Image Sensor Testing Method for Optical Navigation Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing image sensors in optical navigation systems are inadequate, as they only assess damage to sensing units and do not comprehensively evaluate performance, leading to delayed identification of performance issues until user simulation tests, which are time-consuming and laborious.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for testing image sensors that generate and analyze sensing results from both dynamic and static scenes, using pre-processing operations like filtering and binarization to determine the performance of sensing units, allowing for the identification of defective units and optimization of sensor parameters before application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional testing methods are used that only assess damage to sensing units, then the testing process is simple, but the performance evaluation is incomplete and fails to identify performance issues until user simulation tests
Solution Approach 1:
The testing method is segmented into multiple independent test items including response uniformity test, fixed point error test, and least square error test. Each test item evaluates a specific aspect of image sensor performance separately, allowing comprehensive evaluation while maintaining clear organization and manageability of the overall testing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary testing and evaluation of image sensor performance before the optical navigation system is fully assembled and deployed. By conducting tests on the image sensor independently using standardized procedures and evaluation criteria, performance issues are identified early in the development process, avoiding the need for time-consuming user simulation tests later
2Loss of time
If comprehensive performance testing is implemented early in design stage, then performance issues can be identified earlier, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The testing process uses periodic action by implementing standardized test procedures that can be systematically repeated for different image sensors and test conditions. The method defines specific test items (response uniformity, fixed point error, least square error) that are periodically applied to ensure consistent and comprehensive evaluation, improving efficiency through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying test parameters such as brightness levels, test scene configurations, and evaluation criteria. This allows comprehensive performance assessment through controlled parameter variations while maintaining efficient testing through structured parameter sets and automated evaluation processes
3Reliability
If multiple test items and evaluation criteria are used to comprehensively assess image sensor performance, then the performance standard becomes more rigorous, but the testing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is segmented into distinct test items (response uniformity test, fixed point error test, least square error test), each with specific evaluation criteria. This segmentation allows comprehensive and reliable performance assessment while maintaining manageable complexity through modular test structures and clear separation of evaluation functions
Data Source
AI summary
A method of testing an image sensor having a plurality of sensing units includes: utilizing the image sensor to generate a plurality of sensing results respectively corresponding to a plurality of captured images, wherein each sensing result includes a plurality of sensing values respectively generated by the sensing units; and generating a testing result which indicates a performance of the image sensor according to changing of the sensing results.