Variable DC Resistor for Endoscope Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope imaging devices face high power consumption due to current flow through transmission cables during blanking periods, even when no imaging signal is transmitted, leading to increased heat generation and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a terminating resistor having variable AC and DC resistance components, controlled by a unit to increase DC resistance during blanking periods, reducing current flow and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a terminating resistor is provided at the terminal of the transmission cable for impedance matching, then signal transmission quality is improved, but power consumption increases due to continuous current flow during blanking periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the terminating resistor variable rather than fixed. The resistor switches between different resistance values based on operational state: during normal imaging operation, the resistor maintains a first resistance value for proper impedance matching; during blanking periods, it switches to a second resistance value (higher than the first) to reduce current flow and power consumption. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining signal quality and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameter of the terminating resistor based on operational conditions. By controlling the resistor to adopt different resistance values (first resistance value during normal operation, second resistance value during blanking periods), the system optimizes both signal transmission quality and power consumption according to the actual operational state, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If current flows through the transmission cable during blanking periods for impedance matching, then signal transmission is maintained, but heat generation increases causing reduced image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by making the terminating resistor variable. During blanking periods, when no imaging signal is transmitted, the resistor switches to a higher resistance value to minimize current flow and heat generation. During normal imaging operation, it switches to a lower resistance value to ensure proper impedance matching and signal transmission. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between maintaining signal transmission and reducing heat generation.
3Reliability
If a fixed terminating resistor is used for impedance matching, then signal transmission quality is maintained, but power consumption cannot be reduced during blanking periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the fixed terminating resistor into a variable one that automatically adjusts its resistance based on operational state. The control unit monitors whether the image sensor is outputting imaging signals and accordingly switches the terminating resistor between different resistance values, enabling the system to reduce power consumption during blanking periods while maintaining signal quality during active imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameter dynamically based on operational conditions. The control unit adjusts the resistance value of the terminating resistor: using a first resistance value during normal imaging operation to maintain impedance matching, and a second resistance value during blanking periods to minimize energy loss, thereby resolving the contradiction between signal quality and energy efficiency.
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
This solution effectively reduces power consumption and heat generation, improving image quality during dark periods and preventing signal saturation, while allowing for a more compact endoscope design.
Implementation Method 1
a terminating resistor provided at a terminal of the transmission cable, the terminal resistor including an alternating current terminating resistor with variable resistance and a direct current terminating resistor with variable resistance
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes: an image sensor including pixels and configured to receive light from outside, and generate and output an imaging signal according to an amount of the received light; a transmission cable connected to the image sensor and configured to propagate the imaging signal; a terminating resistor provided at a terminal of the transmission cable, the terminal resistor including an alternating current terminating resistor with variable resistance and a direct current terminating resistor with variable resistance, and having a constant combined resistance of the direct current terminating resistor and the alternating current terminating resistor; and a control unit configured to perform control to make a resistance of the direct current terminating resistor during a blanking period in which the image sensor does not output the imaging signal higher than that during a normal operation period in which the image sensor outputs the imaging signal.