Single Cable Differential Signal Transmission for Industrial Camera Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing apparatuses for industrial digital cameras face complications due to the lack of standardization in wiring and control signals for lens and illumination units, leading to complex signal line routing and wire connections.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that uses a single signal cable to transmit both differential image and control signals, allowing remote control of the lens and illumination units through a control unit that converts commands into differential signals, thereby simplifying wiring and adhering to the camera link standard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate signal cables are used to control the camera, lens unit, and illumination unit, then each device can be controlled independently, but the wiring becomes complicated and the number of cables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control cables into a single cable that carries both image data and control signals. The control unit receives a single cable connection and internally separates the signals to control the camera, lens unit, and illumination unit independently, thus reducing wiring complexity while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: transmitting image data from the camera and carrying control signals to the camera, lens unit, and illumination unit. This multi-functional cable replaces multiple dedicated cables, simplifying the overall system wiring.
2Reliability
If multiple signal cables are used for camera and auxiliary device control, then control signals can be transmitted separately, but the connection between main body unit and imaging device becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single cable connection. The cable includes multiple conductors that carry both image data and various control signals (shutter control, lens drive, illumination control) through one physical connection, reducing the number of connectors and wiring complexity while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives a single cable connection and internally distributes control signals to the camera, lens unit, and illumination unit. This intermediary function allows the main body unit to maintain simple external connections while ensuring reliable control of all auxiliary devices.
3Productivity
If conventional standards (RS-644, RS-422) are used for image data transmission, then image data can be transmitted, but compatibility between different manufacturers' products is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts the Camera Link standard which provides a universal interface for both image data transmission and control signal transmission. This standard is widely supported by multiple manufacturers, ensuring compatibility while enabling the cable to serve multiple functions (image data and control signals) through a single connection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the camera link standard is used for image data transmission, then product compatibility is improved, but control of lens unit and illumination unit requires additional cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the Camera Link standard application by combining it with control signal transmission in the same cable. The cable includes conductors allocated for both image data (according to Camera Link specifications) and additional conductors for control signals, merging multiple cable requirements into one standardized connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control unit converts image information into differential signals to transmit to a controller. The control unit receives control signals (differential signals) for controlling a lens unit or an illumination unit, to control the lens unit or the illumination unit. Only a signal cable is used for being connected between an imaging device and the controller to remotely control the lens unit or the illumination unit from the controller. Therefore, compact wiring can be realized between the controller and the imaging device.