Conversion Middleware

Abstract

The present application discloses a conversion middleware, which is applied to an endoscope system. The endoscope system includes an image sensor and a controller. The interface definition and the number of pins of the image sensor and the controller are different. One side of the conversion middleware has at least one first composite pin and at least two first independent pins, and the other side of the conversion middleware has at least one second composite pin and at least two second independent pins; one end of the first composite pin is electrically connected to the controller, the other end of the first composite pin is electrically connected to one end of at least two second independent pins, the other end of the second independent pin is electrically connected to the image sensor, one end of the second composite pin is electrically connected to the image sensor, the other end of the second composite pin is electrically connected to one end of at least two first independent pins, and the other end of the first independent pin is electrically connected to the controller. The present application can realize the connection and communication between an image sensor and a controller with similar transmission protocols but different interface definitions and pin numbers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to but is not limited to the technical field of circuit connectors, and in particular to a conversion middleware. Background Art

[0002] Usually, the sensor and controller in the endoscope system are separated. The sensor is placed at the head end of the endoscope tube and can enter the patient's body to collect data; while the controller is placed together with the development equipment and placed near the doctor for real-time observation through the screen. The advantages of designing the sensor and controller separately are as follows:

[0003] 1. Clear functional division: Separating sensors and controllers can more clearly divide system functions and facilitate modular design and development.

[0004] 2. Easy to replace and upgrade: Especially suitable for disposable endoscope sensors. As long as the interface definitions of the controller and sensor are consistent, one controller can be used with unlimited endoscopes.

[0005] Although this modular design makes it possible to select different types of sensors and controllers to work together, in reality, due to the inconsistency of the number of pins, interface definition, etc., the number of different types of sensors and controllers that can be combined together is limited. Summary of the invention

[0006] The embodiment of the present application provides a conversion middleware that can realize the connection and communication between an image sensor and a controller that have similar transmission protocols but different interface definitions and pin numbers due to different signal multiplexing methods.

[0007] An embodiment of the present application provides a conversion middleware, which is applied to an endoscope system. The endoscope system includes an image sensor and a controller, and the image sensor and the controller have different interface definitions and pin numbers due to different signal multiplexing methods. One side of the conversion middleware has at least one first composite pin and at least two first independent pins, and the other side of the conversion middleware has at least one second composite pin and at least two second independent pins; one end of the first composite pin is electrically connected to the controller, the other end of the first composite pin is electrically connected to one end of at least two of the second independent pins, the other end of the second independent pin is electrically connected to the image sensor, one end of the second composite pin is electrically connected to the image sensor, the other end of the second composite pin is electrically connected to one end of at least two of the first independent pins, and the other end of the first independent pin is electrically connected to the controller.

[0008] In some embodiments, one side of the conversion middleware also has a first power pin, and the other side of the conversion middleware has a second power pin, one end of the first power pin is electrically connected to the power pin of the controller, the other end of the first power pin is electrically connected to one end of the second power pin, and the other end of the second power pin is electrically connected to the power pin of the image sensor.

[0009] In some embodiments, one side of the conversion middleware also has a first ground pin, and the other side of the conversion middleware has a second ground pin, one end of the first ground pin is electrically connected to the ground pin of the controller, the other end of the first ground pin is electrically connected to one end of the second ground pin, and the other end of the second ground pin is electrically connected to the ground pin of the image sensor.

[0010] In some embodiments, a first buffer is disposed between the first composite pin and the second independent pin, and a second buffer is disposed between the second composite pin and the first independent pin.

[0011] In some embodiments, the number of the second independent pins is two, namely the first pin and the second pin, the number of the first composite pin is one, the output end of the first pin is electrically connected to the first composite pin through the first buffer, and the input end of the second pin is electrically connected to the first composite pin through a first voltage identification switch circuit.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first voltage identification switch circuit includes:

[0013] A first comparator, wherein a positive input terminal of the first comparator is connected to a reference voltage, and a negative input terminal of the first comparator is electrically connected to the first composite pin;

[0014] a first analog switch, wherein an input terminal of the first analog switch is electrically connected to the first composite pin, and a controlled terminal of the first analog switch is electrically connected to an output terminal of the first comparator;

[0015] A third buffer, wherein the positive input terminal of the third buffer is electrically connected to the output terminal of the first analog switch, the reverse input terminal of the third buffer is electrically connected to the output terminal of the third buffer, and the output terminal of the third buffer is electrically connected to the input terminal of the second pin.

