Vehicle Imaging System Self-Diagnosis Pixel Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state imaging systems face challenges in detecting abnormalities in real-time during imaging operations, as they require external inspections and extensive testing, which can be inefficient and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a control unit that manages pixel exposure and a processing unit executing tests, allowing for efficient abnormality detection by controlling exposure periods and executing tests between signal readings, thereby restricting vehicle control functions based on test results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external inspection devices and extensive testing are used to detect abnormalities, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging apparatus performs self-diagnosis by incorporating a test signal generation unit and test execution unit within the apparatus itself. The control unit generates test signals and executes tests on the imaging device without requiring external inspection devices, enabling the system to detect its own abnormalities autonomously during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The test execution is designed to run during periods when the imaging device is not actively capturing images, utilizing idle time intervals. This allows testing to continue without interrupting the primary imaging function, maintaining continuous operational productivity while periodically verifying system health.
2Reliability
If extensive testing is performed to detect abnormalities, then reliability is improved, but productivity worsens due to operational disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs tests periodically at predetermined intervals rather than continuously or at every operation start. The control unit executes tests at scheduled times when imaging operations are not actively performed, ensuring reliability verification without causing continuous disruption to productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Tests are executed in advance during idle periods before the next imaging operation begins. This preliminary testing ensures the imaging device is in proper working condition before actual image capture starts, preventing disruptions during critical imaging operations.
3Measurement precision
If testing is executed during active imaging operations, then real-time detection is improved, but manufacturing precision worsens due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging device into multiple pixel regions, with specific pixels designated for test signal reception and others for normal image capture. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous test execution and imaging operations without mutual interference, as test signals are directed only to designated test pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
A test signal generation unit acts as an intermediary, creating artificial test signals that are distinct from actual imaging signals. These test signals are specifically designed to be recognizable and separable from normal image data, allowing the system to detect abnormalities without confusing test responses with actual image content.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes an imaging apparatus that is mounted on a vehicle and generates an image by imaging an area around the vehicle, and a processing apparatus that is mounted on the vehicle. The imaging apparatus includes a plurality of pixels. A control unit controls exposure by each of the plurality of pixels, and a processing unit executes a predetermined test. The control unit controls exposure so that reading of a pixel signal is started in a second period after the completion of reading of a pixel signal in a first period. The processing unit executes a predetermined test in a third period, the third period is between the reading of the pixel signal in the first period and the reading of the pixel signal in the second period. The processing apparatus restricts a function of controlling the vehicle based on a result of the predetermined test.