Endoscope Camera Power Cable Voltage Compensation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The voltage drop in the power source cable connecting the control unit and the camera unit of an endoscope system results in a lower second power source voltage for the imager, leading to increased power consumption and heat generation, necessitating a method to monitor and optimize the first power source voltage.

Innovation Solution

An imaging device with a control unit that includes a voltage generation circuit, measurement circuit, resistance calculation circuit, and adjustment circuit to calculate and adjust the power source voltage based on the resistance value of the cable, using a capacitor to hold the voltage and a transistor to manage impedance states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a high first power source voltage is output from the control unit to compensate for voltage drop in the power source cable, then the second power source voltage at the imager is maintained at an adequate level, but power consumption in the imager and heat generation in the power source cable increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecond power source voltage stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit measures the actual second power source voltage at the imager through the power source cable and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust the first power source voltage output. This closed-loop control ensures the second power source voltage remains within the optimal range while minimizing power consumption and heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit dynamically changes the first power source voltage parameter based on measured conditions, adjusting it to the minimum necessary value to maintain adequate second power source voltage at the imager, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption and heat generation in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a high first power source voltage is output from the control unit to compensate for voltage drop in the power source cable, then the second power source voltage at the imager is maintained at an adequate level, but heat generation in the power source cable increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecond power source voltage stabilityVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit measures the actual second power source voltage at the imager and uses this feedback to adjust the first power source voltage to the minimum necessary level, thereby reducing excessive current flow and heat generation in the power source cable while maintaining voltage stability at the imager.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit utilizes the voltage drop phenomenon occurring in the power source cable as useful information to determine the appropriate first power source voltage output level, converting the harmful voltage drop into a basis for optimized voltage control that reduces overall heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

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

3Reliability

If the resistance value of the power source cable is calculated to monitor the second power source voltage, then optimal first power source voltage can be controlled, but additional measurement and calculation circuits are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source voltage control precisionVSAvoidcontrol unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit integrates multiple functions including voltage measurement, resistance calculation, and voltage adjustment into a single unified system. The same control unit that manages the imager also performs cable resistance measurement and voltage optimization, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively maintains optimal power source voltage for the imager, reducing power consumption and heat generation while ensuring stable video signal generation.

Implementation Method 1

The capacitor is configured to hold the second power source voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

Due to an influence of a current flowing through the power source cable and the resistance value of the power source cable, a voltage drop is generated in the power source cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS12569112B2Imaging device, endoscope system, control unit, and imaging method

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

An imaging device includes a camera unit and a control unit. A first power source voltage is transferred from the control unit to the camera unit by a power source line and is input to the camera unit as a second power source voltage. The control unit measures a value of a voltage generated at a point connecting the power source line and the control unit. The voltage at the point is generated based on both the second power source voltage held in a capacitor of the camera unit and a resistance component of the power source line. The control unit calculates a resistance value of the power source line based on the measured value. The control unit adjusts a value of the first power source voltage based on the resistance value.