[0016] In some embodiments, the number of the first independent pins is two, namely the third pin and the fourth pin, the number of the second composite pin is one, the output end of the third pin is electrically connected to the second composite pin through the second buffer, and the input end of the fourth pin is electrically connected to the second composite pin through a second voltage identification switch circuit.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second voltage identification switch circuit includes:

[0018] A second comparator, wherein a positive input terminal of the second comparator is connected to a reference voltage, and a negative input terminal of the second comparator is electrically connected to the second composite pin;

[0019] an inverter, an input terminal of the inverter being electrically connected to an output terminal of the second comparator;

[0020] a second analog switch, wherein an input terminal of the second analog switch is electrically connected to the second composite pin, and a controlled terminal of the second analog switch is electrically connected to an output terminal of the inverter;

[0021] A fourth buffer, wherein the positive input terminal of the fourth buffer is electrically connected to the output terminal of the second analog switch, the reverse input terminal of the fourth buffer is electrically connected to the output terminal of the fourth buffer, and the output terminal of the fourth buffer is electrically connected to the input terminal of the fourth pin.

[0022] In some embodiments, the conversion middleware includes a circuit board, which is disposed at the head of the endoscope channel, one side of the conversion middleware is connected to the controller via a transmission line, and the other side of the conversion middleware is electrically connected to the image sensor.

[0023] In some embodiments, the conversion middleware includes a circuit board, which is disposed at the tail end of the endoscope tube, one side of the conversion middleware is connected to the controller, and the other side of the conversion middleware is electrically connected to the image sensor via a transmission line.

[0024] The conversion middleware of the embodiment of the present application has at least the following beneficial effects: the first composite pin can receive the signal sent by the multiplexed pin of the controller, and send it to the corresponding second independent pin, and then send it to the image sensor through the second independent pin, or the signal sent by the image sensor is sent to the first composite pin through the second independent pin, and then sent to the controller by the first composite pin; the second composite pin can receive the signal sent by the multiplexed pin of the image sensor, and send it to the corresponding first independent pin, and then send it to the controller through the first independent pin, or the signal sent by the controller is sent to the second composite pin through the first independent pin, and then sent to the image sensor by the second composite pin. The conversion middleware can realize the connection and communication between the image sensor and the controller with similar transmission protocols but incompatible interface definitions and pin numbers, thereby increasing the types of image sensors supported by the controller, which is conducive to reducing procurement and maintenance costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1It is a connection diagram of an image sensor and a controller in the prior art;

[0026] Figure 2 It is another connection diagram of an image sensor and a controller in the prior art;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the conversion middleware provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the interconnection between the conversion middleware, the image sensor, and the controller provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of interconnection between a conversion middleware, an image sensor, and a controller provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a connection diagram of some pins of the conversion middleware provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a first voltage identification switch circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a timing diagram of some pins of the conversion middleware provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Fig. 9 This is a connection diagram of some pins of a conversion middleware provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the conversion middleware provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of setting the conversion middleware provided in another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0037] It is understood that although the functional modules are divided in the device schematic diagram and the logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order than the module division in the device or the order in the flowchart. The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification, claims or the above drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0038] Due to the inconsistent interface definitions between image sensors and controllers of different models, different models of controllers and image sensors cannot communicate normally in most cases. In this case, medical institutions can only use the corresponding image sensor when using an endoscope system that includes a specific model of controller, which is not conducive to improving system performance conveniently and quickly.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the signals that need to be transmitted between the image sensor and the controller are similar, including the following:

[0040] Photosensitive data signal: This is the photosensitive data signal output by the image sensor after converting the light signal into an electrical signal, which contains information such as the brightness and color of the image. The digital interface form transmits the digital form of the photosensitive data signal, and the analog interface form transmits the analog form of the photosensitive data signal.

