Image Pickup System Synchronization Correction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In endoscope systems, the long cable length between the image pickup device and the processor can lead to phase shifts in synchronization signals, causing image defects due to the difference in synchronization signal generation between the distal end and the processor sides.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a first reference synchronization signal generation at the image pickup device and a second reference synchronization signal generation at the processor, with a comparison mechanism to adjust the timing of the first signal based on comparison results, ensuring accurate image display by correcting phase shifts and using synchronization detection patterns to enhance disturbance resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a long cable is used to connect the image pickup device and the processor, then the image pickup device can be positioned at the distal end for medical procedures, but phase shifts occur in synchronization signals causing image defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable lengthVSAvoidsynchronization signal accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by generating a synchronization signal at the image pickup device before transmission through the long cable. This allows the signal to be established at the source with correct timing, and the processor later adjusts it based on comparison results, preventing phase shift accumulation during transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by comparing the synchronization signal generated at the image pickup device with the reference synchronization signal at the processor, detecting phase shifts, and transmitting correction information back to adjust the timing. This closed-loop feedback system continuously corrects phase shifts caused by long cable transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If synchronization signal generation is distributed between the distal end and the processor, then each component has autonomy, but phase shifts occur due to transmission delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization signal generation autonomyVSAvoidsynchronization timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a reference synchronization signal as a mediator between the distributed synchronization sources. The comparison mechanism acts as an intermediary that reconciles the timing differences between the distal end generation and processor generation, enabling both autonomy and precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the synchronization signal is transmitted through a long cable, then the system can accommodate flexible positioning, but the signal becomes susceptible to disturbances and phase shifts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidsignal disturbance susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system generates the synchronization signal at the image pickup device before transmission, establishing correct timing at the source. This preliminary generation at the distal end reduces susceptibility to transmission disturbances, as the critical timing information is already established before entering the vulnerable cable transmission path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism continuously monitors for disturbances and phase shifts in the transmitted synchronization signal and applies real-time corrections. This allows the system to maintain positioning flexibility while compensating for signal degradation during long cable transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8723921B2Image pickup system

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An image pickup system includes an image pickup device (CIS) provided with a TG which generates a first reference synchronization signal and includes a synchronization signal self-generating counter, and a processor provided with a TG that generates a second reference synchronization signal and a reference synchronization signal comparing section that compares the first reference synchronization signal superimposed on a video signal with the second reference synchronization signal, in which when a shift occurs between the first reference synchronization signal and the second reference synchronization signal, the processor transmits the second reference synchronization signal or phase correction amount information to the CIS, and the TG changes a timing of the first reference synchronization signal according to the second reference synchronization signal or the phase correction amount information.