Modular Medical Imaging System Camera Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging systems, particularly endoscopic camera control units (CCUs), face compatibility issues with various camera technologies, leading to the need for frequent updates and replacements, resulting in increased costs and inefficiencies due to outdated hardware and software incompatibilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular medical imaging system with a control module that is connectable to multiple input modules, allowing for efficient updates and reconfiguration, ensuring compatibility with existing and future imaging technologies, and enabling backward and forward compatibility, thus reducing the need for complete system replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a CCU is designed to support multiple camera types with varying technologies, then compatibility with diverse camera heads is improved, but hardware complexity and software update requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: the camera head (distal endoscope) and the CCU (proximal unit). The camera head contains only minimal electronics for image acquisition, while the CCU houses all processing hardware. This segmentation allows the camera head to remain simple and compatible across different technologies, while the CCU handles the complexity of supporting multiple camera types through software configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The CCU is designed as a universal platform capable of supporting multiple camera head types through software configuration rather than hardware changes. The system uses a standardized connection interface and protocol that allows different camera technologies (analog, digital, various resolutions) to be accommodated by loading appropriate driver software, making the CCU multi-functional without increasing physical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If older model CCUs are upgraded to support new camera technologies, then backward compatibility is maintained, but upgrade costs and time investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The CCU is pre-configured with a modular software architecture that anticipates future camera technologies. Driver software and processing algorithms are pre-loaded or easily downloadable, allowing new camera types to be supported by simply installing software updates rather than performing complex hardware reconfiguration. This preliminary software preparation reduces the time and labor required for upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The system supports new camera technologies by changing software parameters and configuration settings rather than hardware components. The CCU can be reconfigured to support new camera types by modifying software parameters such as resolution, frame rate, and signal processing algorithms, allowing rapid adaptation to new technologies without time-consuming hardware rework.
3Ease of operation
If camera heads are miniaturized for ease of use, then ease of operation is improved, but electronic hardware capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy electronic processing hardware is extracted from the camera head and placed in the CCU. The camera head contains only the essential image acquisition components (sensor, minimal processing), while all complex image processing, signal conditioning, and output generation is performed in the CCU. This extraction allows the camera head to be miniaturized for ease of use while maintaining full processing capability through the external CCU.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular video imaging system, and more particularly, a modular video imaging system having a control module connectable to multiple input modules. The input modules each capable of receiving differing types of image data from different types of cameras and processing the image data into a format recognizable by the control module. The control unit providing general functions such as user interface and general image processing that is not camera specific.