Endoscope Camera Signal Line Reduction via Clock Superposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In minimally invasive endoscope systems, reducing the number of signal lines between the camera unit and control unit is essential for miniaturization, as existing systems require multiple signal lines for video, control, and clock signals, which hinders the miniaturization of the distal end of the endoscope.
Innovation Solution
The imaging system uses a video signal transmission line and a clock line to synchronize the camera and control units, with the control unit superimposing a register control signal on the clock signal using a combination of signals with different duties, allowing the camera unit to adjust its imaging conditions without additional dedicated signal lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple signal lines (video, control, clock) are used to connect camera unit and control unit, then reliable transmission of imaging conditions is achieved, but the number of signal lines increases, preventing miniaturization of the endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control signal transmission function into the existing clock signal line. The control unit superimposes register control signals onto the master clock signal, allowing imaging condition control to be transmitted through the clock line that already connects the camera unit and control unit, thereby eliminating the need for separate control signal lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The master clock line is given multiple functions: it continues to provide timing synchronization to the camera unit while simultaneously carrying register control signals for adjusting imaging conditions. This multi-functional use of the clock line reduces the overall number of signal lines required in the system.
2Length of moving object
If the diameter of the endoscope is reduced for minimally invasive procedures, then patient benefit is improved, but the number of signal lines must be reduced, complicating the transmission of control signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines control signal transmission with the clock signal transmission in the same physical line. By superimposing register control signals onto the master clock signal, the system reduces the number of required signal lines, enabling endoscope miniaturization while maintaining full control functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If a separate control signal line is added to transmit imaging conditions, then control precision is improved, but the number of signal lines increases, hindering miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control signal transmission into the clock signal line by superimposing register control signals onto the master clock. This allows precise control of imaging conditions to be achieved without adding separate control signal lines, maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention is an imaging system in which a camera unit and a control unit are connected by a video signal transmission line and a clock line, and the camera unit and the control unit operate in synchronization with each other by a horizontal synchronization signal and a vertical synchronization signal indicating reading timing of the video signal. The camera unit includes a signal analysis circuit configured to encode information superimposed on a master clock, and encode a register control signal superimposed on the master clock using a camera clock based on timing of the horizontal synchronization signal or the vertical synchronization signal, and write an imaging condition indicated by the register control signal to a register.