Image processing circuit and endoscope circuit
By introducing a signal enhancement module into the endoscope, the signal from the image processing module is transmitted to the information acquisition module, solving the problem of long-distance transmission in medical endoscopes. This achieves low-cost and miniaturized image signal transmission, and enhances signal stability and anti-interference capabilities.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423287692.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-30
AI Technical Summary
How to achieve a long image signal transmission distance in medical endoscopes with low cost and small space, especially when the insertion part is long, such as gastrointestinal endoscopes and large animal digestive tract endoscopes? Existing technologies have high cost for transmission medium optimization and large size of dedicated chips, making it difficult to balance cost and space requirements.
The signal enhancement module in the image processing circuit is used to enhance the signal between the image information acquisition module and the image processing module. The clock signal of the image processing module is transmitted to the image information acquisition module with sufficient strength through the signal enhancement module. The signal enhancement module is set in a non-head position of the endoscope, such as the operating handle, to avoid occupying head space.
It achieves extended image signal transmission distance at a lower cost, avoids the use of dedicated chips at the end of the endoscope lens, increases signal transmission stability and anti-interference ability, and does not increase the size of the head end.
Smart Images
Figure CN223978681U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of endoscope circuit technology, and more particularly to image processing circuits. Background Technology
[0002] The endoscope camera is located at the front end of the endoscope insertion part. The distance between the endoscope camera and the image processing module is the image signal transmission distance, which is the sum of the length of the insertion part and the length of the plug cable.
[0003] Due to the demands of medical endoscope applications, transmission distances are becoming increasingly longer, especially for endoscopes with long insertion points such as gastrointestinal endoscopes and large animal digestive tract endoscopes. Long-distance transmission has become an urgent problem to be solved.
[0004] To address the issue of long-distance transmission of medical endoscopes, existing technologies generally solve the problem in the following ways:
[0005] The first method is to optimize the transmission medium, that is, to choose cables with low transmission loss and directly extend the transmission distance, but this is more expensive.
[0006] The second approach involves signal conversion, but existing dedicated chips are too large, which is not conducive to miniaturization of the endoscope lens if applied to endoscope applications.
[0007] The technical problem this application aims to solve is how to achieve a long image signal transmission distance with low cost and small space. Utility Model Content
[0008] The purpose of this application is to provide an image processing circuit and an endoscope circuit to solve the technical problem in the prior art of how to achieve a long image signal transmission distance with lower cost and smaller space.
[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions.
[0010] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an image processing circuit, including an image information acquisition module, a signal enhancement module, and an image processing module; the image information acquisition module is disposed at the head end of an endoscope;
[0011] All or part of the lines of the image information acquisition module are connected to the image processing module through the signal enhancement module.
[0012] Optionally, the image information acquisition module includes a clock signal receiver, and the image processing module includes a clock signal transmitter.
[0013] The clock signal transmitter of the image processing module is connected to the clock signal receiver of the image information acquisition module through the signal enhancement module.
[0014] Optionally, the image processing module is used to connect to the host main control unit;
[0015] The image processing module is used to process the input MIPI signal and output the video signal to the host main control unit.
[0016] Optionally, the image information acquisition module includes a MIPI signal transmitter, and the image processing module includes a MIPI signal receiver;
[0017] The MIPI signal transmitting end of the image information acquisition module is connected to the MIPI signal receiving end of the image processing module through the signal enhancement module;
[0018] The image processing module is used to connect to the host main control unit;
[0019] The image processing module is used to process the input MIPI signal and output DVI or HDMI video signals to the host main control unit.
[0020] Optionally, the signal enhancement module is disposed on the operating handle of the endoscope.
[0021] Optionally, the signal enhancement module includes a clock signal buffer amplification circuit;
[0022] The image information acquisition module includes a clock signal receiver, and the image processing module includes a clock signal transmitter.
[0023] The clock signal transmitting end of the image processing module is connected to the clock signal receiving end of the image information acquisition module through the clock signal buffer amplification circuit.
[0024] Optionally, the signal enhancement module includes a clock signal buffer amplification circuit; the clock signal buffer amplification circuit is disposed on the operating handle of the endoscope;
[0025] The image information acquisition module includes a clock signal receiver, and the image processing module includes a clock signal transmitter.
[0026] The clock signal transmitting end of the image processing module is connected to the clock signal receiving end of the image information acquisition module through the clock signal buffer amplification circuit.
[0027] Optionally, the power input terminal of the image information acquisition module is connected to the signal enhancement module.
