Reconfigurable Logic for Imaging Processing

"Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of reconfigurable computers for image processing on future satellite platforms. A pipelined, inherently parallel procedure such as image processing is conducive to an approach based onfield-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) with SRAM logic. Reconfigurable computing platforms have the potential to provide near-real time, customized data products directly from the sensor to the user in the field. PSI proposes to demonstrate theradiometric calibration of archived data from the PSI AIRIS hyperspectral sensor in a reconfigurable FPGA at a data rate of at least 30 Hz. PSI also proposes to detail two alternative concepts for a low-cost, ground-based prototype constructed from COTScomponents, a crucial precursor to a spaceborne system. In addition to performing the radiometric calibration of hyperspectral data from a variety of sensor platforms, the prototype will be capable of executing user-selected image processing algorithms,again at real-time video rates. Both system concepts will be designed to radically decrease the time between data collection and dissemination of processed data to the end user, will support applications developed on PCs, and will meet size, weight, power,and interface requirements of a generic space-based remote sensing platform. A successful Phase I program would set the groundwork for full-scale hardware-in-the-loop demonstrations of a real ti