Endoscope Semiconductor Device Parameter Timing Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscope apparatuses face challenges in efficiently adjusting image pickup and display parameters for different camera and monitor types, leading to suboptimal image quality and compatibility issues due to varying apparatus lengths and EMC measures.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope apparatus with a semiconductor device that includes a CPU and drive circuits for adjusting output timing and input timing of drive signals, utilizing table data to set adjustment parameters based on identification data from connected components, ensuring optimal operation of cameras, LCDs, and touch panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of image pickup and display parameters is performed for different camera and monitor types, then compatibility across different apparatus types can be achieved, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidadjustment process time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing optimal parameter settings in a lookup table during the manufacturing process. Each camera and monitor type has its parameters (such as HSYNC timing, VSYNC timing, data signal timing) pre-adjusted and stored in association with identification data. When components are connected, the system automatically retrieves the pre-stored parameters based on identification data, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustment during deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If manual parameter adjustment is performed to optimize image quality for different apparatus configurations, then image quality can be optimized, but the complexity of the adjustment process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidadjustment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically select and apply optimal parameters without requiring operator intervention. The control unit automatically reads identification data from connected cameras and monitors, retrieves corresponding optimal parameters from the stored table, and applies them automatically. This self-service mechanism maintains high image quality while eliminating the complexity of manual parameter adjustment processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If different parameter settings are used for different apparatus types to ensure optimal operation, then operational reliability is improved, but the number of parameters that must be managed increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidparameter management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by separating the complex parameter management into two distinct parts: (1) a pre-configured lookup table that stores optimal parameters for different apparatus types, and (2) an automatic retrieval mechanism that matches identification data with corresponding parameters. This extraction eliminates the need for operators to manually manage multiple parameter sets, as the system automatically extracts and applies the appropriate parameters based on connected device identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If automated parameter setting is implemented using identification data and stored tables, then adjustment time is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional hardware components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment easeVSAvoidsemiconductor device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating the parameter storage table and retrieval logic directly into the semiconductor device that controls the camera. The control unit, identification data storage, and parameter lookup table are combined into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate external adjustment devices or complex external configuration systems, achieving automation while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9521376B2Endoscope apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.12.13 EVIDENT CORP
  • US9521376B2 patent drawing
  • US9521376B2 patent drawing
  • US9521376B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An endoscope apparatus is an endoscope apparatus that picks up an image of an object using a camera. The endoscope apparatus includes a semiconductor device mounted on a circuit substrate including a CPU core and a drive circuit for driving the camera and a parameter setting section provided in the semiconductor device that sets parameter data for adjusting output timing of a drive signal of the drive circuit or input timing of an image signal from the camera.