Capsule Endoscope Feeder Open-Circuit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing receiving apparatus for capsule endoscopes requires a lengthy open-circuit detection process for coaxial cables, which delays the start of capsule endoscopy examinations due to the need for repeated connections and checks before each examination.
Innovation Solution
A receiving apparatus with a detective selecting/switching unit that branches feeders, a grounding unit, and an open-circuit detecting unit, which applies a direct-current voltage to selected feeders to quickly detect open-circuits by comparing voltage levels, allowing for synchronous control and rapid identification of faulty connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional open-circuit detection methods are used for coaxial cables, then detection accuracy is maintained, but detection time becomes excessively long, delaying examination start
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into two distinct phases: a rapid preliminary detection phase using DC voltage to identify obviously faulty feeders, and a subsequent accurate detection phase using radio waves for precise open-circuit determination. This segmentation allows the system to quickly eliminate obviously defective feeders before performing time-consuming accurate detection on the remaining feeders, thereby reducing overall detection time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary DC voltage detection before the main radio wave-based accurate detection. By applying DC voltage to feeders in advance and identifying obviously faulty ones, the system prepares the detection process by eliminating candidates that are clearly defective, so that the subsequent accurate detection can focus only on feeders that pass the preliminary check, significantly reducing total detection time.
2Reliability
If repeated connections and checks are performed before each examination, then connection reliability is ensured, but setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic detection of feeder connections using DC voltage application and current measurement, eliminating the need for manual connection checks. The detection unit automatically identifies faulty feeders by measuring current flow when DC voltage is applied, allowing the system to self-verify connection status without requiring repeated manual connections and checks, thus reducing setup time while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If a simple detection method is used, then detection speed increases, but detection accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into two distinct phases: a rapid preliminary detection phase using DC voltage to identify obviously faulty feeders, and a subsequent accurate detection phase using radio waves for precise open-circuit determination. This segmentation allows the system to quickly eliminate obviously defective feeders before performing time-consuming accurate detection on the remaining feeders, thereby reducing overall detection time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary DC voltage detection before the main radio wave-based accurate detection. By applying DC voltage to feeders in advance and identifying obviously faulty ones, the system prepares the detection process by eliminating candidates that are clearly defective, so that the subsequent accurate detection can focus only on feeders that pass the preliminary check, significantly reducing total detection time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid detection of open-circuits in feeders, reducing the time required for setup and ensuring that capsule endoscopy examinations can commence promptly by simplifying the configuration and streamlining the detection process.
Implementation Method 1
an open-circuit detecting unit that applies a direct-current voltage to the feeder selected and switched by the detective selecting/switching unit through a constant-current source, and that detects whether an open-circuit occurs in the selected and switched feeder based on whether a voltage of the feeder is equal to a ground voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is intended to be able to ensure detecting whether an open-circuit occurs to a feeder within short time with simple configuration. A receiving apparatus 2 according to the present invention receives image information transmitted from a capsule endoscope 3 through a coaxial cable and a receiving antenna selected and switched to from among coaxial cables 9a to 9d connected to receiving antennas 8a to 8d, respectively by a changeover switch 20. The receiving apparatus 2 includes a changeover switch 22, an open-circuit detecting circuit 23, and a control unit 26. The changeover switch 22 branches the coaxial cables 9a to 9d near the changeover switch 20, and selects and switches to one of the branched coaxial cables. The open-circuit detecting circuit 23 applies a direct-current voltage to the coaxial cable selected by the changeover switch 22 through a constant-current source 203, and detects whether an open-circuit occurs to the coaxial cable by determining whether a voltage of the coaxial cable is grounded. The control unit 26 controls the changeover switch 22 to perform selection/switching, and controls the open-circuit detecting circuit 23 to perform open-circuit detection synchronously with the selection/switching control over the changeover switch 22.