MINIMIZE IMAGE SENSOR I/O AND CONDUCTOR COUNTS IN ENDOSCOPE APPLICATIONS

摘要

The disclosure extends to systems and methods for reducing the area of an image sensor by employing bi-directional pads used for both image data issuance and configuration command reception and internal supply voltage generation, for reducing the number of conductors in an endoscope system.

主权项

1. An endoscopic device comprising:
a CMOS image sensor having an area sufficient to be located near a tip of a distal end of the endoscopic device; a plurality of on-chip registers for configuring the image sensor operation; and a plurality of pads having an output state and an input state for sending and receiving data; wherein the pads automatically switch between the output state and the input state; wherein when the pads are in the output state image data is output from the image sensor during a rolling-readout time frame and wherein when the pads are in the input state they receive control commands for the operation of the image sensor.