800 including integrated electrodes 804A, 804B (fig. 8), the mobile device 800 for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker (e.g., IEM device 104). As previously discussed, once the patient ingests the IEM device 104, the patient 106 holds the mobile device 800 by contacting the integrated electrodes 804A, 804B. When the IEM device 104 dissolves in the digestive juices 114 of the stomach 116, the unique current signature generated by the IEM device 104 will be coupled from the patient 106 to the integrated electrodes 804A, 804B and the detection subsystem 516 (fig. 9), as previously discussed.

Fig. 11 illustrates an aspect of a received mobile device 1100 in a mated configuration with a mobile device packaging configuration, wherein the mobile device packaging configuration 1102 includes detection circuitry integrated therewith for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker, such as the IEM device 104 (fig. 1, 2, 10). The packaging arrangement 1102 can be referred to as a housing, enclosure, accessory, and the like, and can substantially or partially cover or enclose the mobile device 1100. Fig. 12 shows the mobile device 1100 in an unmated configuration and a packaging arrangement 1102 (cradle, protective cover, housing plate, etc.) for receiving the mobile device 1100. The mobile device 1100 shown in fig. 11 and 12 is substantially similar to the mobile devices 102, 800 described previously, and thus, a deep description of similar functional modules will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity and clarity of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 11 and 12, the mobile device 1100 is configured to mate with a packaging configuration 1102. The packaging arrangement 1102 has the detection module 1200 integrated therewith. The detection module 1200 includes a detection subsystem comprised of electrode input circuitry similar to the detection subsystem 516 and electrode input circuitry 602 described in conjunction with fig. 6 and 7. Due to the similarity of the detection subsystem and the electrode input circuit components, specific details will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity and clarity of this disclosure. Packaging configuration 1102 also includes electrodes 1202A and 1202B (not shown in fig. 12 and shown in fig. 13) to couple the patient to detection module 1200. The detection module 1200 can be electronically coupled to a functional module of the mobile device 1100 to detect and process a unique electronic signature generated by the IEM device 104 (fig. 1, 2, 10). The detection module 1200 can be electrically coupled to functional modules of the mobile device 1100 using any suitable technique (e.g., inductive coupling, wireless transmission, electrical connector, etc.). One example of a housing including suitable connectors for electrically coupling the detection module 1200 to functional modules of the mobile device 1100 is described in connection with fig. 13.

Fig. 13 illustrates one aspect of a packaging configuration 1102 for receiving a mobile device, wherein the packaging configuration 1102 includes integrated therewith a detection circuit 1200 for detecting an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker, and a connector 1300 for electrically coupling the detection circuit 1200 to a functional module of the mobile device. In use, a mobile device (not shown) is slidably inserted over the packaging arrangement 1102 and into the connector 1300. The electrodes 1202A, 1202B are used to couple the patient to the detection module 1200. For communication purposes, as well as other purposes, the connector 1300 couples the detection module 1200 to functional modules of the mobile device 1100 (FIG. 12). In one aspect, the detection module 1200 integrated with the packaging configuration 1102 is a separate module and includes all necessary electronic modules to detect the unique current signature generated by the IEM device.

Fig. 14 is a system diagram of one aspect of a detection circuit 1400, the detection circuit 1400 for detecting an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker, such as the IEM device 104 (fig. 1, 2, 10). In one aspect, the detection circuit 1400 is a separate module that includes the processing engine 1402. For example, the functionality of processing engine 1402 is similar to processing subsystem 512 previously described in conjunction with FIG. 5. The electrode input circuit 602 receives electrical input from electrodes 1202A, 1202B integrated with the package configuration 1102 (fig. 13). The processing engine 1402 receives input from the trans-body conductive communication module 702 and the physiological sensing module 704 and decodes the unique electronic signature generated by the IEM device 104 (fig. 1, 2, 10). Other modules (including temperature sensor 706, accelerometer 708, memory 710, wireless communication module 712, sensor 714, and feedback module 716) are optional and are also coupled to processing engine 1402.

Fig. 15 illustrates one aspect of a system 1500 that includes a detection arrangement 1502 in the form of eyewear 1504 wired coupled to a mobile device 1506 for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker, e.g., an IEM device (fig. 1, 2, 10). The detection arrangement 102 includes a pair of glasses 1504, or any form of goggles (e.g., presbyopic glasses, prescription glasses, sunglasses, etc.). The glasses 1504 include electrodes 1508L, 1508R coupled by electrical conductors 1510R, 1510L to a plug 1512. The plug 1512 is received in a corresponding data port receptacle or receptacle connector 1514 portion of the mobile device 1506. The mobile device 1506 includes a housing 1516, a display 1518, an input/output (I/O) system 1520, an aperture 1522 for capturing digital images, and an antenna 1524. A deep description of the functional modules of the mobile device 1506 has been provided herein in connection with fig. 4-7, wherein the earpieces 110R, 110L are replaced with glasses 1504 and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity and clarity of the present disclosure. For example, the mobile device 1506 includes a detection subsystem and electrode input circuitry similar to the detection subsystem 516 and electrode input circuitry 602 described in conjunction with fig. 4-7.

Thus, referring now to fig. 15, 1, 2, 4-7, and 10 in use, the patient 106 wears glasses 1504 to ensure adequate contact of the electrodes 1508R, 1508L with the patient's skin, and electrically couples the electrodes 1508R, 1508L into the mobile device 1506 by connecting the plug 1512 into the corresponding receptacle 1514 in the mobile device 1506. It will be appreciated that any suitable connection configuration other than the plug/jack connection configuration shown in fig. 15 is also contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. Such other connection configurations include, but are not limited to, data ports, USB, receptacles, audio/video type connectors, and other suitable connection mechanisms. Once the detection arrangement 1502 is in place, the patient 106 ingests the IEM device 104 and upon dissolution in the digestive juices 114 of the stomach 116, the IEM device 104 powers up and initiates the conduction of a unique current signature signal that encodes information associated with the IEM device 104, the drug, the patient 106, and other information. The unique current signature signal is detected by electrodes 1508R, 1508L and coupled to the mobile device 1506 through electrical conductors 1510R, 1510L, wherein the electrode input circuit 602 portion of the detection subsystem 516 is used to decode the signal and communicate information to the processing subsystem 512 of the mobile device 1506. In other aspects, detection subsystem 512 may include, without limitation, a special purpose processing engine 1402 as described in conjunction with fig. 14.

