Endoscope Imaging Controller Processor Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges in seamlessly switching between different processor types, leading to inefficiencies and increased size due to the need for separate operation modes and clock signals for new and old processors.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system incorporates an imaging controller that can operate in multiple modes based on different clock signals, with a switch and generator to manage these modes, allowing it to adapt to either a new or old processor configuration using a single set of clock signals, enabling efficient operation regardless of the processor type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope includes separate operation modes and clock signals for new and old processors, then compatibility with both processor types is achieved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging controller is designed to universally support both new and old processor types through a single operation mode. The controller can receive different clock signals (first clock signal for new processors, second clock signal for old processors) and automatically adapt its operation accordingly, eliminating the need for separate dedicated modes for each processor generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different clock signals based on the connected processor type. The imaging controller monitors which clock signal is received and adjusts its internal operation accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the same hardware to function optimally with both new and old processors without requiring physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operation modes are implemented for different processors, then processor compatibility is improved, but the endoscope size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging controller serves as a universal interface that can work with both new and old processor types. By implementing a single operation mode that can accommodate multiple processor generations, the design avoids duplicating hardware components that would be needed for separate dedicated modes, thereby keeping the endoscope size compact.
3Reliability
If separate clock signals are used for new and old processors, then optimal performance for each processor type is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging controller autonomously determines which clock signal to use based on what it receives from the external processing device. When a first clock signal is detected, the controller operates in a mode optimized for new processors; when a second clock signal is detected, it automatically switches to the mode optimized for old processors. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual configuration or complex clock management circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: an imaging controller configured to drive in a first operation mode for operating an imager in accordance with an input first clock signal or in a second operation mode for operating the imager in accordance with an input second clock signal different from the first clock signal; a switch configured to output, to the imaging controller, a switching signal for switching the previously set second operation mode to be driven by the imaging controller to the first operation mode; and a first generator configured to generate a first enable signal causing the switch to output the switching signal based on the first clock signal when the first clock signal is input from an external processing device, and output the generated first enable signal to the switch.