TOF Camera Pixel Error Detection via Delay Line Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
TOF camera apparatuses in safety-relevant applications face challenges in detecting subtle errors in pixel functionality, such as 'sticking' pixels, incorrect distance resolution, and addressing issues, which can lead to safety risks like accidents or failure to recognize objects in time.
Innovation Solution
A check apparatus with a test apparatus using a delay line for simulating distance measurements and a fill-and-spill method to verify pixel functionality, allowing for detailed error detection and differentiation of error types, integrated within the TOF camera apparatus or as a separate module, enabling precise calibration and error identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional test methods are used to check pixel functionality, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of pixel errors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The check apparatus is integrated within the TOF camera apparatus structure, with test electronics embedded in the pixel module. The delay line is implemented using existing signal paths and components within the camera, nesting the testing functionality within the operational structure to achieve high detection precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The test apparatus creates virtual test objects by generating test signals that simulate reflected light patterns. Instead of requiring physical test objects at various distances, the system copies the electrical signal characteristics of actual distance measurements through the delay line, enabling precise pixel error detection without complex external testing equipment.
2Reliability
If detailed pixel-by-pixel error detection is implemented, then the reliability of safety-relevant applications is improved, but the loss of time for calibration and testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check apparatus performs pixel error detection and characterization during the initial calibration phase, identifying defective pixels before the camera enters operational use. By conducting comprehensive pixel testing in advance and storing error maps, the system ensures high reliability during safety-critical operations without requiring repeated time-consuming tests during actual use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically testing each pixel's response to known test signals and comparing results against expected values. The check apparatus independently identifies and characterizes pixel errors without requiring external intervention or manual inspection, reducing calibration time while maintaining high reliability standards for safety applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a delay line is used to simulate distance measurements for testing, then the adaptability of the test system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delay line is designed to provide multiple fixed delay values that correspond to different test distance scenarios. A single delay line component serves multiple testing purposes by selecting from predetermined delay settings, enabling the test system to adapt to various distance measurement scenarios without requiring complex variable delay mechanisms or multiple separate testing devices.
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
Enhances safety by accurately detecting and differentiating errors in pixel functionality, preventing accidents and ensuring reliable object recognition, particularly in vehicle safety systems, by simulating distance variations and verifying pixel operation through precise delay line control and fill-and-spill methods.
Implementation Method 1
delay line for simulating distance measurements
Implementation Method 2
modulation device for producing a modulation signal... modulates the light signal to be transmitted
Implementation Method 3
determining the distance of the TOF camera apparatus from the object by way of performing a type of propagation time measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A TOF camera apparatus for transmitting light signals and recording the light that is scattered back at an object and also for determining the distance of the TOF camera apparatus from the object is proposed, wherein the TOF camera apparatus comprises: a transmitter for transmitting light signals, a receiver for detecting the light scattered back at the object, embodied in the form of a pixel matrix having at least one pixel, a modulation device for producing a modulation signal in order to modulate light signals that are to be transmitted by the transmitter, an evaluation device for evaluating the light detected by the receiver, which evaluation device is connected to the modulation device to obtain the modulation signal for evaluating and determining the distance. In order to make possible particularly reliable error detection, a check apparatus for error detection in at least one of the pixels is provided.