Fig. 16 illustrates one aspect of a system 1600 that includes electrodes 1602R, 1602L, a detection circuitry module 1604, and an antenna 1606 integrated in a pair of glasses 1608, the glasses 1608 wirelessly coupled to a mobile device 1610 for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker. As shown in fig. 16, for example, a detection circuit module 1604 including electrode input circuitry and a detection subsystem is embedded in the eyewear 1608 to substantially eliminate the need for the electrical conductors 1510R, 1510L shown in fig. 15. The wireless signal 1612 transmitted by the detection circuitry module 1604 may be received by an on-board antenna 1614 of the wireless device 1610. In one aspect, the detection circuitry module 1604 may communicate with the mobile device 1610 using bluetooth or other suitable proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances. In other aspects, other wireless communications are used, such as the Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11) wireless standard for connecting electronic devices.

In one aspect, the glasses 1608 may include a battery 1616 embedded therein to provide power to the detection circuitry module 1604. In other aspects, wireless power transfer techniques commonly used for RFID tags or used by inductive coupling may be used in place of the battery 1616. In one aspect, the mobile device 1610 may be configured to transmit an interrogation signal to the detection circuitry module 1604 for powering up the detection circuitry module 1604 and to begin taking readings and wirelessly transmitting information back to the mobile device 1610.

Once the detection circuitry module 1604 transmits information associated with the IEM device to the mobile device 1610, the mobile device 1610 can act as a hub to transmit information to local wireless nodes or remote nodes over a cellular network, Wi-Fi, bluetooth, or other suitable wireless communication technology.

Fig. 17 illustrates one aspect of a system 1700 that includes electrodes 1702R, 1702L, detection circuitry module 1604, and antenna 1606 integrated in a visor 1708, the visor 1708 being wirelessly coupled to a mobile device 1610 for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker. As shown in FIG. 17, for example, a detection circuitry module 1604 including electrode input circuitry and detection subsystem is embedded in visor 1708 to substantially eliminate the need for electrical conductors to couple electrodes 1702R, 1702L to mobile device 1610. The wireless signal 1612 transmitted by the detection circuitry module 1604 may be received by an on-board antenna 1614 of the wireless device 1610. In one aspect, the detection circuitry module 1604 may communicate with the mobile device 1610 using bluetooth or other suitable proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances. In other aspects, other wireless communications are used, such as the Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11) wireless standard for connecting electronic devices.

In one aspect, visor 1708 may include a battery 1616 embedded therein to provide power to detection circuitry module 1604. In other aspects, wireless power transfer techniques commonly used for RFID tags or used by inductive coupling may be used in place of the battery 1616. In one aspect, the mobile device 1610 may be configured to transmit an interrogation signal to the detection circuitry module 1604 for powering up the detection circuitry module 1604 and to begin taking readings from IEM devices and wirelessly transmitting information back to the mobile device 1610.

Once the detection circuitry module 1604 transmits information associated with the IEM device to the mobile device 1610, the mobile device 1610 can act as a hub to transmit information to local wireless nodes or remote nodes over a cellular network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (Bluetooth), or other suitable wireless communication technology.

Fig. 18 illustrates one aspect of a system 1800 including electrodes 1802R, 1802L, detection circuitry module 1604, and antenna 1606 integrated in a helmet 1808, the helmet 1808 wirelessly coupled to a mobile device 1610 for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker. As shown in fig. 18, for example, a detection circuitry module 1604 including electrode input circuitry and detection subsystems is embedded in the helmet 1808 to substantially eliminate the need for electrical conductors to couple the electrodes 1802R, 1802L to the mobile device 1610. The wireless signal 1612 transmitted by the detection circuitry module 1604 may be received by an on-board antenna 1614 of the wireless device 1610. In one aspect, the detection circuitry module 1604 may communicate with the mobile device 1610 using bluetooth or other suitable proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances. In other aspects, other wireless communications are used, such as the Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11) wireless standard for connecting electronic devices.

In one aspect, the helmet 1808 may include a battery 1616 embedded therein to provide power to the detection circuitry module 1604. In other aspects, wireless power transfer techniques commonly used for RFID tags or used by inductive coupling may be used in place of the battery 1616. In one aspect, the mobile device 1610 may be configured to transmit an interrogation signal to the detection circuitry module 1604 for powering up the detection circuitry module 1604 and to begin taking readings from IEM devices and wirelessly transmitting information back to the mobile device 1610.

Once the detection circuitry module 1604 transmits information associated with the IEM device to the mobile device 1610, the mobile device 1610 can act as a hub to transmit information to local wireless nodes or remote nodes over a cellular network, Wi-Fi, bluetooth, or other suitable wireless communication technology.

Fig. 19 illustrates one aspect of a system 1900 including electrodes 1902R, 1902L, detection circuitry modules 1604R, 1604L and an antenna 1606R integrated in a set of hearing aids 1904R, 1904L, the hearing aids 1904R, 1904L being wirelessly coupled to a mobile device 1610 for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker. As shown in fig. 19, for example, detection circuitry modules 1604R, 1604L including electrode input circuitry and detection subsystems are embedded in the hearing aids 1904R, 1904L to substantially eliminate the need for electrical conductors to couple the electrodes 1902R, 1902L to the mobile device 1610. The wireless signal 1612 transmitted by either of the detection circuit modules 1604R, 1604L can be received by an on-board antenna 1614 of the wireless device 1610. In one aspect, any of the detection circuit modules 1604R, 1604L may communicate with the mobile device 1610 using bluetooth or other suitable proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances. In other aspects, other wireless communications are used, such as the Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11) wireless standard for connecting electronic devices.