[0041] Status data signal: refers to some data that describes the photosensitivity data, including exposure time, gain and other parameters of the pixel when it is sensitive to light.

[0042] Synchronization signal: includes horizontal synchronization signal, vertical synchronization signal, etc., which are used to control the output and refresh of image data video signal.

[0043] Clock signal: Provides the clock signal required for the image sensor to operate and is used to control the sampling and output of image data.

[0044] Control signal: used to control various operating modes of the image sensor, such as exposure time, gain, etc.

[0045] Power signal: The controller provides the necessary power supply to the image sensor.

[0046] Together with the required common ground connection between the image sensor and the controller, seven electrical signal connection lines are required between the two.

[0047] But in fact, in order to minimize the size of the image sensor, endoscope image sensor chip design manufacturers generally refer to the received control signal and clock signal inside the image sensor, actively generate synchronization timing signals through strict timing control to eliminate the synchronization signal pins, and use signal multiplexing methods to reduce the total number of image sensor pins, thereby reducing the size of the image sensor.

[0048] The gaps between data frames can be used to transmit control signals, and the header of the data frame can be used to transmit the status data of the image sensor, so in a time-division multiplexing manner: the photosensitive data and the status signal multiplex one pin (such as Figure 2As shown in the figure), or the photosensitive data and control signal multiplex one pin, or the photosensitive data, control signal and sensor status data multiplex the same pin, both of which can achieve normal image acquisition function with a reduced number of pins.

[0049] In addition, the clock signal can be multiplexed with the control signal. The image sensor relies on the built-in clock synchronization algorithm to maintain normal synchronization with the controller when the clock signal is not received. This multiplexing can also achieve normal image acquisition function with a reduced number of pins.

[0050] The multiplexing of different signal combinations will lead to inconsistent interfaces; if the interfaces between the image sensor and the controller are inconsistent, normal communication will not be possible.

[0051] Generally speaking, image sensors can reuse the same pin to transmit different signals, which requires the comprehensive use of multiple technologies such as clock synchronization, transmission protocol, time division multiple access, etc. If the photosensitive data is transmitted as a digital signal, different encodings will be used to distinguish control signals, status data and pixel photosensitive data; if the photosensitive data is transmitted as an analog signal, different levels may be used to further distinguish control signals, status data and pixel photosensitive data.

[0052] This article is aimed at image sensor acquisition systems where the transmission protocols between image sensors and controllers are similar, but the interface definitions and pin numbers are different due to different signal multiplexing methods. The controllers and sensors between these two systems cannot communicate directly. For example, if a medical institution has purchased an endoscope system with a controller that uses an image sensor with n pins, it cannot communicate normally with another lower-cost, higher-performance image sensor with m pins that has a similar transmission protocol but a different signal multiplexing method (m≠n), and they cannot work together normally.

[0053] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a conversion middleware, which is applied to an endoscope system, wherein the endoscope system includes an image sensor and a controller, and the image sensor has a similar transmission protocol to the controller, but the interface definition and the number of pins are different due to different signal multiplexing methods. One side of the conversion middleware has at least one first composite pin and at least two first independent pins, and the other side of the conversion middleware has at least one second composite pin and at least two second independent pins; one end of the first composite pin is electrically connected to the multiplexed pin corresponding to the controller, the other end of the first composite pin is electrically connected to one end of at least two second independent pins, the single signal pin of the image sensor is electrically connected to the other end of the corresponding second independent pin, one end of the second composite pin is electrically connected to the multiplexed pin corresponding to the image sensor, the other end of the second composite pin is electrically connected to one end of at least two first independent pins, and the single signal pin of the image sensor is electrically connected to the other end of the corresponding second independent pin. According to the solution provided in the embodiment of the present application, through the interface conversion of the conversion middleware, a type of image sensors and controllers with similar transmission protocols but different interface definitions and pin numbers due to different signal multiplexing methods can communicate normally, thereby increasing the types of image sensors supported by the controller, and further increasing the options for end users, making it easier for them to reduce costs or improve usage experience.

