Multi-mode communication ingestible event markers and systems, and methods of using the same
Aspects of the invention include multi-mode communication ingestible event marker devices. Ingestible event marker devices of the invention include an ingestible component comprising a conductive communication module and at least one additional non-conductive communication module. The non-conductive communication module may be integrated with the ingestible component or at least a portion or all of the non-conductive communication module may be associated with a packaging component of the ingestible event marker device. Additional aspects of the invention include systems that include the devices and one or more receivers, as well as methods of using the same.
1. A device, comprising:
an ingestible component comprising an integrated circuit comprising a first communication module, wherein the first communication module is a conductive communication module configured to emit a first signal, wherein the first signal is a near field conductive signal communicated through an electrically conductive medium; and
at least a portion of a second communication module configured to emit a second signal.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the second communication module is a non-conductive communication module.
3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the second communication module comprises a non-conductive transmitter.
4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the non-conductive transmitter is associated with the ingestible component.
5. The device of claim 3 , wherein the non-conductive transmitter is associated with a packaging component of the device.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the second signal is other than a near field conductive signal communicated via a conductive communication protocol utilizing an electrically conductive medium.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the ingestible component comprises a power source.
8. The device of claim 7 , wherein the power source comprises a pair of electrodes fabricated from dissimilar materials.
9. The device of claim 1 , comprising a second power source electrically coupled to the second communication module.
10. The device of claim 9 , wherein the second power source comprises a coil.
11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the ingestible component comprises the second communication module.
12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the second communication module is electrically coupled to the ingestible component integrated circuit.
13. The device of claim 2 , wherein the ingestible component integrated circuit, the first communication module, and at least a portion of the second communication module are integrated into an identifier component.
14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the second communication module is electrically coupled to a second integrated circuit that is distinct from the ingestible component integrated circuit.
15. The device of claim 14 , wherein the second integrated circuit and ingestible component integrated circuit are configured to communicate with each other.
16. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the second communication module is configured to be separable from the ingestible component in a manner that does not compromise the function of the conductive communication module.
17. The device of claim 1 , wherein the ingestible component comprises an active pharmaceutical agent.
18. The device of claim 1 , wherein the ingestible component comprises a physiologically acceptable vehicle.
19. The device of claim 18 , wherein the physiologically acceptable vehicle is configured as a tablet or capsule.
20. A system comprising:
an ingestible component comprising an integrated circuit comprising a first communication module, wherein the first communication module is a conductive communication module configured to emit a first signal, wherein the first signal is a near field conductive signal communicated through an electrically conductive medium;
at least a portion of a second communication module configured to emit a second signal; and
a receiver, wherein the receiver, the first communication module, and the second communication module are configured to transmit information between the receiver and at least one of the first or second communication module.
21. The system of claim 20 , wherein the receiver comprises a radio-frequency reader.
22. The system of claim 20 , wherein the receiver is configured transmit information to the second communication module.
23. The system of claim 20 , wherein the receiver is associated with a sorter.
24. The system of claim 20 , wherein the receiver is associated with an encoder.
25. The system of claim 20 , wherein the first signal comprises non-physiologic data.
26. The system of claim 25 , wherein the receiver is configured to be removably attached to a living being.
27. The system of claim 26 , wherein the receiver comprises an adhesive component.
28. The system of claim 20 , wherein the receiver is an implantable receiver.
29. The system of claim 20 , wherein the receiver is configured as an electrical stimulation device.
30. The system of claim 20 , wherein the second communication module is a non-conductive communication module.
31. The system of claim 30 , wherein the second communication module comprises a non-conductive transmitter.
32. The system of claim 31 , wherein the non-conductive transmitter is associated with the ingestible component.
33. The system of claim 31 , wherein the non-conductive transmitter is associated with a packaging component of the device.
34. The system of claim 20 , wherein the second signal is other than a near field conductive signal communicated via a conductive communication protocol utilizing an electrically conductive medium.