In one aspect, the hearing aids 1904R, 1904L may include a battery 1616 embedded therein to provide power to either of the detection circuit modules 1604R, 1604L. In other aspects, wireless power transfer techniques commonly used for RFID tags or used by inductive coupling may be used in place of the battery 1616. In one aspect, the mobile device 1610 may be configured to transmit an interrogation signal to either of the detection circuitry modules 1604R, 1604L for powering up either of the detection circuitry modules 1604R, 1604L and to begin taking readings from IEM devices and wirelessly transmitting information back to the mobile device 1610.

Once either of the detection circuit modules 1604R, 1604L transmits information associated with IEM devices to the mobile device 1610, the mobile device 1610 may act as a hub to transmit information to local wireless nodes or remote nodes over a cellular network, Wi-Fi, bluetooth, or other suitable wireless communication technology.

Fig. 20 illustrates one aspect of a system 2000 including electrodes 2004R, 2004L, detection circuitry module 1604, and antenna 1606 integrated in a chair 2008, the chair 2008 wirelessly coupled to a mobile device 1610 for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker. As shown in fig. 20, for example, embedding a detection circuitry module 1604 including electrode input circuitry and a detection subsystem in chair 2008 substantially eliminates the need for electrical conductors to couple the electrodes 2002R, 2002L to the mobile device 1610. The wireless signal 1612 transmitted by the detection circuitry module 1604 may be received by an on-board antenna 1614 of the wireless device 1610. In one aspect, the detection circuitry module 1604 may communicate with the mobile device 1610 using bluetooth or other suitable proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances. In other aspects, other wireless communications are used, such as the Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11) wireless standard for connecting electronic devices.

In one aspect, the chair 2008 may include a battery 1616 embedded therein or may be plugged into a household Alternating Current (AC) power outlet to provide power to the detection circuit module 1604. In other aspects, wireless power transfer techniques commonly used for RFID tags or used by inductive coupling may be used in place of the battery 1616. In one aspect, the mobile device 1610 may be configured to transmit an interrogation signal to the detection circuitry module 1604 that powers up the detection circuitry module 1604 and begins taking readings from IEM devices and wirelessly transmitting information back to the mobile device 1610.

Once the detection circuitry module 1604 transmits information associated with the IEM device to the mobile device 1610, the mobile device 1610 can act as a hub to transmit information to local wireless nodes or remote nodes over a cellular network, Wi-Fi, bluetooth, or other suitable wireless communication technology.

Fig. 21 illustrates a system 2100 corresponding to one aspect of an ingestible event marker device. In various aspects, the IEM device 104 shown in fig. 1 and 2 may be implemented, for example, in accordance with the system 2100 shown in fig. 21. As described above, the system 2100 may be used in conjunction with any drug product to determine the source of the drug and to confirm that a drug with at least one of the correct type and correct dosage is delivered to the patient, and in some aspects, when the patient takes the drug product. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the environment and pharmaceutical products that may be used with the system 2100. For example, it may be possible to activate the system 2100 in a wireless mode, an electrical mode, by placing the system 2100 in a capsule, then placing the capsule in a conductive fluid, or a combination thereof, or exposing the system 2100 to air. Once the capsule is placed in the conductive fluid, for example, the capsule will dissolve over a period of time and release the system 2100 into the conductive fluid. Thus, in one aspect, the capsule will contain the system 2100 and no product. This capsule can then be used in any environment where an electrically conductive fluid is present and where there is any product. For example, the capsule may be placed in a container filled with jet fuel, saline, tomato sauce, motor oil, or any similar product. Further, the capsule containing the system 2100 may be ingested at the same time as any pharmaceutical product is ingested in order to record the occurrence of an event, for example, when the product is taken.

In the particular example of the system 2100 shown in fig. 21, when the system 2100 is combined with a pharmaceutical or medical product, the system 2100 is activated in an electrical mode as a result of the product or pill being ingested or exposed to the air. The system 2100 controls conductivity to generate a unique current signature detected by an electrode assembly (e.g., 108, etc., as described herein), e.g., thereby representing a taken medical product. When the system is activated in wireless mode, the system controls the modulation of the capacitive plates to produce a unique voltage signature associated with the detected system 2100. Various aspects of system 2100 are described in the following commonly assigned U.S. patent applications: the ApplicationPharma information System, publication No. 2008-0284599A1, filed on 28.4.2006; high hly replaceable Event Markers and Methods for Using Same filed on 27.4.2009 on 2011-0054265A 1; international application No. PCT/US11/31536 filed on 6.4.2011 of Miniature Ingestable Device; ingestable Device with pharmaceutical product, filed on 11/22 2010 and described in U.S. application No. 61/416,150, below; a Wireless Energy resources for Integrated Circuits, application number 61/428,055 filed on 29.12.2010; a communication system with Remote Activation of application No. 13/180,516 filed on 11/7/2011; a Communication System with Multiple Sources of Power, application number 13/180,498 filed on 11.7.2011; communication System Using an Implantable Device, application number 13/180,539 filed on 11.7.2011; communication System with Enhanced partial Power and Method of Manufacturing Same filed on 11.7.2011 with application number 13/180,525; a Communication System Using pharmaceutical Co-Packaged medical doing Unit, application number 13/180,538, filed 11/7/2011; communication System incorporated in an Ingestable Product, application number 13/180,507 filed on 11/7/2011; each of the above disclosures is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In one aspect, system 2100 includes a frame 2102. Frame 2102 is a base of system 2100 and a plurality of components are attached to frame 2102, deposited on frame 2102, or secured to frame 2102. In this aspect of the system 2100, the digestible material 2104 is physically associated with the frame 2102. Material 2104 may be chemically deposited on, evaporated onto, secured to, or built up on the frame, all of which may be referred to herein as "deposited" relative to frame 2102. Material 2104 is deposited on one side of frame 2102. Materials of interest that can be used as material 2104 include (but are not limited to): cu, CuCl or Cul. Material 2104 is deposited using physical vapor deposition, electrodeposition or plasma deposition, among other protocols. Material 2104 can be about 0.05 μm to about 500 μm thick, e.g., about 5 μm to about 100 μm thick. The shape is controlled using shadow mask deposition, or photolithography and etching. Further, although only one region is shown for depositing material, each system 2100 can contain two or more electrically distinct regions where material 2104 can be deposited, as desired.

