Parallel ISP Fault Detection Using Split Raw Image Overlap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image signal processors (ISPs) in image processing systems can generate inaccurate images due to faults, leading to issues in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) functions.

Innovation Solution

A method is provided for processing raw image signals using multiple ISPs by splitting the signal into partial signals, processing them independently, and comparing overlapping regions to detect faults using a fault detection circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple ISPs are used to process raw image signals, then processing capability and productivity are improved, but the complexity of the system increases and fault detection becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage signal processing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image signal processing task into separate processing paths, with each ISP processing a specific region or portion of the raw image signal. This segmentation allows multiple ISPs to operate in parallel, improving processing capability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a fault detection circuit as an intermediary component that receives outputs from multiple ISPs and compares them to detect faults. This intermediary mechanism enables fault detection without requiring complex interconnections between all ISPs, thus managing system complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple ISPs process the same raw image signal, then processing redundancy is improved for fault detection, but the amount of data to be processed increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection capabilityVSAvoiddata volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the raw image signal into different portions that are distributed to multiple ISPs. Each ISP processes only its assigned portion, reducing the data volume each individual processor handles while maintaining overall processing redundancy for fault detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs partial processing where each ISP handles only a subset of the image signal data. This partial action approach provides sufficient redundancy for fault detection without requiring each ISP to process the entire image signal, thus controlling data volume management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If fault detection is performed by comparing images from multiple ISPs, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary processing of the raw image signal by distributing it to multiple ISPs in parallel before fault detection is needed. This preliminary action allows fault detection to occur without requiring sequential processing, thus maintaining high detection accuracy while minimizing processing time through concurrent operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous processing where multiple ISPs operate simultaneously on different portions of the image signal. This continuity of useful action allows fault detection to proceed without interrupting the processing flow, maintaining both high accuracy and efficient processing time through overlapping operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4668205A1Method of determining fault in image signal processor and image processing device for performing the same
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 NEXTCHIP
  • EP4668205A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4668205A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4668205A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method of determining an image signal processor (ISP) fault performed by an image processing device is disclosed. The method includes generating a first partial raw image signal and a second partial raw image such that a split circuit includes each blending region, generating, by a first ISP, a first partial image based on the first partial raw image signal, generating, by a second ISP, a second partial image based on a second partial raw image signal, and determining, based on the first partial image and the second partial image, whether a fault occurs in an ISP group including the first ISP and the second ISP.