Reconfigurable Camera Control Unit for Multi-Sensor Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera control units for remote-head imaging systems are limited to supporting only one type of input device, requiring a different unit for each application, which restricts their versatility and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable camera control unit with a detachable electrical interface and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) controller that adapts to multiple sensor types by obtaining identification information and reconfiguring its functionality, allowing it to support various input devices and output formats, such as NTSC and PAL.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional camera control unit is designed to support only one type of input device, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability and versatility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The camera control unit is designed with a universal architecture that can control multiple types of sensor heads (2D cameras, 3D cameras, line scanners) through a single device. The electrical interface and controller are configured to accommodate different sensor types via detachable connectors and reconfigurable logic, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated control units.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller employs field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology that allows dynamic reconfiguration of the electrical interface and control logic based on the detected sensor type. This dynamic adaptability enables the same hardware to be reconfigured for different sensor protocols and requirements without physical changes to the control unit.
2Reliability
If different camera control units are used for different input devices, then the reliability for each specific application is improved, but the loss of time for device selection and setup is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The camera control unit automatically detects the type of sensor head connected through the detachable electrical interface and self-configures the controller accordingly. The system performs automatic identification and configuration without requiring manual intervention or device selection, reducing setup time while maintaining reliable control for each sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is pre-designed with multiple configurable modes and detachable electrical interfaces that can be rapidly reconfigured. Configuration parameters and control logic are prepared in advance for different sensor types, allowing quick switching between applications without extensive setup time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reconfigurable controller with FPGA is used to support multiple sensor types, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of manufacture is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical interface is designed as a detachable, modular component that can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows the complex reconfigurable controller to be built using standardized modular building blocks, improving manufacturability while maintaining multi-sensor support capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a remote-head imaging system with a camera control unit capable of supporting multiple input devices. The camera control unit detects an input device to which it is connected and changes the camera control unit's internal functionality accordingly. Such changes includes altering clock timing, changing video output parameters, and changing image processing software. In addition, a user is able to select different sets of software program instructions and hardware configuration information based on the head that is attached. The remote-head imaging system utilizes field-programmable circuitry, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), in order to facilitate the change in configuration.