On a different side, which is the opposite side to that shown in fig. 21, another digestible material 2106 is deposited such that the materials 2104, 2106 are distinct and insulated from each other. Although not shown, the different side selected can be the side immediately adjacent to the side selected for material 2104. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the selected side and the term "different side" may mean any of a plurality of sides that are different from the first selected side. In various aspects, the dissimilar materials may be located at different locations on the same side. Further, although the shape of the system is shown as a square, this shape may be any suitable geometric shape. The materials 2104, 2106 are selected such that when the system 2100 is in contact with an electrically conductive liquid (e.g., a bodily fluid), the materials generate a voltage potential difference. Materials of interest for material 2106 include (but are not limited to): mg, Zn or other electronegative metals. As indicated above with reference to material 2104, material 2106 can be chemically deposited on, evaporated onto, secured to, or built up on the frame. In addition, an adhesive layer may be necessary to help adhere material 2106 (and material 2104, if desired) to frame 2102. Typical adhesion layers for material 2106 are Ti, TiW, Cr or similar materials. The anode material and adhesion layer may be deposited using physical vapor deposition, electrodeposition, or plasma deposition. Material 2106 can be about 0.05 μm to about 500 μm thick, for example, about 5 μm to about 100 μm thick. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the thickness of any material, nor by the type of process used to deposit or secure the material to the frame 2102.

According to the stated disclosure, the materials 2104, 2106 may be any mating materials having different electrochemical potentials. Further, in aspects where the system 2100 is used in vivo, the materials 2104, 2106 may be vitamins that may be absorbed. More specifically, materials 2104, 2106 can be made of any two materials suitable for the environment in which system 2100 is to operate. For example, when the materials 2104, 2106 are used with an ingestible product, the materials 2104, 2106 are any pair of ingestible materials having different electrochemical potentials. Illustrative examples include when the system 2100 is in contact with an ionic solution (e.g., stomach acid). Suitable materials are not limited to metals, and in certain aspects the mating materials are selected from metals and non-metals, for example, a pair consisting of a metal (e.g., Mg) and a salt (e.g., CuCl or Cul). Any pair of substances (metal, salt or intercalation compound) with suitably different electrochemical potentials (voltages) and low interfacial resistances is suitable in the case of the active electrode material.

Materials and pairs of interest include, but are not limited to, those reported in table 1 below. In one aspect, one or both of the metals may be doped with a non-metal, for example, to enhance the voltage potential generated between the materials when they are in contact with a conductive liquid. In certain aspects, non-metals that can be used as dopants include (but are not limited to): sulfur, and iodine, and the like. In another aspect, the materials are copper iodine (Cul) as the anode and magnesium (Mg) as the cathode. Aspects of the present disclosure use electrode materials that are not harmful to the human body.

Thus, when the system 2100 is in contact with an electrically conductive fluid, a current path is formed through the electrically conductive fluid between the dissimilar materials 2104, 2106. Control device 2108 is secured to frame 2102 and electrically coupled to materials 2104, 2106. Control device 2108 includes electronic circuitry (e.g., control logic) capable of controlling and changing the electrical conductivity between materials 2104, 2106.

The voltage potential generated between the dissimilar materials 2104, 2106 provides power for operating the system and generates a current that flows through the conductive fluid and the system 2100. In one aspect, the system 2100 operates in a direct current mode. In an alternative aspect, the system 720 controls the direction of current flow such that the direction of current flow reverses in a periodic manner similar to alternating current. When the system reaches a conductive fluid or electrolyte, where the fluid or electrolyte components are provided by a physiological solution (e.g., stomach acid), the current path between the dissimilar materials 2104, 2106 is completed outside the system 2100; the current path through the system 2100 is controlled by a control device 2108. Completion of the current path allows current to flow, and accordingly a receiver (not shown) can detect the presence of current and identify that the system 2100 has been activated and that a desired event is occurring or has occurred.

In one aspect, the two dissimilar materials 2104, 2106 function similarly to two electrodes required for a direct current power source (e.g., a battery). The conductive liquid serves as the electrolyte needed to complete the power supply. The completed power source described is defined by the electrochemical reaction between the materials 2104, 2106 of the system 2100 and is enabled by body fluids. The completed power source can be viewed as a power source utilizing electrochemical conduction in ionic or conductive solutions (e.g., gastric fluid, blood or other body fluids and some tissues). Further, the environment may be something other than a body and the liquid may be any conductive liquid. For example, the conductive fluid may be a saline or metallic type paint.

In certain aspects, the additional layer of material shields the two dissimilar materials 2104, 2106 from the surrounding environment. Thus, when the shield is dissolved and the two dissimilar materials 2104, 2106 are exposed to the target site, a voltage potential is generated.

In certain aspects, the completed power source or power supply is a power source or power supply comprised of active electrode material, electrolyte, and inactive material (e.g., current collector, packaging material). The active material is any pair of materials having different electrochemical potentials. Suitable materials are not limited to metals, and in certain aspects the mating materials are selected from metals and non-metals, for example, a pair consisting of a metal (e.g., Mg) and a salt (e.g., cui). Any pair of substances (metal, salt or intercalation compound) with suitable different electrochemical potentials (voltages) and low interfacial resistance is suitable as active electrode material.

A variety of different materials may be used as the material forming the electrodes. In certain aspects, the electrode material is selected to provide a voltage sufficient to drive the identifier system upon contact with the target physiological site (e.g., stomach). In certain aspects, the voltage provided by the electrode material after contacting the metal of the power source with the target physiological site is 0.001V or more, including 0.01V or more (e.g., 0.1V or more, e.g., 0.3V or more), including 0.5 volts or more, and including 1.0 volts or more, wherein in certain aspects the voltage varies from about 0.001 volts to about 10 volts, e.g., from about 0.01V to about 10V.

