Intelligent Camera Head

• US 20090096894A1
• Filed: 10/14/2008
• Published: 04/16/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America Incorporated (Karl Storz Se & Co. Kg)
• Original Assignee: David Chatenever, Marc R. Amling
• Inventors: Amling, Marc R., Chatenever, David
• Granted Patent: US 7,821,530 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/231.99
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00059 provided with identification means for the endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/042 characterised by a proximal camera, e.g. a CCD camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/555 for picking-up images in sites, inaccessible due to their dimensions or hazardous conditions, e.g. endoscopes or borescopes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/617 Upgrading or updating of programs or applications for camera control
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/66 Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/661 Transmitting camera control signals through networks, e.g. control via the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/665 involving internal camera communication with the image sensor, e.g. synchronising or multiplexing SSIS control signals

Abstract

A video imaging system that minimizes the effect of EMI on the image data, provides a small, lightweight easy to use camera head, permitting interchangeable use of a variety of intelligent camera heads with a single camera control unit, and allows the utilization of new camera heads with new functions as they become available without having to replace the existing CCU.

Claims

1. A video imaging system comprising:

a camera head including;

an imager generating the stream of video data;

at least one digital driver;

a processor; and

a memory device, accessible by said processor, containing camera head information;

a cable;

a camera control unit coupled to said camera via said cable and having;

at least one digital receiver;

said camera control unit processing a stream of digital video data;

wherein a plurality of camera heads are attachable to and controlled by said camera control unit.

2. The video imaging system according to claim 1 wherein said camera head further comprises a timing generator for generating a timing signal particular to said camera head, wherein the timing signal actuates said imager.

3. The video imaging system according to claim 2 wherein the timing signal is sent to said camera control unit.

4. The video imaging system according to claim 1 wherein said imager produces analog image data and said camera head further comprises a converter for converting the analog image signal to a digital image signal.

5. The video imaging system according to claim 1 wherein said camera head further comprises a multiplexer for generating a multiplexed signal, wherein the multiplexed signal includes the image signal and control signals.

6. The video imaging system according to claim 1 wherein said camera head further comprises a serializer for serializing the image signal.

7. The video imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the camera head information formats said camera control unit.

8. The video imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the digital driver utilizes Low-Voltage Differential Signals.

9. The video imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the digital receiver utilizes Low-Voltage Differential Signals.