Endoscope Parallel Initialization Reducing Start-up Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscope apparatuses have a lengthy start-up time due to the control apparatus initializing before the camera head, leading to delayed entry into a steady state for observing the interior of an object.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an initialization processing unit within the endoscope that performs parallel initialization with the control apparatus, allowing the camera head to initialize simultaneously with the power supply, including setting focus and zoom positions, and processing imaging signals independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the control apparatus executes initialization of the camera head sequentially after its own initialization, then the initialization process is simple and reliable, but the start-up time of the endoscope apparatus becomes long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestart-up timeVSAvoidinitialization control structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The initialization processing function is segmented and distributed: the control apparatus retains initialization control for itself, while the camera head is empowered with autonomous initialization capability through the initialization processing unit. This segmentation allows parallel execution of initialization tasks, reducing overall start-up time without creating complex inter-dependent control structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The camera head performs preliminary initialization actions autonomously as soon as power is supplied, before the control apparatus completes its own initialization. The initialization processing unit in the camera head executes preliminary setup of imaging devices, enabling the system to enter steady state faster by preparing components in advance rather than waiting for sequential control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the control apparatus waits for camera head initialization to complete before entering standby state, then system stability is ensured, but the time to reach steady state is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidspeed to reach steady state

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera head performs self-initialization through its initialization processing unit without requiring continuous monitoring or control from the control apparatus. This self-service capability ensures that the camera head autonomously completes its initialization reliably while the control apparatus can proceed with its own startup sequence, allowing both to reach steady state independently and simultaneously, thus maintaining stability while improving speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10092163B2Endoscope apparatus, endoscope, initialization method, and initialization program

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 SONY OLYMPUS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS

AI summary

An endoscope apparatus includes: a camera head configured to examine an interior of a subject and output a result of the examination; and a control apparatus electrically connected to the camera head and configured for the examination result to be inputted thereto from the camera head and to control operation of the camera head. The camera head includes a plurality of devices, and a CPU configured to perform initialization of at least one of the plurality of devices. The endoscope apparatus makes it possible to shorten start-up time of the entire endoscope apparatus.