Still referring to fig. 21, the dissimilar materials 2104, 2106 provide voltage potentials to activate the control device 2108. Once the control device 2108 is activated or powered up, the control device 2108 may change the electrical conductivity between the first material 2104 and the second material 2106 in a unique manner. By varying the electrical conductivity between the first material 2104 and the second material 2106, the control device 2108 is able to control the magnitude of the current through the electrically conductive liquid surrounding the system 2100. This will produce a unique current signature that can be detected and measured by a receiver (not shown), which may be located inside or outside the body. The receiver is disclosed in more detail in U.S. patent application serial No. 12/673,326 entitled "BODY-ASSOCIATED RECEIVER AND METHOD", filed on 15/12/2009 and published under number 2010-0312188a1, and published under the name of 2010-9/2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. IN addition to controlling the magnitude of the current path between the materials, the non-conductive material, film or "skirt" may also be used to increase the "length" of the current path and thus the conductive path, as disclosed IN U.S. patent application serial No. 12/238,345 entitled "IN-BODY device with vertical double wire SIGNAL AMPLIFICATION" filed on 25.9.2008, which is incorporated herein by reference IN its entirety. Alternatively, the terms "non-conductive material", "film", and "skirt" may be used interchangeably throughout this disclosure with the term "current path extender" without affecting the scope or aspects of the present invention and the claims herein. Skirts, shown in portions 2105, 2107, respectively, may be associated with frame 2102 (e.g., secured to frame 2102). Various shapes and configurations of the skirt are contemplated within the scope of the various aspects of the invention. For example, the system 2100 may be fully or partially surrounded by a skirt and may be a positioning skirt that is either centered along a central axis of the system 2100 or off-center relative to the central axis. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure as claimed herein is not limited by the shape or size of the skirt. Moreover, in other aspects, the dissimilar materials 2104, 2106 can be separated by a skirt located in any defined area between the dissimilar materials 2104, 2106.

The system 2100 may be grounded through ground contact. The system 720 may also include a sensor module. In operation, an ion or current path is established between the first material 2104 and the second material 2106 and is in contact with the system 2100 through the electrically conductive fluid. The voltage potential generated between the first material 2104 and the second material 2106 is generated by a chemical reaction between the first material 2104, the second material 2106 and an electrically conductive fluid. In one aspect, the surface of first material 2104 is not planar, but is an irregular surface. The irregular surface increases the surface area of the material and thus the area in contact with the conductive fluid.

In one aspect, there is an electrochemical reaction between the material 2104 and the surrounding electrically conductive fluid on the surface of the first material 2104 such that mass is released into the electrically conductive fluid. The term "mass" as used herein includes any ionic or non-ionic species that may be added to or removed from the electrically conductive fluid as part of the electrochemical reaction occurring on material 2104. One example includes the case where the material is CuCl and when in contact with a conductive fluid, the CuCl is converted to Cu metal (solid) and the Cl "is released into solution. Positive ions are ionized into the conductive fluid through the current path. The negative ions flow in the opposite direction. In a similar manner, there is an electrochemical reaction involving the second material 2106 that results in ions being released or removed from the conductive fluid. In this example, the release of negative ions at material 2104 and the release of positive ions by material 36 are correlated to each other by an electric current controlled by control apparatus 38. The reaction rate and hence the ion emittance or current is controlled by the control device 2108. The control device 2108 can increase or decrease the speed of ion flow by changing its internal conductivity (which changes the impedance), and thus the current and reaction rate at the materials 2104, 2106. By controlling the reaction rate, the system 2100 can encode information with the ion current. Thus, the system 2100 encodes information using ion emission or ion current.

The control device 2108 can vary the duration of the fixed ion exchange rate or current amplitude while keeping the rate or amplitude near constant, similar to when the frequency is modulated and the amplitude is constant. Further, the control device 2108 may vary the level of the ion exchange rate or the magnitude of the current while keeping the duration nearly constant. Thus, the control device 2108 encodes information with current or ion exchange using various combinations of varying duration and varying rate or amplitude. For example, the control device 2108 may use, but is not limited to, any of binary Phase Shift Keying (PSK), Frequency Modulation (FM), Amplitude Modulation (AM), on-off keying, and PSK with on-off keying.

Various aspects of the system 2100 may include electronic components as part of the control device 2108. Components that may be present include (but are not limited to): logic and/or memory elements, integrated circuits, inductors, resistors, and sensors for measuring various parameters. Each component may be fixed to the frame and/or to another component. The components on the support surface may be arranged in any convenient configuration. In case two or more components are present on the carrier surface, an interconnection may be provided.

The system 2100 controls conductivity between dissimilar materials and, thus, ion exchange rate or current. By varying the conductivity in a particular way, the system is able to encode information in both ion exchange and current signatures. Ion exchange or current signatures are used to uniquely identify a particular system. Further, the system 2100 is capable of generating a variety of different unique exchanges or signatures, and thus providing additional information. For example, a second current signature based on a second conductivity change pattern may be used to provide additional information, which may be related to the physical environment. To further illustrate, the first current signature may be a very low current state that can sustain an oscillator on the chip, and the second current signature may be a current state at least ten times higher than the current state associated with the first current signature.

Referring now to fig. 22, the system 2040 is shown in further detail in another aspect of the ingestible device. The system 2040 includes a frame 2042. In this aspect of the system 2040, a digestible or dissolvable material 2044 is deposited on a portion of one side of the frame 2042. Another digestible material 2046 is deposited on a different portion of the same side of the frame 2042 such that the materials 2044 and 2046 are different. More specifically, materials 2044 and 2046 are selected such that they form a voltage potential difference when in contact with a conductive liquid (e.g., a bodily fluid). Thus, when the system 2040 is in contact and/or partially in contact with a conductive liquid, a current path is formed through the conductive liquid between the material 2044 and the material 2046 (an example is shown in fig. 23). A control device 2048 is secured to the frame 2042 and electrically coupled to the materials 2044 and 2046. The control device 2048 includes electronic circuitry capable of controlling portions of the conductive path between the material 2044 and the material 2046. Materials 2044 and 2046 are separated by non-conductive skirt 2049. Various examples of skirt 2049 are disclosed in the following applications: U.S. provisional application No. 61/173,511 entitled "high sensitive adjustable insert EVENTMARKERS AND METHODS OF USING SAME" filed on 28.4.2009 and U.S. provisional application No. 61/173,564 entitled "adjustable insert EVENT MARKERS HAVING SIGNALAMPLIFIERS THAT compound AN ACTIVE AGENT" filed on 28.4.2009, and U.S. application No. 12/238,345 entitled "IN-BODY device with volume double insert SIGNAL amplifier" filed on 25.9.2008 and publication No. 2009 0082645; the entire disclosure of each application is incorporated herein by reference.

