UWB geolocation of implanted devices using medical images

Wireless communication devices in the field of medical implant, such as cardiac pacemakers, capsule endoscopes and micro or nano size of implant robots, have been studied and developed to improve healthcare systems. Especially it is very important to know the range and position of each device. Because it is useful and important for accurate sensing and controlling medical robot for a drug delivery system and a remote medical treatment system. We adopt the time-based approach of position estimation UWB signals. Position estimation methods using the propagation velocity inside human body have been proposed. However, the estimate position is mistaken when propagation velocity is not correctly calculated. In this paper, we proposed a system to estimate the position of medical implant device using slice photographs taken by CT or MRI systems as a map in addition to the estimation of propagation velocity. The compensation becomes possible by image information when the estimated position is an area where the device doesn´t exist (ex: capsule endoscopes must be in the digestive system) and is calculated. This is similar to a car navigation system. We compared our proposed method to the method of estimating propagation velocity and showed the utility.