New Delhi, Oct 23: Sony semiconductor today announced the release of the IMX742, a CMOS image sensor with approximately 0.51 effective megapixels2 for medical single-use endoscopes. This sensor is the industry’s first1 to support digital output and data transmission through a 5 m3 cable.
Demand for disposable, single-use endoscopes are growing in the medical field to help prevent infections and reduce the burden of endoscope reprocessing and managing equipment after use. Cameras on such endoscopes require not only compact sensors that are compatible with today’s increasingly small diameter insertion parts but also improved basic performance such as high image quality and stable signal transmission.
By miniaturizing peripheral circuits, including the A/D converter, and using proprietary bi-directional communication technology to transmit control and video signals via the same cable, the IMX742 combines approximately 0.51 effective megapixels with a compact 1 mm-square sensor size. Furthermore, digitizing image signals on the sensor enables low-noise imaging at a high frame rate of 60 fps, with stable transmission via a 5 m cable, providing clear images for endoscopic visualization. These features will contribute to the miniaturization and improved image quality of thin endoscope cameras used in bronchoscopes and ureteroscopes.
Sony has provided image sensors for reusable endoscopes and will expand its offerings to single-use endoscope applications, for which demand continues to rise, thereby contributing to the realization of endoscope systems designed to meet needs for reduced invasiveness and improved operability and visibility.
Key Features
Achieving high resolution and digital output in a compact 1 mm-square sensor The new sensor combines approximately 0.51 effective megapixels and digital output in a compact 1 mm-square sensor suitable for thin endoscopes. Digital output requires the A/D converter to be integrated into the sensor, making sensor miniaturization more challenging. This product miniaturizes peripheral circuits, including the A/D converter, while preserving sufficient area for the pixel array, thereby achieving both high resolution and digital output in a compact sensor. Additionally, it uses Sony’s proprietary bi-directional communication technology to enable both the control and video signals to be transmitted via the same cable while keeping the number of sensor pins to six. These features contribute to the further miniaturization and improved image quality of thin endoscopes, including bronchoscopes and ureteroscopes.
Stable transmission of high-quality 60 fps images on a 5 m cable The new sensor outputs image signals digitized on the sensor, enabling lower-noise imaging in low-light environments compared with analog output. This provides high visibility in dark areas inside the body, even when the sensor is used in thin endoscopes equipped with compact LED light sources that offer limited brightness. It also supports a high frame rate of 60 fps, enabling smooth video display that keeps pace with rapid movement during diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, outputting a digital signal enables stable video transmission, which makes it possible to configure a system using a 5 m-long cable.
With all these features, the new sensor supports stable image acquisition in thin endoscopes and increased flexibility in cable routing and system configuration, contributing to the realization of endoscope systems that support smoother observation.