Once the control device 2048 is activated or powered, the control device 2048 can change the conductivity between the materials 2044 and 2046. Thus, the control device 2048 is capable of controlling the magnitude of the current through the electrically conductive liquid surrounding the system 2040. As indicated above with reference to system 2030, a unique current signature associated with system 2040 may be detected by a receiver (not shown) to indicate activation of system 2040. To increase the "length" of the current path, the skirt 2049 is sized. The longer the current path, the easier it may be for the receiver to detect the current.

Referring now to fig. 23, the system 2030 of fig. 21 is shown in an activated state and in contact with a conducting liquid. The system 2030 is grounded through a ground contact 2052. The system 2030 also includes a sensor module 2074, which is described in more detail with reference to fig. 24. An ion or current path 2050 is formed between the material 2034 and the material 2036 by a conductive body in contact with the system 2030. The voltage potential generated between material 2034 and material 2036 is generated by a chemical reaction between material 2034/2036 and the conductive fluid.

Fig. 23A shows an exploded view of the surface of material 2034. The surface of material 2034 is not planar, but is an irregular surface 2054 as shown. The irregular surface 2054 increases the surface area of the material and thus the area in contact with the conductive fluid.

In one aspect, there is a chemical reaction between the material 2034 and the surrounding conductive fluid on the surface of the material 2034 such that mass is released into the conductive fluid. The term "mass" as used herein refers to protons and neutrons that form a substance. One example includes the case where the material is CuCl and the CuCl becomes Cu (solid) and cl. Ion flow into the conductive fluid is depicted by ion path 2050. In a similar manner, there is a chemical reaction between the material 2036 and the surrounding conductive fluid and ions are trapped with the material 2036. The release of ions at the material 2034 and the capture of ions with the material 2036 are collectively referred to as ion exchange. The ion exchange rate and hence the ion emittance or ion flow is controlled by the control apparatus 2038. The control device 2038 may increase or decrease the rate of ion flow by changing the conductivity (which changes the impedance) between the material 2034 and the material 2036. By controlling ion exchange, system 2030 can encode information during ion exchange. Thus, system 2030 encodes information in ion exchange using ion emission.

Control device 2038 may vary the duration of the fixed ion exchange rate or current amplitude while keeping the rate or amplitude near constant, similar to when the frequency is modulated and the amplitude is constant. Further, the control device 2038 may change the level of the ion exchange rate or the magnitude of the current while keeping the duration close to constant. Thus, the control device 2038 encodes information with current or ion exchange using various combinations of varying durations and varying rates or amplitudes. For example, control device 2038 may use, but is not limited to, any of the techniques of binary Phase Shift Keying (PSK), frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, on-off keying, and PSK with on-off keying.

As indicated above, various aspects disclosed herein (e.g., systems 2100 and 2040 of fig. 21 and 22, respectively) include an electronic component as part of control device 2038 or control device 2048. Components that may be present include (but are not limited to): logic and/or memory elements, integrated circuits, inductors, resistors, and sensors for measuring various parameters. Each component may be fixed to the frame and/or to another component. The components on the support surface may be arranged in any convenient configuration. In case two or more components are present on the carrier surface, an interconnection may be provided.

As indicated above, the systems (e.g., systems 2100 and 2040) control conductivity between dissimilar materials, and thus control ion exchange rate or current. By varying the conductivity in a particular way, the system is able to encode information in both ion exchange and current signatures. Ion exchange or current signatures are used to uniquely identify a particular system. In addition, systems 2100 and 2040 can generate a variety of different unique exchanges or signatures, and thus provide additional information. For example, a second current signature based on a second conductivity change pattern may be used to provide additional information, which may be related to the physical environment. To further illustrate, the first current signature may be a very low current state that can sustain an oscillator on the chip, and the second current signature may be a current state at least ten times higher than the current state associated with the first current signature.

