CMOS imager with embedded analog early image processor
We present a high quality computational CMOS imager with integrated early image processing general-purpose filter. The early processor identifies in real-time areas of interest within the field of view, and reduces data volume and data-bandwidth to the external processor. Unlike other computational imagers, this approach does not compromise signal integrity, and unlike high-speed imagers, it does not overwhelm the external processor. On focal plane integration of image pre-processing allows an efficient implementation of a variety of computationally intensive applications such as autonomous navigation, object avoidance or intercept, and recognition. A proof of concept imager has been built and high-speed operation of the imager-processor has been confirmed.