[0028] Optionally, the image processing circuit further includes a step-down chip or multiple step-down chips with different output voltages;
[0029] The signal enhancement module is connected to the power input terminal of the image information acquisition module via the step-down chip.
[0030] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an endoscope circuit, including a host interaction unit, a microcontroller module unit, and the image processing circuit described in the first aspect;
[0031] The image processing circuit is connected to the host interaction unit and the microcontroller module unit; the host interaction unit is connected to the microcontroller module unit.
[0032] Optionally, the host interaction unit includes a host main control unit, a human-computer interaction display, a keyboard, and a mouse;
[0033] The host control unit is connected to the human-computer interaction display, the keyboard, and the mouse;
[0034] The microcontroller module unit includes a microcontroller, a memory, and buttons;
[0035] The microcontroller is connected to the memory and the button;
[0036] The video signal terminal of the image processing module is connected to the video signal terminal of the host main control unit;
[0037] The first digital signal terminal of the microcontroller is connected to the digital signal terminal of the host main control unit.
[0038] The second digital signal terminal of the microcontroller is connected to the digital signal terminal of the image processing module.
[0039] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages:
[0040] The image processing circuit provided in this application embodiment enhances the signal between the image information acquisition module and the image processing module through a signal enhancement module. This allows the clock signal of the image processing module to be transmitted to the image information acquisition module with sufficient strength, achieving a longer image signal transmission distance at a lower cost. Furthermore, it avoids the use of a bulky dedicated chip at the endoscope lens. The signal enhancement module can be installed in other locations besides the endoscope lens, thus occupying less space. Attached Figure Description
[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an image processing circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0043] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a portion of the circuitry of an image information acquisition module connected to an image processing module via a signal enhancement module, as provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0044] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing that the clock signal transmitter CLK2 of an image processing module is connected to the clock signal receiver CLK1 of an image information acquisition module through a signal enhancement module, as provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0045] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing that the MIPI signal transmitter MIPI1 of an image information acquisition module is connected to the MIPI signal receiver MIPI2 of an image processing module through a signal enhancement module, as provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0046] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing that the clock signal transmitting end CLK2 of an image processing module is connected to the clock signal receiving end CLK1 of an image information acquisition module through a clock signal buffer amplification circuit, as provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-channel signal connection method provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0048] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an endoscope circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0049] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a host interaction unit provided in this application embodiment includes a host main control unit, a human-computer interaction display, a keyboard, and a mouse. Detailed Implementation
[0050] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0051] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.
[0052] In the description of this application, it should be noted that:
[0053] Relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations;
[0054] "Connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.
[0055] like Figure 1 The image processing circuit includes an image information acquisition module, a signal enhancement module, and an image processing module. The image information acquisition module may include a sensor and an analog-to-digital converter. The sensor converts photoelectric signals into electrical signals, and then the analog-to-digital converter converts the electrical signals into digital signals and transmits them through a cable.
[0056] All or part of the lines of the image information acquisition module are connected to the image processing module through the signal enhancement module.
[0057] Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, all or part of the lines of the image information acquisition module are connected to the image processing module through the signal enhancement module.
[0058] Figure 2 It was shown that a portion of the circuitry of the image information acquisition module was connected to the image processing module through the signal enhancement module, while another portion of the circuitry of the image information acquisition module was directly connected to the image processing module.
[0059] The signal enhancement module amplifies the signal between the image information acquisition module and the image processing module, enabling the clock signal from the image processing module to be transmitted to the image information acquisition module with sufficient strength, thus achieving a longer image signal transmission distance at a lower cost.
[0060] The image information acquisition module is located at the tip of the endoscope; the signal enhancement module can be located at a non-tip position of the endoscope, such as the operating handle of the endoscope, to avoid occupying the space at the tip of the endoscope.
[0061] like Figure 3 The image information acquisition module can be configured to receive clock signals (CLK1), and the image processing module can be configured to transmit clock signals (CLK2).
[0062] The clock signal transmitter CLK2 of the image processing module is connected to the clock signal receiver CLK1 of the image information acquisition module through a signal enhancement module. The clock signal transmitted by the clock signal transmitter CLK2 of the image processing module is enhanced by the signal enhancement module before being transmitted to the clock signal receiver CLK1 of the image information acquisition module.
[0063] Regarding the transmission of image data, such as Figure 4 The image information acquisition module can be configured to send MIPI signals (MIPI1), and the image processing module can be configured to receive MIPI signals (MIPI2).
