Image sensor synchronization without input clock and data transmission clock

#Not Applicable.

#Advances in technology have provided improvements in imaging capabilities for medical use. One area that has enjoyed some of the most beneficial advances is that of endoscopic surgical procedures because of the advances in the components that make up an endoscope.

#The disclosure relates generally to electromagnetic sensing and sensors and more particularly related to data transfer. The features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure without undue experimentation. The features and advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the disclosure.

#Non-limiting and non-exhaustive implementations of the disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. Advantages of the disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:

#FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of an embodiment of the operation of a pixel array and image sensor in accordance with the principles and teachings of the disclosure;

#FIG. 2 illustrates graphical representation of data transfer with in a sensor service line in accordance with the principles and teachings of the disclosure;

#The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer based products for digital imaging that may be primarily suited to medical applications. In the following description of the disclosure, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific implementations in which the disclosure may be practiced. It may be understood that other implementations may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

#The disclosure extends to systems and methods for reducing imaging sensor pad count by negating the need for an output clock (clock-less data transmission) and the need for an input clock. The basic strategy is that the sensor issues a continuous stream of 1s and 0s on its data port(s) upon power-up, in order for the data receiver within the support electronics of the camera to synchronize to it using a CDR (Clock Data Recovery) circuit (clock training). If needed, the continuous stream can be enabled during normal operation by toggling one configuration register bit. Once the receiver has locked onto this training pattern, normal sensor imaging operation may proceed. In order to maintain the lock, long periods without transitions may be avoided by including a single invert bit for the digital value issued for each pixel.

#Traditional rod-lens endoscopes, used for laparoscopy, arthroscopy, urology, gynecology and ENT (ear-nose-throat) procedures are expensive to manufacture owing to their complex optical composition. The incident image information is transported in the optical domain all the way along its length. Typically it is optically coupled to hand-piece unit wherein the image sensing device(s) reside. This type of rigid endoscope is also delicate and prone to damage during handling, use and sterilization. The necessary repair and sterilization processes add further expense to each procedure for which they are utilized.