Vision Processor for Helmet System (VPHS)

ABSTRACT:Helmet-mounted vision systems are being increasingly utilized by pilots to provide enhanced levels of situational awareness. These vision systems provide the user with imagery from helmet-mounted sensors that can be augmented through fusion and /or overlay from video delivered from aircraft mounted sensors, synthetic imagery, and metadata. Vision systems based on previous processor technology have been unable to perform the required low-latency and high throughput processing needed to ingest video from multiple high resolution sensors, but recent advances in integrated circuit (IC) process technology and small form-factor printed circuit board (PCB) design have opened up new opportunities. Toyon plans to exploit these technology advances to dramatically improve HMD processing capabilities. Toyon proposes to develop a high-performance, SWaP-optimized helmet vision processor (HVP) based on the latest in 20-nm Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)/System-on-a-Chip (SoC) process technology. To achieve the highest level of performance in the smallest possible SWaP package, Toyon will utilize advanced high-level synthesis tools to obtain accurate estimates of the hardware resources required by the multi-channel, low-latency image processing algorithm chain. Toyon will also employ the latest in high-density, small form-factor part selection and PCB design and fabrication practices to ensure that the overall system design meets SWaP requirements.BENEFIT:At the end of the Phase II effort Toyon will have developed a complete VPHS Reference Design (RD) capable of meeting performance requirements. All firmware will be developed using the AXI interface protocol standard to enable portability across different hardware platforms (e.g. FPGAs and ASICs).At the successful completion of this Phase II effort Toyon will provide AFRL with a VPHS RD that will be competitive with currently used night vision goggle (NVG) technology. The modular architecture of the VPHS RD will enable AFRL and other third-party developers such as sensor and display manufacturers to perform carry-on development. Toyon will provide AFRL with a complete reference design for the VPHS RD including PCB CAD design files, BOMs, all source code, IP, and hardware. Such a system would provide high utility not only to AFRL for internal test and development towards a Phase III VPHS, but also as a testbed for third party system and component manufacturers.