In-Vehicle Imaging Device Self-Diagnosis via Dummy Pixel Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices lack an effective self-diagnosis mechanism to detect malfunctions and ensure proper operation, particularly in vehicles where reliability is critical.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system and device incorporating a dummy pixel and a diagnosis section that perform AD conversion and diagnosis processing, allowing for self-diagnosis by applying specific voltages and analyzing digital codes generated during image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a BIST function is implemented in imaging devices, then self-diagnosis capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device performs self-diagnosis using its own internal resources. The diagnosis section utilizes the existing pixel array, control lines, and signal lines to generate test signals and evaluate system functionality without requiring external diagnostic equipment, thereby improving reliability while minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control lines and signal lines serve dual purposes: they function during normal imaging operations and simultaneously serve as test signal transmission paths during self-diagnosis. This multi-functionality allows the BIST feature to be implemented without adding dedicated test wiring, thus improving reliability while controlling device complexity
2Measurement precision
If dummy pixels are added for self-diagnosis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy pixel is designed as a simplified copy of the actual pixel structure, replicating the essential photodetector and signal generation components. This allows the dummy pixel to generate test signals that accurately reflect the behavior of real pixels during self-diagnosis, improving measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The dummy pixel is strategically positioned within the pixel array and assigned the specific function of generating test signals. By concentrating the self-diagnosis functionality in this localized region rather than distributing it throughout the entire device, the patent achieves accurate measurement while minimizing overall device complexity
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
Enables reliable self-diagnosis and detection of malfunctions, ensuring the imaging device operates correctly and capturing high-quality images, even in challenging conditions.
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
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.