[0054] The embodiments of the present application are further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0055] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The embodiment of the present application provides a conversion middleware 100, which is applied to an endoscope system. The endoscope system includes an image sensor 200 and a controller 300. The image sensor 200 and the controller 300 have similar transmission protocols, but different interface definitions and pin numbers due to different signal multiplexing methods. One side of the conversion middleware 100 has at least one first composite pin (such as Figure 3 A_12 shown) and at least two first independent pins (such as Figure 3 B_1 and B_2 shown in FIG. 1 ), the other side of the conversion middleware 100 has at least one second composite pin (such as Figure 3 B_12 shown) and at least two second independent pins (such as Figure 3A_1 and A_2 shown); one end of the first composite pin is electrically connected to the controller 300, the other end of the first composite pin is electrically connected to one end of at least two second independent pins, the other end of the second independent pin is electrically connected to the image sensor 200, one end of the second composite pin is electrically connected to the image sensor 200, the other end of the second composite pin is electrically connected to one end of at least two first independent pins, and the other end of the second independent pin is electrically connected to the image sensor 200.

[0056] Specifically, in this example, the first composite pin is used to send the signal sent by the controller 300 to the corresponding second independent pin, and then send it to the image sensor 200 through the second independent pin, or the signal sent by the image sensor 200 is sent to the first composite pin through the second independent pin, and then sent to the controller 300 by the first composite pin. The second composite pin is used to send the signal sent by the image sensor 200 to the corresponding first independent pin, and then send it to the controller 300 through the first independent pin, or the signal sent by the controller 300 is sent to the second composite pin through the first independent pin, and then sent to the image sensor 200 by the second composite pin.

[0057] by Figure 4 Taking the endoscope image acquisition system shown in FIG. 1 as an example, in this example, the SIG2 signal of the image sensor 200 is input to the conversion middleware 100 from the SIG2 pin of the image sensor 200 via the second independent pin A_1 of the conversion middleware 100, and then transmitted from the first composite pin A_12 to the SIG1 / SIG2 pin of the controller 300 with different interface definitions and pin numbers; the SIG1 signal is also output from the SIG1 / SIG2 pin of the controller 300, enters the conversion middleware 100 via A_12 of the conversion middleware 100, and then output from the second independent pin A_2 of the conversion middleware 100 to the SIG1 pin of the image sensor 200. It can be seen that the conversion middleware 100 of this embodiment can be used to realize the connection and communication between the controller 300 and the image sensor 200 with different interface definitions and pin numbers.

[0058] by Figure 5Taking the endoscope image acquisition system shown in FIG. 1 as an example, in this example, the SIG6 pin of the controller 300 is connected to the first independent pin B_1, and the SIG6 signal of the controller 300 is input to the conversion middleware 100 through B_1, and then output from the second composite pin B_12 of the conversion middleware 100 to the SIG6 pin of the image sensor 200. Since the SIG6 pin of the image sensor 200 is not a multiplexed pin, the first independent pin B_2 does not need to be connected to the controller 300. The SIG5 signal of the image sensor 200 is input from the SIG5 pin of the image sensor 200 to the conversion middleware 100 via the second independent pin A_1 of the conversion middleware 100, and then transmitted from the first composite pin A_12 to the SIG4 / SIG5 pin of the controller 300; the SIG4 signal is output from the SIG4 / SIG5 pin of the controller 300, enters the conversion middleware 100 via the first composite pin A_12 of the conversion middleware 100, and then output from the second independent pin A_2 of the conversion middleware 100 to the SIG4 pin of the image sensor 200. It can be seen that the conversion middleware 100 of this embodiment can be used to realize the connection and communication between the image sensor 200 and the controller 300 with different interface definitions and pin numbers.

