Semiconductor Device Line Counter for Image Data Integrity Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor devices used for image processing, particularly in in-vehicle systems like ADAS, abnormalities in the data transmission path from the sensor to the reception interface circuit can lead to insufficient or excessive line data, causing image data stored in memory to deteriorate. This results in image processing being performed on compromised data, which can affect functional safety.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device is designed with a reception interface circuit that receives packets of line data and outputs an image composite signal. This signal is linked with a line synchronization signal, and a capture circuit is used to count the number of line synchronization signals and compare it with an expected value. An error signal is generated if the count and expected value do not match, allowing for verification of correct image data acquisition from the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image data is transmitted from sensor through interface circuits to memory, then image processing can be performed, but data may deteriorate due to abnormalities in transmission path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by counting the number of line synchronization signals before image processing occurs. The line counter increments for each line synchronization signal received, and this count is compared against an expected value in advance of any processing. This allows detection of transmission path abnormalities before they can cause data deterioration to propagate through the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the line synchronization signal count and comparing it with the expected value. When a mismatch is detected, the system can trigger error handling routines or prevent processing of corrupted data. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that data integrity issues are detected and addressed in real-time during the transmission and processing pipeline.
2Productivity
If line data is received and stored in memory without verification, then processing speed is maintained, but incorrect data may be processed
Solution Approach 1:
The verification of line data integrity is performed through preliminary counting of line synchronization signals before the actual image processing occurs. The line counter and comparator work in parallel with data reception, establishing the expected number of lines in advance and verifying actual reception against this expectation, ensuring accurate data is identified before processing begins.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device capable of verifying whether or not correct acquirement of image data from a sensor has been successful is provided. A semiconductor device includes: a reception interface circuit receiving a plurality of packets including a plurality of line data, respectively, and outputting an image composite signal generated by linking a line synchronization signal with each of the plurality of line data; and a capture circuit provided at a subsequent stage of the reception interface circuit. The capture circuit includes: a line counter receiving, as its input, the line synchronization signal included in the image composite signal, and counting the number of times of the input of the line synchronization signal; and a comparator comparing a count value counted by the line counter with a preset expected value of the number of lines, and outputting an error signal if the count value and the expected value do not match each other.