Imager Error Detection Circuitry for Automotive Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging systems in error-sensitive applications, such as automotive safety, face challenges due to potential errors in image sensor circuitry caused by manufacturing defects, software errors, environmental conditions, or cosmic radiation, which can lead to safety hazards if incorrect image data is used for control functions like adaptive cruise control or automatic braking.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating error detection capabilities into image sensors, including column and row error detection circuitry, which verifies the correct operation of image sensors by comparing verification image data with a predetermined standard, allowing for real-time detection and prevention of incorrect data from entering active control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error detection circuitry is added to image sensors, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The error detection circuitry is implemented by nesting duplicate pixel circuits within the existing pixel array structure. Each error detection circuit is formed using the same transistor and capacitor components as regular pixels, but configured to receive control signals instead of light. This nesting approach allows error detection functionality to be integrated without adding separate external circuitry, thus improving reliability while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the pixel circuits universal by enabling them to serve dual functions: regular image sensing when exposed to light, and error detection when receiving control signals. The same transistor and capacitor structures that sense photons in normal operation can also detect control signal integrity and store reference values for error detection, eliminating the need for completely separate dedicated error detection components.
2Measurement precision
If duplicate pixel circuits are used for error detection, then measurement precision is improved, but area of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
Error detection circuits are nested within the existing pixel array footprint by configuring duplicate pixel circuits to serve error detection purposes. These nested circuits share the same physical space and readout infrastructure as regular pixels, achieving high measurement precision for error detection without requiring additional array area beyond what is already allocated for image sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges error detection functionality with the existing pixel array structure by combining error detection circuits with regular pixel readout paths. The control signals are routed through the same column circuits and readout infrastructure used for image data, merging error detection operations with normal imaging operations to achieve precise error detection without duplicating entire readout systems.
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 solution enhances the reliability of image sensors in error-sensitive applications by enabling continuous monitoring and real-time verification of image data quality, reducing the risk of safety hazards and ensuring accurate operation of vehicle safety systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each pixel receives incident photons (light) and converts the photons into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An imager with error verification capabilities may include an array of pixels and an array of error detection circuits. The array of pixels may receive control signals that control the array of pixels to produce image pixel signals. The error detection circuits may receive the control signals and produce error detection signals. The image pixels and error detection signals may be conveyed over a readout path to image processing circuitry such as an external digital signal processor for detecting control signal errors. Each error detection circuit may be a modified copy of a corresponding pixel in the pixel array or may be a read only memory element. The array of error detection circuits may produce unique values that may be compared to expected values to detect whether correct control signals are provided to the pixel array for a given mode of operation.