KEYWORDS: Field programmable gate arrays, Image processing, Digital signal processing, Logic, Algorithm development, Distortion, Clocks, Commercial off the shelf technology, Mathematics, Image sensors
Recent advances in Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and innovations in firmware design have allowed more
complex image processing algorithms to be implemented entirely within the FPGA devices while substantially
improving performance and reducing development time. Firmware innovations include a unique memory buffer
architecture and the use of floating-point math. The design discussed takes advantage of these advances and innovations
to implement a geometric transformation algorithm with bilinear interpolation for applications such as distortion
correction. The firmware and hardware developed in this effort support image sizes of up to 1024x1024 pixels at 200 Hz
and pixel rates of 216 MHz with versions available that support oversized input images.
The new generation PC-based array control electronics (PACE) system for emissive infrared projector real-time scene data processing has opened the potential for the development of more complex real-time nonuniformity correction (RNUC) algorithms than were formerly possible. In this paper, emitter array response data are analyzed in order to identify the underlying physical processes and to identify the form of the RNUC algorithm they suggest. It is shown that although the PACE system is capable of processing the algorithm, the development of a practical RNUC processor would seem to be limited by the complexities that underlie the observed variability in emitter response.
Spatial distortion effects in infrared scene projectors, and methods to correct them, have been studied and reported in several recent papers. Such effects may be important when high angular fidelity is required of a projection test. The modeling and processing methods previously studied, though effective, have not been well suited for real-time implementation. However, the “spatial calibration” must be achieved in real-time for certain testing requirements. In this paper we describe recent efforts to formalize and implement real-time spatial calibration in a scene projector test. We describe the effect of the scene generation software, “distortion compensation”, the projector, the sensor, and sensor processing algorithms on the transfer of spatial quantities through the projection system. These effects establish requirements for spatial calibration. The paper describes the hardware and software recently developed at KHILS to achieve real-time spatial calibration of a projection system. The technique extends previous efforts in its consideration of implementation requirements, and also in its explicit treatment of the spatial effects introduced by each of the distinct components of the overall system, as mentioned above.
The KHILS Vacuum Cold Chamber (KVACC) has formed the basis for a comprehensive test capability for newly developed dual-band infrared sensors. Since initial delivery in 1995, the KVACC chamber and its support systems have undergone a number of upgrades, maturing into a valuable test asset and technology demonstrator for missile defense systems. Many leading edge test technologies have been consolidated during the past several years, demonstrating the level of fidelity achievable in tomorrow's missile test facilities. These technologies include resistive array scene projectors, sub-pixel non-linear spatial calibration and coupled two-dimensional radiometric calibration techniques, re-configurable FPGA based calibration electronics, dual-band beam-combination and collimation optics, a closed-cycle multi-chamber cryo-vacuum environment, personal computer (PC) based scene generation systems and a surrounding class-1000 clean room environment. The purpose of this paper is to describe this unique combination of technologies and the capability it represents to the hardware-in-the-loop community.
The development of a new generation PC-based array control electronics (PACE) system was completed during the first quarter of 2003 in the Kinetic Kill Vehicle Hardware-in-the-loop (KHILS) facility. This system replaces the bulky VME-based system that was the previous standard with more compact digital control electronics using field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology hosted on a personal computer. The analog interface electronics (AIE) were redesigned to eliminate obsolete components and miniaturize the package for better compatibility with harsh environments. The resulting PACE system supports both Santa Barbara Infrared Inc. (SBIR) and Honeywell Technology Center's (HTC's) 512 x 512 legacy emitter array infrared projection devices as well as SBIR's upcoming 1024 x 1024 and next-generation 512 x 512 arrays. Two FPGA-based PCI boards enable this system to reconfigure the inputs, processing and outputs of the projection electronics through firmware loaded from the control PC. The increased flexibility provides potential for additional real-time functions such as distortion correction, convolution and calibration to be implemented along with nonuniformity correction (NUC) techniques by simply reconfiguring firmware. This paper describes the capabilities of the new PACE system in terms of current and future hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) requirements.
KEYWORDS: Signal processing, Projection systems, Nonuniformity corrections, Infrared radiation, Data processing, Computer simulations, Field effect transistors, Temperature metrology, Black bodies, Error analysis
An alternative class of infrared projector real-time nonuniformity correction processor is introduced, based on the concept that the fundamental role of the processor is to reverse each of the projector processing steps as the input DAC voltage word is converted into infrared signal radiance output. The design is developed by assessment of the sequence of processes occurring within the projector and is tested by simulation. It is shown that there is potential for high fidelity nonuniformity correction across the infrared dynamic range without the need for the introduction of curve-fitting breakpoints.
The third generation of the Wide-band Infrared Scene Projector (WISP) resistor arrays has been delivered to the Air Force Research Laboratory's Kinetic Kill Vehicle Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation facility. A critical parameter in determining the extent with which the thermal arrays simulate the real world is the radiometric and thermal resolution. The measurement of the resolution is dependent upon several factors including the input data word resolution, drive electronics resolution, system noise factors, and the measurement sensor. Several measurements were made to quantify the noise components of the WISP array and the measurement sensor to determine the limiting factor for the measurements. Due to the nonlinear transfer function between the command voltage and the projected radiance, measurements were made at several input levels to determine how the resolution varies as a function of command voltage level. Measurements were performed both with and without the spatial non-uniformity correction (NUC) applied to determine the impact of the NUC on the radiometric resolution. Based on the results of these measurements the resolution of the WISP arrays is defined in both radiometric and thermal units.
Kinetic Energy Weapon (KEW) program under the Ballistic Missile Defense Office (BMDO) need high fidelity, fast framing infrared (IR) imaging seekers. As imaging sensors have matured to support BMDO, the complexity of functions assigned to the KEW weapon systems has amplified the necessity for robust hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation facilities to reduce program risk. Tactical weapon systems are also turning to imaging focal plane array seekers. They too require more sophisticated HWIL testing. The IR projector, an integral component of a HWIL simulation, must reproduce the real world with enough fidelity that the unit- under-test's software will respond to the projected scenario of images as through it were viewing the real world. The MOSFET resistor array IR scene projector shows great promise in cryogenic vacuum chamber as well as room temperature testing. Under the Wideband Infrared Scene Projector (WISP) program, a second generation resistor array has been delivered and characterized. Characterization measurements to include: spectral output, dynamic range capability, apparent temperature, rise time, and fall time, have been accomplished on the second generation array at the Kinetic Kill Vehicle Hardware-in-the Loop Simulator facility and the Guided Weapons Evaluation Facility, Eglin AFB, FL. Dynamic range output exceeds to WISP specification. Other parameters such as, rise time etc., either meet or are close to meeting system specifications. The final design of the WISP arrays is currently in progress based on these results. Also reported on in this document are performance measurements of the analog drive electronics' noise level, accuracy and resolution. The performance of the drive electronics had to be established before any radiometric output could be measured.
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