Image Sensor Memory Redundancy for Fault-Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors face increased failure rates due to high circuit density, leading to a need for redundant circuits that maintain fault-tolerance without unnecessary redundancy, which is not adequately addressed in existing solutions.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor design with a memory system that includes a first memory with larger redundant storage capacity than a second memory, allowing for appropriate redundancy while minimizing unnecessary mounting area and preventing increased circuit scale, featuring A/D conversion and image processing units to handle pixel signals effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If more redundant members are provided to deal with failures, then fault-tolerance is improved, but the circuit scale and mounting area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different redundant storage capacities to different memory units based on their specific functions and failure risk profiles. The first memory unit has larger redundant storage capacity because it stores pixel signals with larger largest values that are more susceptible to failure, while the second memory unit has smaller redundant storage capacity. This localized approach ensures adequate fault-tolerance where needed without unnecessarily increasing the mounting area throughout the entire system.
2Area of stationary object
If circuit density is increased to reduce mounting area, then area is reduced, but failures are more likely to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the redundant storage capacity parameter of different memory units based on the statistical characteristics of the pixel signals they store. Memory units processing pixel signals with larger largest values (first memory unit) are assigned higher redundant storage capacity parameters, while those processing signals with smaller largest values (second memory unit) have lower redundant storage capacity parameters. This allows the system to maintain adequate reliability with optimized circuit density.
3Device complexity
If uniform redundant storage capacity is provided to all memory units, then fault-tolerance is simplified, but unnecessary redundancy increases circuit scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by differentiating the redundant storage capacity configuration across different memory units based on their functional requirements. Rather than applying uniform redundancy, the system assigns larger redundant storage capacity to the first memory unit that handles pixel signals with larger largest values, and smaller redundant storage capacity to the second memory unit. This differentiated approach eliminates unnecessary redundancy in lower-risk areas while maintaining adequate fault-tolerance in critical areas, thereby optimizing the balance between complexity and effective storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image sensor in which a redundant member is appropriately provided, and an image capture apparatus using this image sensor. The image sensor has a memory that performs A/D conversion on a read pixel signal and holds this signal. The memory includes a first memory unit for holding a first pixel signal in pixel signals, and a second memory unit for holding a second pixel signal. Larger redundant storage capacity is provided in the first memory than in the second memory.