Patent ID: 7085408
Filing Date: 2006-08-01
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for locating defect in an image sensor system-on-chip (SOC) that integrates an image sensor array and an image processing circuit component, said method comprising the steps of: a) having a image sensor array test output formed on said image sensor system-on-chip(SOC) and coupled to a test system; b) identifying defect to said sensor array independent of said image processing circuit by feeding a plurality of test images to said sensor array to generate therefrom output data on said image sensor array test output; c) comparing said output data to a plurality of reference data representing defect-free output of said sensor array; d) characterizing analog nature of said image sensor array for establishing an allowable level of discrepancy; and e) in response to a difference uncovered from comparing said output data to said reference data, determining location and type of defect in said image sensor array using said uncovered data difference if said difference is greater than said allowable level of discrepancy.