Wireless Synchronization of Endoscopic Camera and Light Source
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In arthroscopic and ENT surgical procedures, the separation of endoscopic camera and light source units makes it impractical to synchronize their operation using hard-wired connections, leading to inefficient energy use and heat generation in portable light source units, which are cumbersome and have short battery life.
Innovation Solution
A method for wirelessly synchronizing the camera shutter of an endoscopic video camera unit with the light source using a closed-loop feedback system, where the camera unit transmits non-video RF signals to a portable light source unit to control its operation, ensuring light is only provided during the camera's shutter open period, thereby reducing energy consumption and heat output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hard-wired connection is used to synchronize the camera and light source, then synchronization precision is improved, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hard-wired connection system with a wireless electromagnetic signal transmission system. The camera controller transmits synchronization signals wirelessly to the light source controller, eliminating the need for physical cables while maintaining synchronization capability. This substitution resolves the contradiction by preserving synchronization precision through electronic signal transmission while enabling device portability and ease of operation.
2Illumination intensity
If the light source operates continuously to provide sufficient light, then illumination intensity is improved, but energy consumption and heat generation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by synchronizing the light source operation with the camera shutter cycle. The light source operates only during the camera's exposure periods and remains off during shutter closure. This periodic operation maintains sufficient illumination intensity when needed while significantly reducing overall energy consumption and heat generation during non-exposure periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the camera controller transmits synchronization signals to the light source controller based on the camera's shutter status. The light source controller receives and processes these signals to adjust its operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes light output based on actual imaging needs, thereby balancing illumination intensity with energy consumption.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the battery size is increased to extend operation time, then duration of action is improved, but device weight and size worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic operation of the light source synchronized with the camera shutter, the patent extends the effective duration of action without increasing battery size. The light source operates intermittently rather than continuously, allowing the existing battery to provide sufficient total operating time while keeping the device lightweight and compact.
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 approach extends battery life, allows for a smaller, lighter portable light source unit with reduced heat output, and maintains sufficient light for video imaging by synchronizing light source operation with the camera's shutter cycle.
Implementation Method 1
a camera controller (56) connected to a wireless non-video RF transmitter (60) for transmitting non-video information
Implementation Method 2
a light detector (58) for measuring actual start time of light source operation and actual light source ON time for light output
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and apparatus for wirelessly synchronizing operation of an image sensor of an endoscopic video camera unit having a wireless transmitter with operation of a portable endoscopic light source unit includes transmitting a message packet with a target camera shutter period, light source target phase/trigger time/OFF time and light source target ON time to the light source unit. The light source unit controls the start time and the ON time for light output by a light source. The video camera unit includes a light detector for detecting the actual light source start time and duration of light output to provide closed-loop feedback. A camera controller ensures synchronization between the shutter period of the image sensor and actual operation of the light source based on the actual phase and actual ON time sensed by the light detector and the previously communicated target phase/trigger time/OFF time and target ON time.