Image Sensor Fault Detection via Integrated Memory Cells
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera devices for safeguarding hazardous areas in automatically operated installations face complexity and high costs due to the need for components that alter the light path for fault detection, and existing methods for monitoring image sensor reliability are either complex or expensive.
Innovation Solution
A camera device with light-sensitive image cells and memory cells, where each image cell has an assigned identification code, allowing for selective addressing and reading of image signal values and codes to detect faults, providing a reliable and inexpensive method for continuous monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If components that influence the light path are used to selectively change the object image for fault detection, then the functional reliability of the image sensor can be monitored, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the identification code storage function directly into the image sensor chip by integrating memory cells with the image cells. This merging eliminates the need for separate external components to store identification codes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to monitor functional reliability through selective addressing of image cells and their associated memory cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor chip is designed to perform multiple functions: it captures images through light-sensitive image cells and simultaneously stores identification codes in integrated memory cells. This multi-functionality allows the same chip structure to serve both imaging and fault detection purposes, reducing the need for additional dedicated components for reliability monitoring.
2Device complexity
If statistical analysis of image signal values is used to check functional reliability, then the method is simpler, but the detection capability for stuck-at faults is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing identification codes in memory cells associated with each image cell before operation. This allows for direct comparison between the stored identification code and the code retrieved during operation, enabling precise detection of stuck-at faults without requiring complex statistical analysis. The preliminary storage of reference data simplifies the detection method while maintaining high measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables reliable detection of faults in image sensors with minimal hardware complexity, ensuring the functional reliability of the camera device while being cost-effective and capable of continuous monitoring during operation.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor having a plurality of light-sensitive image cells for generating light-dependant image signal values
Data Source
AI summary
A camera device for recording an image comprises an image sensor having a plurality of light-sensitive image cells. The image cells can be selectively addressed in order to read their image signal values. The device also has a plurality of memory cells for storing identification codes, with an identification code being assigned to each image cell. The image cells and the memory cells are coupled to one another such that, when an image signal value is read from an image cell, the assigned identification code can also be read.