Vehicle Imaging Pixel Abnormality Detection via Group Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state imaging systems face challenges in detecting abnormalities at the pixel level, making it difficult to identify issues in individual pixels within a solid-state imaging apparatus, especially when applied to recognition systems.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging system includes a configuration with a pixel array, address recorder, pixel timing drive circuit, column signal processing circuit, sensor controller, and analog potential generation circuit, which allows for the detection of abnormalities in each pixel by controlling the power source voltage and drive signals to recognize the state of photoelectric conversion devices, enabling individual pixel failure detection and correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mechanism for detecting abnormality is implemented at the column level, then the complexity of the detection system is reduced, but the ability to detect abnormalities in individual pixels is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple pixel groups, with each group containing multiple pixels. Abnormality detection is performed separately for each pixel group by controlling the selection transistor to select different pixel groups and reading their output signals. This segmentation approach enables pixel-level detection capability while managing system complexity through organized grouping.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection mechanism transitions from column-level detection to pixel-group-level detection by introducing a new dimension of control through selection transistors. Each pixel group can be independently selected and detected, adding a spatial dimension to the detection capability that enables identification of specific pixel abnormalities within groups.
2Measurement precision
If individual pixel abnormality detection is implemented, then the measurement precision of abnormality detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pixels are merged into pixel groups that share common control structures and signal paths. The selection transistors and readout circuits are shared among pixels within each group, reducing the overall complexity compared to fully independent pixel detection while maintaining the ability to detect abnormalities in individual pixels through group-level selection and reading.
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
This configuration enables the detection of abnormalities in each pixel, allowing for precise identification and potential correction of faulty pixels, enhancing the reliability of solid-state imaging systems, especially in recognition applications.
Implementation Method 1
each of the unit pixels being formed by a photoelectric conversion device (e.g., photodiode)
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] To make it possible to detect, in the case where abnormality has occurred in at least a part of the pixels, the abnormality for each of the pixels. [Solving Means] An imaging system includes: an imaging apparatus that is mounted on a vehicle and images an area around the vehicle; and a processing apparatus that is mounted on the vehicle and executes processing relating to a function of controlling the vehicle, in which the imaging apparatus includes a pixel including a photoelectric conversion device, a drive circuit that supplies a drive signal to the pixel, a power source that applies a power source voltage to the pixel, a control unit that controls application of the power source voltage to the pixel so that charges are injected into the photoelectric conversion device, and then, controls supply of the drive signal to the pixel so that a pixel signal corresponding to the charges injected from the photoelectric conversion device is read, a recognition unit that recognizes a state of the photoelectric conversion device in accordance with a result of reading the pixel signal corresponding to the charges from the photoelectric conversion device, and an output unit that outputs information corresponding to a result of recognizing the state of the photoelectric conversion device, and the processing apparatus restricts, on the basis of the recognition result, the function of controlling the vehicle.