MEMS Mirror Image Capture with Integrated FPGA Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems are costly, large in size, and require additional computers for data processing, limiting their accessibility and convenience, especially in general clinics and home healthcare settings.
Innovation Solution
An image capture device incorporating a linear image sensor module, MEMS driver, and FPGA that processes multiple threads of execution simultaneously, eliminating the need for external computers and reducing system size by integrating scanning mechanisms and image processing within the FPGA.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional optical systems with light sources, scanning mirrors and circuit systems are used, then image receiving and processing capability is achieved, but system cost and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the scanning mirror control function and image signal processing function into a single integrated circuit system. The circuit board includes a scanning mirror driving circuit that controls the scanning mirror and a signal processing circuit that processes images captured by the imaging sensor, eliminating the need for separate external computer devices and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit system performs multiple functions: it controls the scanning mirror for optical beam deflection, processes the captured image signals, and outputs the processed images. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated devices, achieving cost and size reduction while maintaining full imaging capability.
2Productivity
If large-scale computers are used for data processing, then data processing capability is improved, but system portability and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential data processing functions from large-scale external computers and integrates them directly into the imaging device's circuit board. The signal processing circuit handles image data processing internally, allowing the device to function as a complete portable imaging system without requiring connection to external computer equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating all necessary processing capabilities within the device itself. The circuit board processes images captured by the imaging sensor internally and outputs the processed images directly, enabling the device to serve itself without external computational support.
3Loss of time
If scanning mechanisms and image processing are integrated within FPGA, then system size and computing time are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scanning mirror control function and image signal processing function into a single integrated circuit system. The circuit board includes a scanning mirror driving circuit that controls the scanning mirror and a signal processing circuit that processes images captured by the imaging sensor, eliminating the need for separate external computer devices and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
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
The device achieves reduced size and computing time by utilizing an FPGA to process multiple threads, enabling portable and efficient scanning and imaging without the need for external computers, thus enhancing accessibility and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a linear image sensor module, a MEMS (micro electro mechanical system) driver and a FPGA (field programmable gate array). The linear image sensor module is aligned with a lens of an optical system, and the lens located between a grating of the optical system and the linear image sensor module. The MEMS driver is electrically connected to at least one MEMS scanning mirror of the optical system.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation method of an image capture device includes steps as follows. The MEMS driver is controlled through the field programmable gate array (FPGA) independently to adjust at least one micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror of the optical system; at least one digital signal provided by the linear image sensor module is processed through the FPGA directly so as to obtain at least one image data.