Image Capture Fault Detection Using Detachable FPGA Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capturing systems face challenges in efficiently diagnosing malfunctions in auxiliary processing apparatuses, particularly due to limited scalability of FPGA circuits and the need for specific inspection methods for internal memory, which complicates the identification of malfunction causes.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates an auxiliary processing apparatus with a programmable FPGA that can be easily attached to and detached from the image capturing apparatus, utilizing a detachable SD card with a built-in processing circuit, allowing for expanded functionality and improved convenience, and includes a fault diagnosis process that compares processing results with expected values to determine normal operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If an auxiliary processing apparatus with FPGA is used to expand image processing capabilities, then processing performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides processing functions between the main image capturing apparatus and a detachable auxiliary processing apparatus. The auxiliary apparatus contains an FPGA for high-performance processing and can be attached only when needed, separating complex processing capabilities from the main device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A detachable auxiliary processing apparatus serves as an intermediary between the main image capturing apparatus and high-performance processing requirements. It includes an FPGA that can be connected via a card slot, providing enhanced capabilities without permanently increasing main device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If inspection methods for internal memory are provided in detachable memory card, then diagnosis capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detachable auxiliary processing apparatus serves multiple functions: it provides high-performance image processing capabilities and simultaneously contains inspection programs for diagnosing malfunctions in the main apparatus's internal memory. This multi-functionality improves diagnosis capability without requiring separate dedicated diagnostic devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary processing apparatus enables the system to perform self-diagnosis of internal memory through inspection programs stored on the detachable card. The system can automatically detect and report malfunctions without requiring external diagnostic equipment or complex built-in diagnostic circuits in the main apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If auxiliary processing apparatus is detachable for ease of attachment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of connection may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary processing apparatus is designed as a detachable component that can be dynamically attached and removed from the main image capturing apparatus. This dynamic configuration allows users to easily attach the auxiliary device when high-performance processing is needed and remove it when not required, maintaining ease of operation while managing connection reliability through proper interface design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4057147B1Detection of anomalous processing means or anomalous storing means in an image capturing system.
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 CANON KK
  • EP4057147B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4057147B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4057147B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

There is provided with an image capturing control apparatus (110a to 110d). A first storing means (303) stores, in advance, first signal information that is obtained by processing a captured first image. A first processing means (203) sends the first image to second storing means (404) that is different from the first storing means (303). A second processing means (412) processes the first image stored in the second storing means (404). A determination means (203) determines whether or not at least one of the second processing means (412) and the second storing means (404) is anomalous based on whether the first signal information matches second signal information obtained by the second processing means (412) processing the first image.