Endoscope Camera Control Unit Zoom Focus Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope apparatuses are hindered by the separate provision of zoom control units, which prevents size reduction and increases user complexity and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Integration of the drive/control system for zoom and focus control into an existing circuit, allowing for reduced size, simplified user operation, and minimized power consumption by determining camera head functionality and controlling motor operations within the Camera Control Unit (CCU).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate zoom control unit is provided, then zoom and focus control functions are achieved, but the overall size of the endoscope apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the zoom control unit and focus control unit into a single integrated control unit that manages both functions through one interface. The control unit includes a controller that receives control signals from a single control member and distributes appropriate drive signals to either the zoom motor or focus motor, thereby consolidating multiple control functions into one compact unit and reducing the overall apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed as a universal multi-functional component that can control both zoom and focus operations through a single control member. The controller identifies the type of control signal received and routes it to the appropriate motor driver, allowing one control unit to perform multiple control functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate control units are used for zoom and focus, then control functions are specialized, but the number of user-operated components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single control member that can operate both zoom and focus functions. The control unit includes a controller that processes control signals from this unified control member and appropriately drives either the zoom motor or focus motor, thereby reducing the number of user-operated components while maintaining specialized control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control member is designed as a universal control interface that can initiate both zoom and focus operations. The controller identifies the intended function from the control signal and routes it to the appropriate motor driver, allowing a single multi-functional control member to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate control components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate control units are provided, then control functionality is complete, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functionality for zoom and focus into a single control unit that shares common circuitry and power management. The controller consolidates the power supply and control signal generation for both motors, allowing the system to activate only the necessary power circuits based on the current control function, thereby reducing overall power consumption compared to having separate dedicated control units.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as a universal power management hub that supplies power to both zoom and focus motors through a single integrated power supply circuit. This multi-functional design allows the system to share power infrastructure and activate only the required power circuits based on the current operation mode, reducing unnecessary power consumption associated with multiple separate control units.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope apparatus including: an endoscope unit having: a lens units; a photographing unit for photographing an optical image picked up through the lens unit; and a lens unit driving motor for driving the lens unit for realizing at least one of a zoom function and a focus function; and a control unit having: an image processing circuit for processing an image signal output from the photographing unit, and for outputting the processed image signal to a monitor, wherein: at least one of the endoscope unit and the control unit comprises: a motor driving circuit for controlling the lens unit driving motor; and a motor control circuit for outputting a control signal that controls the motor driving circuit by detecting a switch signal generated by operation of a zoom switch or a focus switch.