[0059] It should be noted that Figure 4 and Figure 5 The two endoscope systems shown are only exemplary and not limiting to the conversion middleware 100 of the present application. The design concept of the conversion middleware 100 is applicable to any n≠m, when the n-pin image sensor is connected to the m-pin controller. At the same time, the pins starting with A and B in the conversion middleware can be connected to either the controller 300 or the image sensor 200, as long as the logic of the composite signal is correct. The A_12 pin can transmit a mixed signal of A_1 and A_2; the B_12 pin can transmit a mixed signal of B_1 and B_2.

[0060] in addition, Figure 4 and Figure 5 SIG1, SIG2 to SIG6 refer to any signals that need to be transmitted between the controller and the image sensor to achieve normal image acquisition functions, including but not limited to clock, image data, control signals, etc.

[0061] It should be noted that the image sensor 200 and the controller 300 that can be compatible with the conversion middleware 100 for communication must have the following features:

[0062] 1. The transmission protocols are similar, including the same definition and encoding method of the transmitted data, the same definition of synchronization timing, control signals and status data, and similar working clock frequencies;

[0063] 2. When the same pin is multiplexed to transmit different signals (such as control, status data, photosensitive data, clock), the multiplexing method is time-division multiplexing, and the transmission timing of the composite signal is consistent;

[0064] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, one side of the conversion middleware 100 also has a first power pin VDD_0, and the other side of the conversion middleware 100 has a second power pin VDD_1, one end of the first power pin VDD_0 is electrically connected to the power pin VDD of the controller 300, the other end of the first power pin VDD_0 is electrically connected to one end of the second power pin VDD_1, and the other end of the second power pin VDD_1 is electrically connected to the power pin VDD of the image sensor 200. The controller 300 supplies power to the conversion middleware 100 through VDD_0, and the conversion middleware 100 supplies power to the image sensor 200 through VDD_1.

[0065] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, one side of the conversion middleware 100 also has a first ground pin VSS_0, and the other side of the conversion middleware 100 has a second ground pin VSS_1, one end of the first ground pin VSS_0 is electrically connected to the ground pin GND of the controller 300, the other end of the first ground pin VSS_0 is electrically connected to one end of the second ground pin VSS_1, and the other end of the second ground pin VSS_1 is electrically connected to the ground pin GND of the image sensor 200. The controller 300 and the image sensor 200 are grounded together through VSS_0 and VSS_1 of the conversion middleware.

[0066] like Figure 6 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, a first buffer U11 / U12 is provided between the first composite pin A_12 and the second independent pin A_1 / A_2, and a second buffer U21 / U22 is provided between the second composite pin B_12 and the first independent pin B_1 / B_2. Among them, the positive input terminal of U11 is electrically connected to A_1, the reverse input terminal of U11 is electrically connected to the output terminal, and the output terminal of U11 is electrically connected to A_12; the positive input terminal of U12 is electrically connected to the output terminal of U11, the reverse input terminal of U12 is electrically connected to the output terminal, and the output terminal of U12 is electrically connected to A_2. The positive input terminal of U21 is electrically connected to B_1, the reverse input terminal of U21 is electrically connected to the output terminal, and the output terminal of U21 is electrically connected to B_12; the positive input terminal of U22 is electrically connected to the output terminal of U21, the reverse input terminal of U22 is electrically connected to the output terminal, and the output terminal of U22 is electrically connected to B_2.

[0067] Different endoscope applications have different requirements for the length of the endoscope line. The longer the required endoscope signal line length, the higher the driving capability of the corresponding signal is required. The voltage buffer (first buffer and second buffer) in the conversion middleware 100 has a very high input impedance and a very low output impedance. The high input impedance means that the conversion middleware 100 has a very small load on the previous stage circuit and has almost no effect on the output of the previous stage circuit; and the low output impedance means that the conversion middleware 100 can provide sufficient current for the load and quickly charge and discharge the load capacitor. In this way, the impact of the load on the signal (such as the clock) is greatly reduced, and the driving capability of the signal is enhanced.