[0064] The MIPI signal transmitter MIPI1 of the image information acquisition module is connected to the MIPI signal receiver MIPI2 of the image processing module through a signal enhancement module. The MIPI signal from the MIPI signal transmitter MIPI1 of the image information acquisition module is enhanced by the signal enhancement module and then transmitted to the MIPI signal receiver MIPI2 of the image processing module.
[0065] The image processing module can be connected to the host control unit. The image processing module processes the input MIPI signal and outputs a video signal to the host control unit. In some examples, the video signal can be a USB UVC video stream or an AHD video stream; this application does not limit the type of video stream.
[0066] like Figure 5 Image data transmission and clock signal transmission can be achieved through different circuit modules. The signal enhancement module may include a clock signal buffer amplification circuit.
[0067] The clock signal transmitter CLK2 of the image processing module is connected to the clock signal receiver CLK1 of the image information acquisition module through a clock signal buffer amplification circuit.
[0068] The clock signal buffer amplification circuit can be installed on the endoscope's operating handle. The clock signal buffer amplification circuit amplifies the weak clock signal, effectively increasing the transmission distance without increasing the size of the endoscope lens.
[0069] Figure 6 This demonstrates a method for connecting multiple signals:
[0070] The CSI0P, CSI0N, CSICP, CSICN, CSI1P, and CSI1N signal ports of the image information acquisition module are connected one-to-one to the DA1P, DA1N, DACP, DACN, DA2P, and DA2N signal ports of the signal enhancement chip U1.
[0071] The signal enhancement chip U1's DA0P, DA0N, DA3P, DA3N, and signal ports are grounded;
[0072] The DB1P, DB1N, DBCP, DBCN, DB2P, and DB2N signal ports of the signal enhancement chip U1 are connected one-to-one to the CSI0P, CSI0N, CSICP, CSICN, CSI1P, and CSI1N signal ports of the image processing module CPU.
[0073] The SCL port of the image information acquisition module can be directly connected to the SCL port of the image processing module CPU;
[0074] The SDA port of the image information acquisition module can be directly connected to the SDA port of the CPU of the image processing module;
[0075] The CLK port of the image processing module CPU is connected to the CLK port of the image information acquisition module through a clock signal buffer amplification circuit.
[0076] The image information acquisition module can automatically correct and compensate for the inconsistency between the clock and data signals at the input and output ends through the dynamic data and clock offset compensation circuit integrated inside the chip, and adjust the compensation for the inter-symbol interference (ISI) loss caused by the signal during transmission.
[0077] The signal enhancement module can compensate for signal loss by adjusting the output voltage swing, selecting the pre-emphasis level, and controlling the edge rate of the MIPI signal output to the image processing module. Simultaneously, the signal enhancement module buffers and amplifies the weak clock signal output from the image processing module before outputting it to the image acquisition module, ultimately obtaining an enhanced clock signal.
[0078] There are different implementation methods for the power supply of the image information acquisition module, for example:
[0079] (1) The image processing module can provide power to the image information acquisition module, that is, the power input terminal of the image information acquisition module can be connected to the image processing module;
[0080] (2) The power input terminal of the image information acquisition module can also be connected to the signal enhancement module.
[0081] Because the image processing module is farther away than the signal enhancement module, the power supplied by the image processing module will be weaker or less stable due to the distance.
[0082] In the implementation where the power input terminal of the image information acquisition module is connected to the signal enhancement module, compared to the implementation where the power input terminal of the image information acquisition module is connected to a power source further away, the image information acquisition module can obtain a more stable power supply from the signal enhancement module.
[0083] The image processing circuit may include a step-down chip. The signal enhancement module is connected to the power input of the image information acquisition module via the step-down chip.
[0084] The image processing circuit may include one buck converter chip, or two or more buck converter chips with different output voltages. Multiple buck converter chips with different output voltages can better adapt to the power requirements of the image information acquisition module. For example, a 3.3V voltage can be obtained from the signal enhancement module, and the buck converter chips may include 3.3V to 1.3V, 3.3V to 1.9V, and 3.3V to 3.0V. The buck converter chips can be mounted on a circuit board within the signal enhancement module.
[0085] Originally, the power supply for the image information acquisition module sensor was obtained from the image processing module. Now, the power supply for the sensor is transferred from the image processing module to the signal enhancement module, which can reduce the power attenuation of the wiring to some extent. The image processing module outputs a 3.3V voltage to the signal enhancement module, which uses a step-down chip to reduce the voltage to 1.3V, 1.9V, and 3.0V respectively to power the sensor.
