Imaging Device Self-Diagnosis via Digital Code Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices lack a reliable self-diagnosis capability to detect malfunctions, such as signal line issues or dark current effects, which can impact image quality and vehicle control systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an imaging system with a pixel array, signal lines, latches, and a diagnosis section that transfers digital codes from latches to perform diagnosis processing, allowing for self-diagnosis and enabling the restriction of vehicle control functions based on the diagnosis results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-diagnosis function is added to imaging device, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the diagnosis section with the existing pixel array and signal lines. The diagnosis section utilizes the same pixel structure, signal lines, and readout circuits that are already present in the imaging device, combining diagnostic functionality with the imaging function without adding separate dedicated diagnostic hardware. This allows the imaging device to perform self-diagnosis while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from adding completely separate diagnostic subsystems.
2Measurement precision
If digital codes are transferred from latches for diagnosis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal lines into two distinct groups: imaging signal lines that carry signals from pixels during normal operation, and diagnosis signal lines that carry test signals and digital codes during diagnostic mode. This segmentation allows digital codes to be transferred for diagnosis without interfering with imaging signals, and vice versa, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preventing information loss through signal mixing or interference.
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
Enables effective self-diagnosis and improves image quality by detecting and addressing signal line issues and dark current effects, ensuring reliable vehicle control operations.
Implementation Method 1
pixels each including a photodiode are arranged in a matrix, and each of the pixels generates an electrical signal corresponding to an amount of received light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes: an imaging device and a processing device mounted in a vehicle. The imaging device includes: a first pixel coupled to a first signal line, a second pixel coupled to a second signal line, the second signal line is different from the first signal line, a first latch that is coupled to the first signal line, and stores a first digital code, a second latch that is coupled to the second signal line, is adjacent to the first latch, and stores a second digital code, a transfer section that transfers digital codes outputted from the first latch and the second latch, and a diagnosis section that performs diagnosis processing on the basis of the digital codes transferred from the first latch and the second latch. The processing device restricts the function of controlling the vehicle on the basis of a result of the diagnosis processing.