[0068] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, since the voltage buffer has a reverse isolation function, the signals at the A_12 and B_12 terminals will not affect the signals at the corresponding A_1 or B_1 pins. However, if no special treatment is done, the input signal at the A_1 terminal will leak through A_12 to the A_2 terminal, causing the output signal of the DATA pin of the image sensor 200 to enter its control signal input pin CTRL; similarly, if the Figure 6 In the connection method, the input signal of the B_1 terminal will leak to the B_2 terminal through B_12, which will cause the control signal output by the controller 300 to leak directly to its data receiving pin DATA. However, because the control signal, image data and status data all need to follow a strict transmission timing, such as the control signal is sent during the vertical blanking period of the image sensor 200 (the gap between image data frames), the status data is sent within the specified time of the frame header of the data frame, and the image data is sent within the data frame. There is a strict protection time interval between them. The control signal receiving pin of the image sensor 200 is only opened in the interval where the control signal needs to be received, and the data receiving pin of the controller 300 is only opened in the interval where the data needs to be received. Signal leakage outside the receiving interval will not be received, so it will not cause signal variation and affect system performance.

[0069] Furthermore, in view of the fact that the signal level range output by the controller 300 is different from the signal level range output by the image sensor 200 in most cases (mainly reflected in the difference in their high levels), the present application uses a comparator to implement a buffer and processes signals of different high levels differently, further increasing the robustness of the middleware circuit. In the embodiment of the present application, the number of second independent pins is two, namely the first pin A_1 and the second pin A_2, the number of first composite pin A_12 is one, the output end of the first pin A_1 is electrically connected to the first composite pin A_12 through the first buffer U11, and the input end of the second pin A_2 is electrically connected to the first composite pin through the first voltage identification switch circuit. By replacing the first buffer U12 between A_12 and A_2 with the first voltage identification switch circuit, the level of the signal sent from the first composite pin A_12 to the second pin A_2 can be identified through the first voltage identification switch circuit, and then it can be determined whether the signal is sent by the controller 300 or A_1.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the first voltage identification switch circuit includes a first comparator Q1, a first analog switch S1 and a third buffer U3, and the positive input terminal of the first comparator Q1 is connected to a reference voltage V REF , the inverting input terminal of the first comparator Q1 is connected to the first composite pin A_12 (i.e. V IN ), the input end of the first analog switch S1 is electrically connected to the first composite pin A_12, the controlled end of the first analog switch S1 is electrically connected to the output end of the first comparator Q1, the output end of the first analog switch S1 is electrically connected to the positive input end of the third buffer U3, the reverse input end of the third buffer U3 is electrically connected to the output end of the third buffer U3, and the output end of the third buffer U3 is electrically connected to the input end of the second pin A_2. Wherein, the reference voltage V REF It is a preset voltage. This reference voltage is used to compare with the input voltage V IN Compare the size and judge V IN Is it the voltage signal from A_1 that needs to be suppressed? IN is a signal that needs to be suppressed. The first comparator Q1 will output a low level to disconnect the first analog switch S1. At this time, V IN The high level of the signal will not be transmitted to A_2 through the third buffer U3 , and will not affect the received signal of the image sensor 200 .

[0071] like Figure 3As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the number of the first independent pins is two, namely the third pin B_1 and the fourth pin B_2, the number of the second composite pin B_12 is one, the output end of the third pin B_1 is electrically connected to the second composite pin B_12 through the second buffer U21, and the input end of the fourth pin B_2 is electrically connected to the second composite pin B_12 through the second voltage identification switch circuit. Among them, the design principle of the second voltage identification switch circuit is basically the same as that of the first voltage identification switch circuit, except that an inverter is added after the output of the comparator, and the result of the comparator output is inverted before controlling the on and off of the analog switch.

