Wideband characterization of RF propagation for TOA localization of Wireless video Capsule Endoscope inside small intestine

Localization of Wireless Capsule Endoscope (WCE) inside the small intestine is a very challenging problem, which is very important for the diagnosis of certain diseases. Previous studies have shown that Time-of-Arrival (TOA) localization can be more effective than Received Signal Strength (RSS) based localization. Performance evaluation of TOA-based localization techniques for WCE requires understanding of wideband RF propagation characteristics from the internals of small intestines. Since these measurements are difficult, we need to resort to simulation techniques and validating the results of simulations with empirical measurements. In this paper, we first validate the measurements of wideband characteristics of RF signals pertinent to TOA in homogeneous tissues using a SEMCAD X simulation software platform. Then we use the software for simulation of TOA from inside the human body and the small intestine. Finally, we analyze and assess TOA techniques regarding the nonhomogeneous environment inside the human body.