Endoscope Buffer Circuit for Signal Transmission and Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges in reducing the diameter of the insertion section while maintaining efficient power supply and signal transmission, as they require multiple power supply cables to generate and amplify imaging signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system that includes a first chip with an imaging element and a second chip with a buffer to amplify imaging signals, where the first buffer applies a predetermined voltage to the second buffer during non-operation periods to output a direct current, reducing the risk of high voltage application to the imaging element and minimizing power supply cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power supply cables are used to generate and amplify imaging signals, then the imaging signal transmission is reliable, but the diameter of the insertion section increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power supply functions into a single power supply cable by integrating voltage generation and amplification circuits within the endoscope head. The imaging signal line carries both imaging signals during operation and power supply voltage during non-operation periods, eliminating the need for separate power supply cables and reducing insertion section diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging signal line is designed to serve dual purposes: transmitting imaging signals during operation and supplying power voltage during non-operation periods. This multi-functional design reduces the number of required cables while maintaining reliable power supply and signal transmission.
2Reliability
If power supply voltage is continuously applied to amplify imaging signals, then signal amplification is maintained, but high voltage may be applied to the imaging element during non-operation periods causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates in periodic cycles where the imaging element alternates between operation periods (outputting imaging signals) and non-operation periods (receiving predetermined voltage). During non-operation periods, the imaging element is not driven and only receives low predetermined voltage, preventing damage while maintaining amplification readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage applied to the second buffer changes based on operational state: during operation periods, high power supply voltage is applied for signal amplification; during non-operation periods, a low predetermined voltage is applied to prevent imaging element damage. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining amplification and preventing damage.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope configured to operate with a power supply voltage supplied from a processing device connected to the endoscope through a transmission cable is provided. The endoscope includes: a first chip including: an imaging element; and a first buffer configured to externally output an imaging signal generated by the imaging element; and a second chip including a second buffer configured to amplify the imaging signal output from the first buffer and output the amplified imaging signal to the transmission cable. The first buffer is configured to apply a predetermined voltage to the second buffer in a period in which the imaging element does not output the imaging signal to cause the second buffer to output a direct current at a predetermined level to the transmission cable.