Vehicle Imaging Circuit Self-Diagnosis Using Dummy Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices lack an effective self-diagnosis capability to detect malfunctions and ensure proper operation, particularly in vehicles where reliability is critical.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system and device are designed with a first control line, voltage generator, signal line, pixels, dummy pixels, and a converter that perform AD conversion and diagnosis processing, enabling self-diagnosis by applying specific voltages and generating digital codes for diagnostic analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If imaging devices are equipped with self-diagnosis capability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device performs self-diagnosis by having the imaging element apply test voltages to control lines and convert them via the same AD conversion circuit used for normal operation. The diagnosis section analyzes the converted digital codes to detect malfunctions, enabling the system to self-test without external diagnostic equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The AD conversion circuit serves dual purposes: it converts signal line voltages from imaging elements during normal operation, and also converts control line voltages during self-diagnosis mode. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to handle both imaging and diagnostic tasks, reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If dummy pixels are used for self-diagnosis, then malfunction detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Specific dummy pixels are strategically positioned within the pixel array to test particular control lines. Each dummy pixel is configured with specific connections to control lines, allowing targeted diagnosis of specific regions or components while leaving the rest of the pixel array unchanged for normal imaging operations.
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
The system allows for reliable self-diagnosis of imaging devices, detecting malfunctions and ensuring operational integrity, particularly in vehicle-mounted systems.
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
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AI summary
An imaging system according to the present disclosure includes: an imaging device that is mounted in a vehicle, and captures and generates an image of a peripheral region of the vehicle; and a processing device that is mounted in the vehicle, and executes processing related to a function of controlling the vehicle on the basis of the image. The imaging device includes: a first control line, a first voltage generator that applies a first voltage to the first control line, a first signal line, a plurality of pixels that applies a pixel voltage to the first signal line, a first dummy pixel that applies a voltage corresponding to the first voltage of the first control line to the first signal line in a first period, a converter including a first converter that performs AD conversion on the basis of a voltage of the first signal line in the first period to generate a first digital code, and a diagnosis section that performs diagnosis processing on the basis of the first digital code. The above-described processing device restricts the function of controlling the vehicle on the basis of a result of the diagnosis processing.