[0072] Specifically, the second voltage identification switch circuit includes a second comparator, an inverter, a second analog switch and a fourth buffer. The positive input terminal of the second comparator is connected to a reference voltage V REF , the inverting input terminal of the second comparator is electrically connected to the second composite pin B_12, the output terminal of the second comparator is electrically connected to the input terminal of the inverter, the input terminal of the second analog switch is electrically connected to the second composite pin B_12, the controlled terminal of the second analog switch is electrically connected to the output terminal of the inverter, the output terminal of the second analog switch is electrically connected to the positive input terminal of the fourth buffer, the inverting input terminal of the fourth buffer is electrically connected to the output terminal of the fourth buffer, and the output terminal of the fourth buffer is electrically connected to the input terminal of the fourth pin B_2. The principle of the second voltage identification switch circuit is similar to that of the first voltage identification switch circuit, and the only difference is that an inverter is added after the output of the second comparator, and the result of the output of the second comparator is inverted before controlling the on and off of the second analog switch, thereby preventing the signal from B_1 from being output to B_2, thereby affecting the controller 300.

[0073] The circuit between B_1 and B_12 and the circuit between A_1 and A_12 are relatively simple, and only require a buffer to increase the driving capability.

[0074] Figure 8 for Figure 4 The conversion middleware 100 shown is a schematic diagram of the waveforms transmitted at the A_1, A_2 and A_12 pins; of course, if the connection method is similar, the relationship between the waveforms transmitted at the B_1, B_2 and B_12 pins is also similar.

[0075] It should be noted that if the vertical blanking period (the gap between frames) of the image sensor 200 is sufficient, it means that there is a sufficient protection time interval between the control signal and the data signal. In the case of time division multiplexing, the circuit of the conversion middleware 100 can be simplified, and only a buffer is needed between the pins that have a connection relationship, such as Figure 6Simplifying the circuit is conducive to making the conversion middleware 100 smaller in size, so as to facilitate placement at the image sensor 200 at the front end of the endoscope.

[0076] When there is enough protection time interval between the control signal and the data signal, and the controller 300 and the image sensor 200 have strong anti-noise capability for the received signal, and there is no additional requirement for the driving capability (the transmission line length requirement is not high), we can further simplify the connection circuit between the signal pins in the conversion middleware 100 to form a direct connection relationship. This further simplifies the circuit. Fig. 9 shown.

[0077] Based on the above simple circuit, we can realize a small-volume conversion middleware 100. The conversion middleware 100 needs to be realized with an FPC soft circuit board or a soft-hard hybrid circuit board to minimize the volume. It can be placed in the head of the endoscope channel. One side of the conversion middleware 100 is connected to the controller 300 through a transmission line, and the other side of the conversion middleware 100 is electrically connected to the image sensor 200. Fig.10 After the conversion middleware 100 is connected to the image sensor 200, the image sensor 100 and the controller 200, which originally have inconsistent pin definitions, can communicate normally; at the same time, the number of transmission lines can be reduced (if the number of pins of the image sensor 200 is greater than the number of pins of the controller 300).

[0078] If the number of pins n of the image sensor 200 is less than the number of pins m of the controller 300, the conversion middleware 100 can be placed at the end of the endoscope channel, close to the interface of the controller 300, one side of the conversion middleware 100 is connected to the controller 300, and the other side of the conversion middleware 100 is electrically connected to the image sensor 200 through a transmission line. This can also reduce the number of transmission lines mn in the endoscope channel. Fig.11 shown.

[0079] According to the conversion middleware of the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to realize the connection and communication between the image sensor 200 and the controller 300 which have similar transmission protocols but different interface definitions and pin numbers due to different signal multiplexing methods, thereby increasing the types of image sensors 200 supported by the controller 300, which is conducive to reducing procurement and maintenance costs; at the same time, the conversion middleware 100 can increase the signal transmission distance between the image sensor 200 and the controller 300 (because the buffer increases the driving capability); at the same time, Fig. 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the conversion middleware 100 is extremely small, which not only enables the endoscope system to work normally, but also can be arbitrarily placed at the head or tail of the endoscope transmission line as needed to reduce the number of transmission lines.

