CMOS Imaging Element Abnormality Detection and Thermal Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscope systems face challenges in efficiently managing abnormal pixel information during imaging, leading to potential chip overheating and instability, which can result in signal abnormalities and equipment damage.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates an imaging unit that can output pixel information from arbitrarily designated pixels, a reading unit, an image processing unit, and an abnormality determining unit, which controls the light irradiation and pixel reading processes to reduce the operational load and heat generation when abnormalities are detected, thereby stabilizing the CMOS imaging element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the imaging unit continuously processes pixel information from all pixels, then complete image data is obtained, but the CMOS imaging element overheats and becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of CMOS imaging elementVSAvoidchip temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging unit divides the pixel array into multiple regions and selectively processes only certain regions or pixels based on abnormality detection, rather than continuously processing all pixels. This segmentation reduces the operational load and heat generation while maintaining essential imaging functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

When abnormalities are detected in pixel information, the system performs partial processing by reading and processing only the necessary subset of pixels rather than all pixels. This partial action reduces operational load and heat generation while still capturing essential image data for diagnosis and monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Loss of information

If the system reads and processes pixel information from all pixels, then complete image information is obtained, but the operational load increases causing overheating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepixel information completenessVSAvoidoperational load on CMOS imaging element

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of abnormal pixels before full image processing. By identifying abnormal pixels first, the system can then selectively process only those specific pixels or their surrounding regions, avoiding the need to process all pixels while still capturing essential diagnostic information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts and processes only the abnormal pixels or specific regions of interest from the complete pixel array, rather than processing all pixels uniformly. This extraction approach maintains the essential diagnostic information while significantly reducing the operational load and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If the imaging unit operates at full capacity, then high-quality images are produced, but abnormal pixel information causes instability and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidinstability and equipment damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harmful effect of abnormal pixels into a beneficial diagnostic opportunity. By detecting and analyzing abnormal pixels, the system can identify equipment issues early while reducing operational load. The abnormal pixels become indicators for system health monitoring rather than sources of instability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging unit dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on detected abnormalities. When abnormal pixels are detected, the system transitions from full-capacity operation to a reduced operational mode that processes only necessary pixels, thereby maintaining image quality where needed while preventing overheating and instability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach reduces the operational load on the CMOS imaging element, prevents overheating, and stabilizes the system, ensuring reliable image acquisition and reducing the risk of equipment damage due to abnormal signal processing.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging unit that is able to output, as pixel information, an electric signal that has been photoelectrically converted from a pixel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8908022B2Imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2014.12.09 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An endoscope system according to the present invention includes: a CMOS imaging element; a timing generator and an AFE unit that are provided on a board connected to a light receiving unit and reads pixel information by causing the pixel information to be output from a pixel designated as a target to be read in the CMOS imaging element; a control circuit that is provided on the board and controls a pixel information output process by a light receiving unit and a pixel information reading process by the timing generator and the AFE unit; and an abnormality determining unit that determines whether there is an abnormality in the pixel information read by the timing generator and the AFE unit and outputs, to the control circuit, a notification signal for causing the control circuit to execute control on an occurrence of the abnormality.