Vision Sensor Bias Voltage Generation Circuit for Self-Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vision sensors require a separate lighting device to test their light detection characteristics, which increases costs and reduces accuracy due to the need for adjusting external light brightness and control times.
Innovation Solution
A vision sensor with a pixel array and a bias voltage generation circuit that provides test bias voltages to adjust output voltages, allowing for the generation of event data without a separate lighting device, enabling the testing of light detection characteristics by changing bias voltages within specific frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate lighting device is used to test light detection characteristics, then the vision sensor can detect light changes, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting function with the vision sensor itself by using the pixel array to generate test light signals internally. Instead of requiring an external lighting device, the vision sensor integrates a light generation circuit that can produce test light signals directly within the sensor structure, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining testing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel array is designed to serve multiple functions: it can both detect external light signals during normal operation and generate internal test light signals for self-testing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated testing equipment, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable characteristic testing
2Measurement precision
If external light brightness is adjusted for testing, then light detection characteristics can be evaluated, but control time and measurement precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vision sensor performs self-testing during normal operation without requiring separate testing phases. The light generation circuit continuously or periodically generates test signals that are immediately processed by the pixel array, eliminating the need for time-consuming external light adjustment and enabling real-time characteristic evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The vision sensor tests its own light detection characteristics using internally generated test signals. The pixel array detects the light signals it itself generates, creating a self-contained testing mechanism that eliminates external adjustment requirements and reduces measurement time while maintaining precision
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 the testing of vision sensor light detection characteristics without a separate lighting device, reducing costs and improving accuracy by adjusting electrical signals to maintain constant light intensity detection, thereby enhancing the reliability and performance of the sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing circuit configured to sense light and generate a first output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A vision sensor and an operating method of the vision sensor are provided. The vision sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels arranged in a form of a matrix; and a bias voltage generation circuit configured to provide a test bias voltage to the pixel array, wherein each of the plurality of pixels includes a sensing circuit configured to sense light and generate a first output voltage, wherein the first output voltage changes as the test bias voltage changes within a specific frame.