Endoscope Camera Voltage Feedback for Distal-End Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of maintaining a stable power source voltage at the distal end of an endoscope to ensure proper operation of the imager is hindered by cable length and characteristics, leading to deviations from the recommended voltage range, which can cause image quality deterioration and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a control unit and camera unit connected by power and video signal lines, incorporating a voltage measurement and adjustment circuit to dynamically adjust the power source voltage based on measured values, using switching circuits to manage power and signal flow during different operational periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high power source voltage is output to the cable to compensate for voltage drop, then the distal end voltage falls in the recommended voltage range, but image quality deteriorates and heat is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the distal end voltage is continuously monitored and the power source voltage is dynamically adjusted based on the measured voltage level. The control unit receives feedback about the actual distal end voltage and modifies the output voltage accordingly to maintain it within the recommended range, eliminating the need for excessive voltage compensation and its associated harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static high-voltage compensation approach to a dynamic voltage adjustment system. The power source voltage is not fixed but is continuously adapted based on real-time measurements of distal end voltage, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions (cable characteristics, length, current variations) and maintain optimal voltage levels without generating excess heat or degrading image quality.
2Reliability
If the cable thickness is increased to reduce voltage difference between main body and distal end, then voltage stability improves, but cable thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control mechanism allows the system to maintain voltage stability through active regulation rather than passive cable design. By continuously monitoring distal end voltage and adjusting the power source voltage accordingly, the system achieves voltage stability without requiring increased cable thickness, thus maintaining cable flexibility and reducing overall system size.
3Measurement precision
If a dedicated cable is used for monitoring distal end voltage, then voltage adjustment accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing video signal line serve a dual function: transmitting video signals during operation and carrying voltage measurement signals during periods when video transmission is not required. This eliminates the need for a dedicated monitoring cable, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the use of the existing high-quality signal transmission infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic voltage measurement by utilizing the video signal line during specific time periods (when video transmission is not needed). The system alternates between video signal transmission and voltage measurement modes, allowing accurate voltage monitoring to be performed periodically without requiring continuous dedicated monitoring infrastructure, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes a camera unit and a control unit. The camera unit includes an image sensor. The control unit includes a voltage measurement circuit and a voltage adjustment circuit. 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. A video signal or the second power source voltage is output to a video signal line. The voltage measurement circuit is configured to measure a voltage value of the second power source voltage. The voltage adjustment circuit is configured to adjust a value of the first power source voltage based on the value of the second power source voltage.