Endoscope Independent Sensor Power Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope apparatuses with multiple image sensors face challenges in detecting and addressing failures, leading to incomplete or inaccurate image capture, which existing techniques do not adequately resolve.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope apparatus with a power supply unit and a failure detection system that independently controls power to each image sensor, allowing for detection and isolation of faulty sensors, enabling continued operation with functional sensors and alerting the operator to failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensors are used to capture images, then the ability to capture three-dimensional images is improved, but the probability of sensor failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into separate independent power supply units for each image sensor. This segmentation allows individual sensors to be powered independently, enabling the system to isolate and continue operating with functional sensors even when one sensor fails, thus resolving the contradiction between using multiple sensors for 3D capability and the increased failure probability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameter by implementing independent power control for each sensor. The controller can adjust power supply parameters (on/off state) for individual sensors based on their operational status, allowing the system to adapt to sensor failures while maintaining 3D imaging capability with remaining functional sensors
2Loss of information
If power is supplied to all image sensors, then complete image capture is achieved, but energy consumption increases when some sensors fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply control where the controller adjusts the power state of each image sensor based on real-time failure detection. When a sensor is detected to have failed, the controller dynamically changes its power supply state to off, reducing energy consumption while maintaining complete image capture capability through remaining functional sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors sensor status and adjusts power supply accordingly. The failure detection unit provides feedback about sensor operational status to the controller, which then modifies power supply parameters to optimize both image capture completeness and energy efficiency
3Reliability
If independent power supply units are provided for each image sensor, then failure isolation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into independent units for each image sensor, with each unit capable of independent control. This segmentation enables failure isolation where a single sensor failure does not affect others, and the controller can independently manage power to each sensor based on its operational status
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages power supply to all sensors, detects failures in each sensor, and adjusts power parameters based on sensor status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated control circuits for each sensor, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining failure isolation capability
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope apparatus includes image sensors, a power supply unit, a failure detection unit, and a controller. The power supply unit supplies power independently to the image sensors. The failure detection unit detects a failure in each of the image sensors. The controller controls the power supply unit to stop power supply to an image sensor in which a failure is detected at the failure detection unit.