Endoscope Signal Transmission via Optical Fiber Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope systems face challenges in transmitting high-definition image pickup signals efficiently, particularly due to the large data volume and the need for reliable determination and treatment, which is hindered by the limitations of electrical signal transmission through metal conducting wires.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system employs an electrical-to-optical converter to convert electrical signals into optical signals, which are then transmitted through optical fibers and converted back into electrical signals for processing, allowing for high-speed data transmission while maintaining compatibility with various endoscope and control module configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electrical signals are transmitted through metal conducting wires, then the transmission is simple and direct, but the data transmission speed is limited and the cable diameter is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through metal wires with optical signal transmission through optical fibers. The electrical-to-optical converter transforms electrical signals into optical signals, which are then transmitted through optical fibers at much higher speeds. This substitution of transmission medium (from electrical/mechanical to optical) directly resolves the contradiction by achieving high-speed data transmission while using thinner cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of signal transmission from electrical domain to optical domain. By converting signals to optical form and transmitting through optical fibers, the system achieves dramatically higher transmission speeds and reduced cable diameters. This parameter change allows simultaneous achievement of high speed and reduced complexity.
2Speed
If optical signals are used for transmission, then high-speed data transmission is achieved, but the system complexity increases due to additional converters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the control module with built-in electrical-to-optical and optical-to-electrical converters, making it universally compatible with both optical and electrical signal transmission modes. This multi-functionality allows the same control module to work with different endoscope types without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each transmission type, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the addition of conversion capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the signal conversion functionality directly into the control module, combining multiple functions (signal conversion, processing, and control) into a single integrated unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture, offsetting the initial complexity added by optical conversion components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cable types are supported for different endoscope configurations, then wide compatibility is achieved, but the control module configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is designed with universal compatibility to support both optical and electrical signal transmission modes through integrated converters. This multi-functional design allows a single control module configuration to work with multiple endoscope types (both electronic and electronic-less), achieving wide adaptability without requiring multiple specialized control modules, thereby simplifying the overall system configuration.
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 solution enables high-speed transmission of image pickup signals, improves maneuverability of the endoscope by reducing cable diameter, and ensures wide compatibility with different endoscope and control module types, simplifying the control module configuration and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical-to-optical converter configured to convert the electrical signal into an optical signal
Implementation Method 2
an optical-to-electrical converter configured to convert the optical signal transmitted by the optical transmitting member into the electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes an image pickup portion configured to pick up an image of a subject and output the image as an electrical signal, a processor configured to perform, on the electrical signal, a signal correction that converts the electrical signal into a signal of a video format that is compatible with a signal processed by the image processing apparatus, and an image processing portion configured to perform image processing on the electrical signal after the signal correction. An E/O converter that converts the electrical signal into an optical signal, an optical fiber that transmits the optical signal, and an O/E converter that converts the optical signal into the electrical signal, are arranged in at least one of between the image pickup portion and the processor, and between the processor and the image processing portion.