Referring now to fig. 24, a block diagram representation of the control apparatus 2038 is shown. The device 2030 includes a control module 2062, a counter or clock 2064, and a memory 2066. Further, device 2038 is shown to include a sensor module 2072 and sensor module 2074 referenced in fig. 23. The control module 2062 has an input 2068 electrically coupled to the material 2034 and an output 2070 electrically coupled to the material 2036. The control module 2062, the clock 2064, the memory 2066, and the sensor module 2072/2074 also have power inputs (some not shown). When the system 2030 is in contact with the conductive fluid, the power for each of these components is provided by the voltage potential generated by the chemical reaction between the materials 2034, 2036 and the conductive fluid. The control module 2062 controls the conductivity through the logic to thereby vary the overall impedance of the system 2030. The control module 2062 is electrically coupled to a clock 2064. The clock 2064 provides clock cycles to the control module 2062. Based on the programmed characteristics of the control module 2062, the control module 2062 changes the conductive characteristics between the material 2034 and the material 2036 when a certain number of clock cycles have elapsed. This cycle is repeated and the control device 2038 thereby generates a unique current signature characteristic. The control module 2062 is also electrically coupled to the memory 2066. Both the clock 2064 and the memory 2066 are powered by the voltage potential generated between the material 2034 and the material 2036. The control module 2062 is also electrically coupled to the sensor modules 2072 and 2074 and communicates with the sensor modules 2072 and 2074. In the illustrated aspect, the sensor module 2072 is part of the control device 2038 and the sensor module 2074 is a separate component. In alternative aspects, either one of the sensor modules 2072 and 2074 may be used without the other, and the scope of the invention is not limited by the structural or functional location of the sensor modules 2072 or 2074. Moreover, any components of system 2030 may be functionally or structurally moved, combined, or repositioned without limiting the scope of the claimed invention. Thus, it is possible to have a single structure (e.g., a processor) designed to perform the functions of all of the following modules: a control module 2062, a clock 2064, a memory 2066, and a sensor module 2072 or 2074. On the other hand, it is also within the scope of the present invention to have each of these functional components located in a separate structure that is electrically connected and capable of communication. Referring again to fig. 24, the sensor module 2072 or 2074 may include any of the following sensors: temperature, pressure, pH and conductivity. In one aspect, the sensor module 2072 or 2074 collects information from the environment and communicates analog information to the control module 2062. The control module then converts the analog information to digital information and encodes the digital information with the current or mass transfer rate that produces the ion stream. In another aspect, the sensor module 2072 or 2074 collects information from the environment and converts analog information to digital information, which is then communicated to the control module 2062. In the aspect shown in fig. 23, a sensor module 2074 is shown electrically coupled to the materials 2034 and 2036 and the control device 2038. On the other hand, as shown in fig. 24, the sensor module 2074 is electrically coupled to the control device, and the connection part serves as a power supply source of the sensor module 2074 and a communication channel between the sensor module 2074 and the control device 2038. Referring now to fig. 23B, the system 2030 includes a pH sensor module 2076 connected to the material 2039, with the material 2039 selected according to the particular type of sensing function being performed. The pH sensor module 2076 is also connected to the control device 2038. Material 2039 is electrically isolated from material 2034 by a non-conductive barrier 2055. In one aspect, the material 2039 is platinum. In operation, the pH sensor module 2076 uses the voltage potential difference between the materials 2034/2036. The pH sensor module 2076 measures the voltage potential difference between the material 2034 and the material 2039 and records this value for later comparison. The pH sensor module 2076 also measures the voltage potential difference between the material 2039 and the material 2036 and records this value for later comparison. The pH sensor module 2076 uses the voltage potential values to calculate the pH value of the surrounding environment. The pH sensor module 2076 provides this information to the control device 2038. Control device 2038 varies the mass transfer rate and current that produces the ion transfer to encode information related to pH in the ion transfer that can be detected by a receiver (not shown). Accordingly, system 2030 can determine information related to pH and provide the information to a source external to the environment. As indicated above, the control device 2038 may be preprogrammed to output a predefined current signature. In another aspect, the system may include a receiver system that may receive programming information when the system is activated. In another aspect, not shown, the converter 2064 and the memory 2066 may be combined into one device. In addition to the components described above, the system 2030 may also include one or other electronic components. Electrical components of interest include (but are not limited to): additional logic and/or storage elements, e.g., in the form of integrated circuits; a power conditioning device, such as a battery, fuel cell or capacitor; sensors, actuators, etc.; signal transmission elements, for example in the form of antennas, electrodes, coils, etc.; passive components such as inductors, resistors, etc. It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity, although plug/jack connection configurations have been disclosed herein, other suitable connection configurations are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. Such other connection configurations include, but are not limited to, any electrical connector that is an electromechanical device that uses a mechanically configured interface circuit as an interface. The connection may be temporary, requiring tools for deployment and removal for portable equipment, or acting as a permanent electrical joint between two wires or devices. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are hundreds or thousands of types of electrical connectors used to engage two lengths of flexible wires or cables, or to connect wires or cables or optical interfaces to electrical terminals. In the context of the present disclosure, an electrical connector may also be referred to as a physical interface. Such connectors include (but are not limited to): plug and socket, audio/video, docking posts, keyed and un-keyed, locked and unlocked, modular multi-contact plugs and jacks commonly used for ethernet/Cat 5 applications, class D micro connectors, data ports, USB, RF, Direct Current (DC), hybrids, and other suitable connection mechanisms.

It will also be appreciated that various generic objects have been modified to include electrodes to receive unique current signatures generated by IEM devices, as described in the present disclosure. Such generic objects include a headset with earplugs 108 as shown in fig. 1-4, a mobile device 800 as shown in fig. 8-10, a mobile device packaging configuration 1102 as shown in fig. 11-13, glasses 1504, 1608 as shown in fig. 15-16, a visor cap as shown in fig. 17, a helmet 1808 as shown in fig. 18, hearing aids 1904R, 1904L as shown in fig. 19, and a chair 2008 as shown in fig. 20. However, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited in this context, and it is contemplated that any suitable generic object may be modified to include a set of electrodes to carry the unique current signal generated by the IEM device when the patient holds the object and comes into physical contact with the electrodes after ingestion of the IEM and associated medication. For example, other common objects that may be modified to incorporate electrodes include (but are not limited to): ear muffs, hats, cups, eating utensils (chopsticks, knives, spoons, forks), remote control device entertainment systems (televisions, stereos, DVD players), portable media players (apple ipods, MP3 devices), computer keyboards, computer mice, table tops, drug containers (drug bottles, vitamin bottles, inhalable metering units), cardboard packaging for drug containers, headbands, hair bands, motorcycle helmets, goggles, ski goggles, coffee cups, toothbrushes, crutches, walkers, wristbands, belts, suspenders, medical warning bracelets, steering wheels for vehicles (cars, trucks), keys for house keys, keys for vehicles (cars, trucks), musical instruments (keyboards, saxophones), laptops, ipads for apples or other tablet computers, electronic book readers (amazon Kindle), purses, purse handles, pocket keys, and other tablet computers, electronic book readers (amazon, Kindle), Gloves, mittens, business card holders, thimbles, pulse oximeters, salt and pepper bottles, carafes for beverages (milk, wine), bottles or cans for beverages (soda, juice, water) teeth, electronic scales, thermometers, stuffed toys (particularly for children), training equipment (elliptical machines, dumbbells, weightlifts, exercise balls, stationary bicycles), digital cameras (cameras for static or dynamic images), board games (spelling games, the world wide man, chess), digital recording devices, recorders, and others.

It will also be appreciated that mobile devices including image capture devices (e.g., digital cameras) may be used to capture images of IEM devices, medications, medication containers, and others, as described in this disclosure. Once captured, the image can be used to verify that the patient took the medication, the medication itself, the expiration date on the package, and other information. The digitally captured images may be stored, compressed, transmitted over local area networks and wide area networks (e.g., the internet), and the like.

