Endoscope Imaging System Signal Line Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic imaging systems using CMOS image sensors face challenges in miniaturization due to the number of components and cables required, which affects the thickness and functionality of endoscopes, particularly in medical and industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging system reduces the number of signal lines by using a control unit to generate synchronized video synchronization signals, allowing control signals to be transmitted superimposed on bias potentials, enabling the image sensor to determine imaging conditions and store them on a register, thereby reducing the need for additional cables and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate cables are used to transmit control signals and video signals, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but the number of cables increases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines control signal transmission and video signal transmission into a single cable by superimposing control signals on the bias potential of the video signal line. This merging eliminates the need for separate control signal cables, reducing cable count while maintaining transmission reliability through signal separation at the receiver end.
Solution Approach 2:
The video signal cable is given multiple functions: it simultaneously transmits both the video signal and the control signals. By utilizing the bias potential of the video signal line for control signal transmission, the same physical medium serves dual purposes, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for control signal processing, then functional reliability is improved, but the number of components increases and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control signal reception and processing functions directly into the image sensor chip. The control signal reception circuit is integrated onto the same chip as the image sensor, eliminating the need for separate control signal processing components at the distal end, thereby reducing volume while maintaining processing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal reception circuit is nested within the image sensor chip structure. By embedding the control signal processing functionality inside the existing image sensor chip, the patent reduces the overall component count and volume at the distal end without compromising control signal processing capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated control signal lines are used, then control precision is improved, but the number of signal lines increases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control signal transmission with video signal transmission by superimposing control signals on the bias potential of the video signal line. This approach maintains control signal precision through proper signal encoding and timing synchronization while eliminating the need for dedicated control signal lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The bias potential of the video signal line serves as an intermediary carrier for control signals. By using the existing video signal infrastructure as a mediator, the patent transmits control signals without requiring separate dedicated lines, reducing complexity while maintaining precision through synchronized timing.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes a camera unit and a control unit. A control signal transmission circuit of the control unit is configured to set a bias potential of a signal line to one of two or more different potentials at a timing that is set on the basis of a first video synchronization signal so as to output a control signal indicating an imaging condition of an image sensor to the signal line. A signal-processing circuit of the camera unit is configured to receive the control signal and determine the imaging condition from the control signal by determining the bias potential at a timing that is set on the basis of a second video synchronization signal.