Scanner Pixel Counting for ESD Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices face issues with electrostatic discharge (ESD) events, which can cause false logic events, system damage, and increased complexity and cost due to the need for additional hardware and sensors for detection.
Innovation Solution
A method using a scanner in imaging devices to detect ESD events by scanning a target and incrementing a count value when mismatches in pixel or sample numbers occur, with the count value indicating ESD events, and exceeding a threshold triggering an indication of ESD occurrence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional dedicated hardware and sensors are added to detect ESD events, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner's existing pixel counting functionality is made multi-functional by also using it for ESD detection. The same hardware that captures image data is now also monitoring for ESD events through pixel count verification, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors itself for ESD events using its own existing resources. The scanner uses its native electronics and pixel counting capability to detect ESD events without requiring external monitoring equipment, making the system self-diagnostic.
2Reliability
If additional dedicated hardware and sensors are added to detect ESD events, then detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner's existing pixel counting functionality is made multi-functional by also using it for ESD detection. The same hardware that captures image data is now also monitoring for ESD events through pixel count verification, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses software-based detection logic rather than expensive hardware components. The pixel counting and comparison logic is implemented through firmware or software, which is significantly cheaper than adding physical sensors or protection circuits.
3Reliability
If ESD protection circuits are added early in design phase, then system robustness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Physical ESD protection circuits are replaced with an electronic/software-based detection system. Instead of using hardware protection circuits, the invention uses pixel counting and comparison logic to detect ESD events, reducing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors itself for ESD events using its own existing resources. The scanner uses its native electronics and pixel counting capability to detect ESD events without requiring external monitoring equipment, making the system self-diagnostic.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting electrostatic discharge (ESD) events in an imaging device includes scanning a target placed in a scanner to create a scanned image of the target. The scanned image has a plurality of scan lines with each scan line having a number of pixels or samples. For each of the plurality of scan lines, a determination is whether or not the number of pixels or samples of the scan line matches a respective predetermined number of pixels or samples, the predetermined number of pixels or samples being based upon a resolution setting of the scanner. Upon determining that the number of pixels or samples of the scan line does not match the predetermined number of pixels or samples, a count value is incremented. The count value is used as a healthcheck data to indicate at least one ESD event has occurred in the imaging device.