[0080] The above is a specific description of the preferred implementation of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned implementation mode. Technical personnel familiar with the field can also make various equivalent deformations or substitutions under the shared conditions without violating the spirit of the present invention. These equivalent deformations or substitutions are all included in the scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A conversion middleware, characterized in that: Applied to an endoscope system, the endoscope system includes an image sensor and a controller, and the image sensor and the controller have different interface definitions and pin numbers due to different signal multiplexing methods, one side of the conversion middleware has at least one first composite pin and at least two first independent pins, and the other side of the conversion middleware has at least one second composite pin and at least two second independent pins; one end of the first composite pin is electrically connected to the controller, the other end of the first composite pin is electrically connected to one end of at least two of the second independent pins, the other end of the second independent pin is electrically connected to the image sensor, one end of the second composite pin is electrically connected to the image sensor, the other end of the second composite pin is electrically connected to one end of at least two of the first independent pins, and the other end of the first independent pin is electrically connected to the controller.

2. The conversion middleware according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conversion middleware also has a first power pin on one side and a second power pin on the other side. One end of the first power pin is electrically connected to the power pin of the controller, the other end of the first power pin is electrically connected to one end of the second power pin, and the other end of the second power pin is electrically connected to the power pin of the image sensor.

3. The conversion middleware according to claim 1, characterized in that: One side of the conversion middleware also has a first ground pin, and the other side of the conversion middleware has a second ground pin, one end of the first ground pin is electrically connected to the ground pin of the controller, the other end of the first ground pin is electrically connected to one end of the second ground pin, and the other end of the second ground pin is electrically connected to the ground pin of the image sensor.

4. The conversion middleware according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first buffer is arranged between the first composite pin and the second independent pin, and a second buffer is arranged between the second composite pin and the first independent pin.

5. The conversion middleware according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of the second independent pins is two, namely the first pin and the second pin, the number of the first composite pin is one, the output end of the first pin is electrically connected to the first composite pin through the first buffer, and the input end of the second pin is electrically connected to the first composite pin through the first voltage identification switch circuit.

6. The conversion middleware according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first voltage identification switch circuit comprises: A first comparator, wherein a positive input terminal of the first comparator is connected to a reference voltage, and a negative input terminal of the first comparator is electrically connected to the first composite pin; a first analog switch, wherein an input terminal of the first analog switch is electrically connected to the first composite pin, and a controlled terminal of the first analog switch is electrically connected to an output terminal of the first comparator; A third buffer, wherein the positive input terminal of the third buffer is electrically connected to the output terminal of the first analog switch, the reverse input terminal of the third buffer is electrically connected to the output terminal of the third buffer, and the output terminal of the third buffer is electrically connected to the input terminal of the second pin.

7. The conversion middleware according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of the first independent pins is two, namely the third pin and the fourth pin, the number of the second composite pin is one, the output end of the third pin is electrically connected to the second composite pin through the second buffer, and the input end of the fourth pin is electrically connected to the second composite pin through the second voltage identification switch circuit.

8. The conversion middleware according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second voltage identification switch circuit comprises: A second comparator, wherein a positive input terminal of the second comparator is connected to a reference voltage, and a negative input terminal of the second comparator is electrically connected to the second composite pin; an inverter, an input terminal of the inverter being electrically connected to an output terminal of the second comparator; a second analog switch, wherein an input terminal of the second analog switch is electrically connected to the second composite pin, and a controlled terminal of the second analog switch is electrically connected to an output terminal of the inverter; A fourth buffer, wherein the positive input terminal of the fourth buffer is electrically connected to the output terminal of the second analog switch, the reverse input terminal of the fourth buffer is electrically connected to the output terminal of the fourth buffer, and the output terminal of the fourth buffer is electrically connected to the input terminal of the fourth pin.

9. The conversion middleware according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conversion middleware includes a circuit board, which is arranged at the head of the endoscope channel. One side of the conversion middleware is connected to the controller through a transmission line, and the other side of the conversion middleware is electrically connected to the image sensor.

10. The conversion middleware according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conversion middleware comprises a circuit board, which is arranged at the tail end of the endoscope tube. One side of the conversion middleware is connected to the controller, and the other side of the conversion middleware is electrically connected to the image sensor through a transmission line.

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