Endoscopic Imaging System Voltage Control via Video Line Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic systems face challenges in monitoring and adjusting the voltage supplied to the imaging device within the endoscope, which can lead to inadequate power delivery and increased heat generation, potentially harming body tissues. Additionally, the need for a dedicated line for voltage measurement hinders the thinning of the transmission cable.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an imaging system where the camera unit and control unit are connected via a transmission cable with a power signal line and a video signal line. The system includes a selector circuit in the camera unit to calculate the resistance value of the power signal line, and a supply voltage control circuit, feedback value measurement circuit, and arithmetic circuit in the control unit to monitor and adjust the drive voltage of the imaging device based on calculated resistance values and measured currents and voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the voltage Vout supplied by the control unit is increased to compensate for voltage drop in the power signal line, then the voltage Vcis for driving the imaging device can be maintained, but the power consumption of the imaging device and the amount of heat generated by the power signal line increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit measures the actual voltage Vcis at the imaging device through the transmission cable and uses this information to adjust the supply voltage Vout dynamically. This ensures that the imaging device receives the correct voltage level while minimizing unnecessary power consumption and heat generation that would occur with continuously high voltage supply.
2Measurement precision
If a dedicated line is installed for measuring voltage at the distal end of the endoscopic scope, then the voltage can be monitored accurately, but the transmission cable cannot be thinned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing video signal line serve multiple functions: it not only transmits video signals from the imaging device but also serves as a feedback path for voltage measurement. By utilizing the video signal line for both video transmission and voltage feedback, the system achieves accurate voltage monitoring without requiring an additional dedicated measurement line, thereby maintaining a thin transmission cable structure.
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 allows for real-time monitoring and adjustment of the voltage supplied to the imaging device, ensuring optimal power delivery while reducing heat generation and enabling a thinner transmission cable without the need for a dedicated voltage measurement line.
Implementation Method 1
a feedback value measurement circuit that measures a feedback voltage Vfb that is a voltage on the control unit side of the video signal line
Implementation Method 2
a selector circuit that switches a current flow path so that a resistance value R2 of the power signal line can be calculated
Implementation Method 3
an arithmetic circuit that calculates a drive voltage Vcis based on the resistance value R2, the supply current Ictrl, and the supply voltage Vctrl
Implementation Method 4
Power for driving the camera unit and control signals for controlling the camera unit are transmitted from the control unit via transmission cables
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system according to the present disclosure has a camera unit and a control unit that are connected via a transmission cable having a power signal line and a video signal line. The camera unit includes an imaging element and a selector circuit. The control unit includes a supply voltage control circuit, a feedback value measurement circuit, and an arithmetic circuit that calculates a resistance value R3 related to a resistance value R1 of the video signal line and a resistance value R2 of the power signal line from the supply voltage Vctrl, the feedback voltage Vfb and the feedback current Ifb, and calculates a drive voltage Vcis based on the resistance value R2, the supply current Ictrl, and the supply voltage Vctrl.