Signal Processing Apparatus for Dynamic Module Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical endoscope systems, changing the number of processing modules requires modifying the control specification of the controller, which complicates system configuration and reduces convenience.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing apparatus that relays control signals between a controller and multiple processing modules, using a communication device, storage units for address information and correspondence data, and a synchronization processor to maintain communication without altering the controller's control specification, even when the number of processing modules changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a controller and multiple processing modules are connected in a one-to-one relationship, then the controller can centrally control the processing modules, but the control specification of the controller must be changed when the number of processing modules changes
Solution Approach 1:
A signal processing apparatus is introduced as an intermediary between the controller and multiple processing modules. The apparatus includes a communication device that receives control signals from the controller and transmits them to the processing modules. It also includes storage units that store correspondence information mapping controller output signals to the appropriate processing modules, and synchronization processing units that coordinate the timing and routing of signals. This intermediary structure allows the controller to maintain a fixed control specification while the system adapts to different numbers of processing modules through the flexible mapping and routing capabilities of the signal processing apparatus.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control specification of the controller is changed to accommodate different numbers of processing modules, then the system can adapt to configuration changes, but the convenience of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing apparatus automatically performs the functions of mapping control signals to processing modules and synchronizing communication timing. The storage units contain pre-configured correspondence information that enables the apparatus to self-adapt to different system configurations without requiring operator intervention to reprogram the controller. The synchronization processing units automatically adjust timing and routing based on the current configuration, making the system adaptable while maintaining ease of operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple processing modules are controlled by a single controller with fixed specifications, then the control specification remains stable, but the communication time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing apparatus pre-stores correspondence information in its storage units that maps controller output signals to the appropriate processing modules and their communication addresses. This preliminary preparation of routing information enables the apparatus to quickly route control signals without requiring the controller to wait for sequential communication with each module. The synchronization processing units also pre-coordinate timing relationships, allowing parallel or pipelined communication operations that reduce overall communication time while the controller maintains its fixed specification.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal processing apparatus relays communication of control signals between a controller and a plurality of processing modules, and includes: a communication device configured to perform communication of the control signals with the plurality of processing modules; a plurality of first storages provided respectively to correspond to the plurality of processing modules, the plurality of first storages being configured to store the control signals written by the controller; a second storage configured to store: address information indicating each communication address assigned to each of the plurality of processing modules; and correspondence information indicating correspondence relationships between the plurality of first storages and a plurality of module-side storages respectively included in the plurality of processing modules; and a synchronization processor configured to synchronize the plurality of first storages with the plurality of corresponding module-side storages via the communication device based on the address information and the correspondence information.