[0086] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides an endoscope circuit such as... Figure 7 The endoscope circuit includes a host interaction unit, a microcontroller module unit, and the aforementioned image processing circuit; the image processing circuit is connected to the host interaction unit and the microcontroller module unit; the host interaction unit is connected to the microcontroller module unit.
[0087] like Figure 8 The host interaction unit includes a host main control unit, a human-computer interaction display, a keyboard, and a mouse.
[0088] The various parts of the host interaction unit have the following connection relationships: the host main control unit is connected to the human-computer interaction display, keyboard and mouse.
[0089] The microcontroller module unit includes a microcontroller, memory, and buttons.
[0090] The various parts of the microcontroller module unit have the following connection relationships: the microcontroller is connected to the memory and the buttons.
[0091] The image processing module, the microcontroller, and the host control unit have the following connections:
[0092] The video signal terminal of the image processing module is connected to the video signal terminal of the host main control unit;
[0093] The first digital signal terminal of the microcontroller is connected to the digital signal terminal of the host control unit.
[0094] The second digital signal terminal of the microcontroller is connected to the digital signal terminal of the image processing module.
[0095] The various parts of the endoscope circuit are interconnected. The signal enhancement module enables the clock signal from the image processing module to be transmitted to the image information acquisition module with sufficient strength, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the signal.
[0096] For medical endoscopes using MIPI signals, there is a significant problem of peak-to-peak clock signal attenuation during long-distance transmission. Compared to solutions that optimize the transmission medium, which greatly increases costs, this solution saves costs. Compared to solutions that use dedicated chips for signal conversion, which have the disadvantage of large size, this solution eliminates the need for a dedicated chip at the endoscope lens, thus avoiding an increase in the size of the endoscope lens.
[0097] This solution increases signal transmission distance. Compared to existing endoscopic signal transmission methods, the cables between the image acquisition module and the signal enhancement module, as well as between the signal enhancement module and the image processing module, can be longer, ultimately extending the distance to 4.5 meters. It also increases signal transmission stability, making it more resistant to interference and more reliable.
[0098] The apparatus and system embodiments described above are merely illustrative. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement these embodiments without any creative effort.
[0099] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An image processing circuit, characterized by comprising: The image information acquisition module, the signal enhancement module and the image processing module are included. All or part of the lines of the image information acquisition module are connected to the image processing module through the signal enhancement module. The signal enhancement module includes a clock signal buffer amplification circuit. The image information acquisition module includes a clock signal receiving end, and the image processing module includes a clock signal sending end. The clock signal sending end of the image processing module is connected to the clock signal receiving end of the image information acquisition module through the clock signal buffer amplification circuit. The image processing circuit further includes a plurality of voltage-dividing chips with different output voltages. The signal enhancement module is connected to the power input end of the image information acquisition module through the voltage-dividing chips, and the voltage-dividing chips are arranged on a circuit board in the signal enhancement module.
2. The image processing circuit of claim 1, wherein, The image information acquisition module includes a MIPI signal sending end, and the image processing module includes a MIPI signal receiving end. The MIPI signal sending end of the image information acquisition module is connected to the MIPI signal receiving end of the image processing module through the signal enhancement module. The image processing module is used for connecting a host control unit. The image processing module is used for processing the input MIPI signal and outputting a video signal to the host control unit.
3. The image processing circuit of claim 1, wherein The signal enhancement module is arranged in the operation handle of the endoscope.
4. An endoscope circuit, characterized by, The image processing circuit includes a host interaction unit, a micro control module unit and any one of the image processing circuits in claims 1 to 3. The image processing circuit is connected to the host interaction unit and the micro control module unit, and the host interaction unit is connected to the micro control module unit.
5. The endoscope circuit of claim 4, wherein, The host interaction unit includes a host control unit, a human-computer interaction display, a keyboard and a mouse. The host control unit is connected to the human-computer interaction display, the keyboard and the mouse. The micro control module unit includes a single-chip microcontroller, a memory and a key. The single-chip microcontroller is connected to the memory and the key. The video signal end of the image processing module is connected to the video signal end of the host control unit. The first digital signal end of the single-chip microcontroller is connected to the digital signal end of the host control unit. The second digital signal end of the single-chip microcontroller is connected to the digital signal end of the image processing module.