Endoscopic Imaging System Signal Line Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic devices face challenges in minimizing invasiveness due to the size and complexity of CCD-type image sensors, particularly in reducing the number of signal lines required for serial communication with CMOS-type image sensors, which increases the diameter of the insertion portion and circuit scale.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that embeds a serial clock signal within the digital imaging signal and uses a differential signaling scheme to reduce the number of signal lines, allowing for serial communication with a single signal line for data transmission and a single signal line for register setting, thereby minimizing the diameter of the insertion portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a CMOS-type image sensor is adopted to reduce the number of power supply lines and decrease insertion portion diameter, then the diameter of the insertion portion decreases, but the number of signal lines for serial communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the serial clock signal and serial data signal into a single signal line by encoding the clock information within the data signal itself. The frame configuration circuit generates a serial digital transmission signal that embeds the synchronizing signal (clock) in the digital imaging signal, allowing both clock and data to be transmitted through one signal line rather than requiring separate lines for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The single signal line serves multiple functions by simultaneously transmitting both clock synchronization information and data information. The differential signaling scheme enables the signal line to carry bidirectional communication functionality, allowing the system to maintain serial communication capabilities while reducing the total number of required signal lines.
2Ease of operation
If multiple signal lines are used for serial communication with CMOS-type image sensor, then communication control is simplified, but the insertion portion diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signal lines into a single differential signal line that carries both clock and data information. The frame configuration circuit embeds the horizontal synchronizing signal within the digital imaging signal, creating a unified transmission medium that reduces the physical space required while maintaining communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential signaling scheme acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables efficient serial communication over a single signal line. The differential encoding method allows the transmission of complex communication protocols through a simplified physical interface, bridging the gap between communication complexity and physical constraints.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the number of signal lines is reduced to minimize insertion portion diameter, then minimally invasive capability is enhanced, but signal transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal functions into a single differential signal transmission system. The frame configuration circuit integrates clock signal generation and data signal modulation into one unified signal line, reducing the physical footprint while consolidating signal transmission complexity into manageable circuitry within the image sensor module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from parallel signal line architecture to serial signal transmission, effectively changing the dimensional approach to signal communication. By encoding multiple bits of information (including clock synchronization) into a single time-sequential signal stream, the system reduces spatial requirements while managing complexity through temporal encoding.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes: a solid-state imaging device that transmits an imaging signal of a continuous image that has been captured; and a control device that processes the imaging signal transmitted from the solid-state imaging device, and to control an operation of the solid-state imaging device. The solid-state imaging device includes: a pixel unit that acquires the imaging signal; a register that stores a setting value that defines the operation of the solid-state imaging device; a processing circuit that converts the imaging signal into a digital imaging signal; a frame configuration circuit that generates a serial digital transmission signal that is acquired by embedding a synchronizing signal synchronized with a horizontal synchronizing signal of the captured image in the digital imaging signal as a first serial clock signal; and a data transmission unit that transmits data of the digital transmission signal.