It is worthy to note that any reference to "one aspect" or "an aspect" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one aspect" or "in an aspect" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used to describe some aspects. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some aspects may be described using the term "connected" to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. In another example, some aspects may be described using the term "coupled" to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term "coupled," however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. Notwithstanding the claims, the invention is also defined by the following clauses:

1. a mobile device for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker, the mobile device comprising:

a detection subsystem for receiving an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker from a detection configuration, preferably wherein the detection subsystem comprises an electrode input circuit for receiving the electrical signal from the detection configuration,

a processing subsystem coupled to the detection subsystem to decode the electrical signal; and

a radio subsystem configured to transmit the decoded electrical signal to a wireless node.

2. The mobile device of clause 1, comprising one or more of the following:

a connector for receiving a plug coupled to the detection arrangement,

a housing, wherein the detection arrangement is integrated with the housing,

an application software program comprising a series of computer-executable instructions executable by a processing system, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processing subsystem, cause the radio subsystem to initiate communication with the wireless node.

3. The mobile device of clause 1 or 2, wherein the detection subsystem comprises an electrode input circuit for receiving the electrical signal from the detection configuration.

4. The mobile device of any of the preceding clauses further comprising a connector coupled to the electrode input circuit, and the detection arrangement comprises a plug to be received in the connector.

5. A system for detecting an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker, the system comprising:

the mobile device of any of the preceding clauses, and

a detection configuration coupled to the mobile device.

6. The system of clause 5, which includes a cover for receiving the mobile device, wherein the detection subsystem is located in an enclosed configuration.

7. The system of clauses 5 or 6, wherein the processing subsystem is located in the cover.

8. The system of clauses 6 or 7, wherein the cover includes a connector coupled to the detection subsystem of a process to receive the processing subsystem of the mobile device.

9. The system of any of clauses 5-8, wherein the detection configuration comprises:

at least one electrode coupled to a living body; and

a plug having a first end wiredly coupled to the at least one electrode and a second end wiredly coupled to a connector of the mobile device to wiredly connect the at least one electrode to the detection subsystem of the mobile device.

10. The system of any of clauses 5-8, wherein the detection configuration comprises:

at least one electrode coupled to a living body;

a detection circuit module coupled to the at least one electrode; and

an antenna coupled to the detection circuit module.

11. The system of clause 10, wherein the detection arrangement is wirelessly coupled to the mobile device.

12. The system of any of clauses 5-11, wherein the detection arrangement is located in an object, preferably the object is selected from the group consisting essentially of: headphones with earplugs, mobile devices, mobile device covers, glasses, sun visors, and helmets.

13. The system of any of the preceding clauses 5-12, further comprising an ingestible event marker.

15. A method for processing an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker, the method comprising:

receiving, at a mobile device, an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker, the mobile device preferably as described in any of preceding clauses 1-4;

decoding the electrical signal received by the mobile device to extract information associated with the ingestible event marker; and transmitting the information to the wireless node.

16. The method of clause 15, further comprising transmitting the information to a remote node.

17. Use of a mobile device and/or system as in any of the preceding clauses 1-4, 5-13, respectively, for detecting an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker.

While certain features of the aspects are illustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the aspects.

Claims (20)

1. A mobile device for detecting electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker, the mobile device comprising:

a detection subsystem for receiving the electrical signal generated by the ingestible event marker from the detection configuration;

a processing subsystem coupled to the detection subsystem to decode the electrical signal; and

a radio subsystem configured to transmit the decoded electrical signal to a wireless node.

2. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the detection subsystem comprises an electrode input circuit for receiving the electrical signal from the detection configuration.

3. The mobile device of claim 1, comprising a connector for receiving a plug coupled to the detection arrangement.

4. The mobile device of claim 1, comprising a housing, wherein the detection arrangement is integrated with the housing.

5. The mobile device of claim 1, comprising an application software program comprising a series of computer-executable instructions executable by the processing system, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processing subsystem, cause the radio subsystem to initiate communication with the wireless node.

6. A system for detecting an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker, the system comprising:

a mobile device;

a detection configuration coupled to the mobile device;

a detection subsystem for receiving electrical signals generated by an ingestible event marker from the detection configuration;

a processing subsystem coupled to the detection subsystem to decode the electrical signal; and

a radio subsystem configured to transmit the decoded electrical signal to a wireless node.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the detection subsystem comprises an electrode input circuit for receiving the electrical signal from the detection arrangement.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the mobile device includes a connector coupled to the electrode input circuit, and the detection arrangement includes a plug to be received in the connector.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the mobile device comprises a housing, and wherein the detection arrangement is integrated with the housing.

10. The system of claim 6, comprising an application software program comprising a series of computer-executable instructions executable by the processing system, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processing subsystem, cause the radio subsystem to initiate communication with the wireless node.

11. The system of claim 6, comprising a cover for receiving the mobile device, wherein the detection subsystem is located in an enclosed configuration.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the processing subsystem is located in the cover.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the cover includes a connector coupled to the detection subsystem of a process to receive the processing subsystem of the mobile device.

14. The system of claim 6, wherein the detection configuration comprises:

at least one electrode coupled to a living body; and

a plug having a first end wiredly coupled to the at least one electrode and a second end wiredly coupled to a connector of the mobile device to wiredly connect the at least one electrode to the detection subsystem of the mobile device.

15. The system of claim 6, wherein the detection configuration comprises:

at least one electrode coupled to a living body;

a detection circuit module coupled to the at least one electrode; and

an antenna coupled to the detection circuit module.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the detection arrangement is wirelessly coupled to the mobile device.

17. The system of claim 6, wherein the detection arrangement is located in a suitable generic object.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the generic object is selected from the group consisting essentially of: headphones with earplugs, mobile devices, mobile device covers, glasses, sun visors, and helmets.

19. A method for processing an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker, the method comprising:

receiving, at a mobile device, an electrical signal generated by an ingestible event marker;

decoding the electrical signal received by the mobile device to extract information associated with the ingestible event marker; and

transmitting the information to a wireless node.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising transmitting the information to a remote node.