Head Separation Camera Serial Control Signal Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The head separation camera apparatus faces challenges in miniaturization due to the increasing thickness of the camera cable and size of the connector, which is exacerbated by the growing number of signal lines and terminals required for higher performance and increased signal exchange between the camera head and the control unit.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control signal processor in the camera head that uses three-wire serial communication and a selection command to manage the control of multiple devices, reducing the number of signal lines needed by enabling individual selection and control of devices, and potentially replacing communication with asynchronous one-way or single-line two-way communication to minimize the number of signal lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of signal lines and terminals is increased to support higher performance and increased signal exchange, then the performance and control capability are improved, but the cable thickness and connector size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control signals for different devices are merged into a single serial communication line. The control unit transmits control commands sequentially over one shared communication line, eliminating the need for separate signal lines for each device, thus reducing cable thickness and connector size while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A single communication line serves multiple functions by transmitting control signals to different devices at different time slots. The system achieves multi-device control through time-division multiplexing on a universal communication channel, reducing the overall number of required signal lines.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate control signals are transmitted to different devices, then individual device control is achieved, but the number of signal lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
Control signals are transmitted in periodic time slots, with each device receiving control commands at its designated time interval. This periodic time-division multiplexing allows individual device control while using a single shared communication line, reducing signal line complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A control signal processor acts as an intermediary between the control unit and multiple devices. It receives control commands from the control unit, identifies the target device, and routes the appropriate control signal to the selected device, enabling individual control without requiring separate dedicated signal lines for each device.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a head separation camera apparatus includes an imaging device, a control device and a cable. The control device includes a first controller. The first controller is configured to output the control signal including a selection command to notify a controlled device acting as a control target from one or more controlled devices in the imaging device and control data indicating contents of control of the control target. The imaging device includes a second controller. The second controller is configured to transmit an individual selection command to inform whether or not a device is the control target and the control data to at least the controlled device acting as the control target, based on the selection command.