Imaging Device Reference Pixel Failure Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging device failure detection methods, such as those described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-118427, may incorrectly determine that an imaging device has a failure, even when the effective pixel region is functioning normally, due to defects in the failure detection region, leading to unnecessary shutdowns or prevention of image capture.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an imaging device with light-receiving pixels and reference pixels that generate failure detection signals based on abnormality information, allowing for accurate determination of pixel signal output and reducing the likelihood of erroneous failure detection by using a signal processing unit to validate the failure detection signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a failure detection region is implemented using pixels including photodiodes and pixels not including photodiodes, then failure detection capability is provided, but incorrect failure determination may occur when reference pixels have abnormalities
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation of the failure detection signal by checking whether reference pixels used to generate the signal are abnormal. Abnormality information is stored in advance, and before making a failure determination, the system checks this stored information to validate the reliability of the failure detection signal. This preliminary action prevents incorrect failure determinations caused by abnormal reference pixels.
2Reliability
If the failure detection region is used to determine device failure, then failure detection is enabled, but device functionality is lost when false failures are detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses abnormality information about reference pixels as feedback to validate the failure detection signal. Before determining that the imaging device has failed, the system checks whether the reference pixels used to generate the failure detection signal are abnormal. This feedback mechanism prevents false failure determinations and maintains image capture functionality when the effective pixel region is functioning normally.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If reference pixels are used to generate failure detection signals, then failure detection is possible, but abnormalities in reference pixels lead to erroneous detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation of the failure detection signal by checking whether reference pixels used to generate the signal are abnormal. Abnormality information is stored in advance, and before making a failure determination, the system checks this stored information to validate the reliability of the failure detection signal. This preliminary action prevents incorrect failure determinations caused by abnormal reference pixels.
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 accurate detection of failures in the imaging device, ensuring that the effective pixel region can continue to capture images even if the failure detection region has abnormalities, thereby maintaining device functionality and preventing unnecessary shutdowns.
Implementation Method 1
Pixels arranged in the effective pixel region include photodiodes (PDs) that generate an electrical signal by photoelectric conversion
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device comprising a plurality of pixels and a processing unit. The plurality of pixels includes (i) a light-receiving pixel arranged to receive incident light and output a light signal based on the incident light, and (ii) a reference pixel arranged to output a pixel signal for configuring a failure detection signal. The processing unit is arranged to determine whether or not the failure detection signal is correct based on abnormality information indicating the abnormality of the reference pixel.