Vision Processor for Helmet System (VPHS)

ABSTRACT: The unique capability of multispectral image fusion to provide high spatial and spectral information in a single image makes it an invaluable asset to the military. Although providing this capability for helmet mounted display (HMD) systems poses a significant challenge to developers. HMD systems based on previous processor technology have been unable to perform the required low-latency 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 28-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 to run the fusion-based 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 I effort Toyon will have developed a candidate architecture and established SWaP estimates for the HVP. As part of the Phase I effort a synthesizable model of the HVP image processing chain will be developed to aid in estimating hardware resources. This modeling and simulation effort will also enable development of a prototype HVP capable of meeting the solicitations requirements. Such a system would represent an enabling technology allowing the use of true multispectral fusion for not only HMD applications but for any SWaP critical application. In addition to being deployed in HMD systems another potential application is in small unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAVs).