Minimizing image sensor input/output in a pulsed hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping imaging system

A system comprising:

• an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation;
• an image sensor of an endoscope, wherein the image sensor comprises a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation;
• a plurality of bidirectional pads in communication with the image sensor, wherein each of the plurality of bidirectional pads comprises an output state for issuing data and an input state for receiving data;
• and
• a controller in electronic communication with the image sensor and the emitter configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor to generate a plurality of exposure frames;
• and
• a waveguide that transmits the pulses of electromagnetic radiation from the emitter to a distal end of the endoscope;
• wherein each of the plurality of exposure frames corresponds to a pulse of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter;
• and
• wherein at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter and transmitted to the distal end of the endoscope comprises an emission of a laser mapping pulse, and wherein the pulses of electromagnetic radiation further comprise one or more of:
• a hyperspectral emission for eliciting a spectral response;
• or
• a fluorescence excitation emission that causes a reagent to fluoresce;
• wherein the emission of the laser mapping pulse is used for measuring a dimension, distance, or topology of a scene;
• wherein at least a portion of the plurality of exposure frames comprises a laser mapping exposure frame that is generated in response to the emission of the laser mapping pulse;
• and
• wherein the controller is configured to provide the laser mapping exposure frame to a corresponding system that determines the dimension, distance, or topology of the scene based on the laser mapping exposure frame.