Endoscope Signal Control for Dual Transmission Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes face challenges in transmitting high-pixel image signals due to the fragility and susceptibility to damage of optical fibers, necessitating dual transmission means for both optical and electric signals to ensure continuous observation.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with a signal control portion that selectively converts digital signals to serial data and uses either metal or optical transmitting members based on data amount, incorporating electro-optical conversion and data switching to decide the transmission route, ensuring efficient and reliable data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical fiber is used to transmit image signals, then transmission efficiency is improved, but the optical fiber is easily damaged or disconnected due to bending stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between optical fiber transmission and wire transmission based on real-time conditions. The control unit monitors the state of the optical fiber and automatically switches to wire transmission when damage is detected or anticipated, thereby maintaining both high transmission efficiency and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter dynamically by switching between optical transmission mode and electrical transmission mode. This allows the system to adapt to different conditions, using optical fiber when possible for high efficiency and wires when necessary for durability
2Reliability
If dual transmission means are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the transmission system with multi-functionality, where a single transmission unit can perform both optical fiber transmission and wire transmission. This universal design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliability through continuous observation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages both transmission modes. It automatically selects the appropriate transmission path based on real-time conditions, simplifying the user interface and system management while ensuring continuous observation
3Speed
If optical signal transmission is used, then data transmission speed is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to bending stress damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmission mode selection that switches between optical and electrical transmission based on bending stress conditions. When bending stress exceeds thresholds, the system automatically transitions to wire transmission, protecting the optical fiber while maintaining data transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors bending stress in advance and switches transmission modes before actual damage occurs. This preventive approach protects the optical fiber from harmful bending stress while maintaining high-speed data transmission when conditions are favorable
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 efficient and reliable transmission of image signals, allowing for quick image processing and handling of varying data amounts, while protecting fragile optical fibers from excessive stress.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optical conversion portion configured to convert the data outputted from the signal control portion to an optical signal and output the optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes: an image pickup device configured to output a digital signal; an EEPROM in which predetermined information concerning an endoscope is recorded; a signal control portion capable of selectively converting data of one of the digital signal outputted from the image pickup device and the predetermined information of the EEPROM to serial data and outputting the serial data; an electro-optical conversion portion configured to convert the data outputted from the signal control portion to an optical signal and output the optical signal; a universal cable; and a data switching portion switched to transfer the predetermined information from the EEPROM by the signal control portion and then transfer the digital signal by the signal control portion. The signal control portion decides through which of a metal transmitting member and an optical transmitting member the predetermined information is transmitted, based on a data amount of the predetermined information.