Endoscope Clock Synchronization for Thin Noise-Resistant Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges in reducing the diameter of transmission cables while maintaining high-precision drive clock signals and resisting noise interference, particularly due to power supply and temperature dependencies, as well as signal attenuation and external noise from medical tools like electric cauteries.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system incorporates a phase synchronization unit with a digital control oscillator at the distal end and a phase digital output circuit at the proximal end, utilizing a transmission path with switches and timing control signals to connect the imaging circuit and control device appropriately, and includes noise removal mechanisms like digital filters and comparators to manage signal timing and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transmission cable is used to transmit reference clock signals from the processor to the distal end portion of the endoscope, then the drive clock signal can be provided to the imaging circuit, but the cable diameter increases and noise interference from external sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clock signal generation function from the processor and relocates it to the distal end portion of the endoscope. The digital control oscillator is provided in the imaging unit at the distal end, eliminating the need for long transmission cables for clock signals. This extraction of the clock generation function to the location where it is needed resolves the contradiction by removing the physical transmission path that causes noise interference and increases cable diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital signals as an intermediary to transmit timing information from the proximal end to the distal end. Instead of transmitting analog reference clock signals through cables, the system transmits digital timing signals that are then used to control the local digital control oscillator. This intermediary digital signal transmission method reduces noise interference and allows for smaller cable diameters while maintaining synchronization.
2Reliability
If the digital control oscillator is provided at the distal end to generate the drive clock signal, then noise resistance is improved and cable diameter is reduced, but phase synchronization with the processor becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the imaging circuit generates an imaging signal based on the drive clock signal, and this imaging signal is transmitted back to the proximal end. The processor uses this imaging signal to generate timing control signals that feed back to the digital control oscillator, ensuring phase synchronization. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by maintaining precise phase synchronization despite the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by having the processor generate timing control signals in advance based on the imaging signal characteristics. These timing control signals are prepared beforehand to ensure proper phase synchronization with the drive clock signal generated by the digital control oscillator at the distal end. This preliminary preparation of timing signals ensures synchronization without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
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 configuration reduces the diameter of the transmission cable, enhances resistance to noise interference, and maintains high-precision drive clock signals, effectively addressing power supply and temperature dependencies, as well as external noise from medical tools.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging circuit configured to execute photoelectric conversion on received light to generate an imaging signal
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an imaging circuit that generates an imaging signal. The endoscope has a transmission path that connects the imaging circuit to a control device to perform image processing on the imaging signal. The endoscope also includes a phase synchronization unit having (i) a digital control oscillator that generates a drive clock signal, and (ii) a phase digital output circuit that generates and outputs a phase digital signal to the transmission path. A first switch of the endoscope connects the transmission path to one of the control device and the phase digital output circuit, and a second switch connects the transmission path to one of the imaging circuit and the digital control oscillator.