Variable Acuity Imager With Dynamically Steerable, Programmable Superpixels

摘要

Nova Research, Inc. has recently developed a novel two-dimensional imaging chip whose design is based on properties exhibited by biological retinas. The Variable Acuity imager permits the user to program a unique spatial arrangement of superpixels that may be updated in real time. In effect, any spatial configuration of pixels in the imager may be realized by programming the device in a way that permits pixels to share their individually- collected photocharge with any or all of their neighbors. Single and multiple foveal configurations are possible, and these high spatial resolution regions may be flown around the FPA at the will of the controlling processor. This device was developed through the combined requirements of (a) covering a wide total field of view while (b) retaining the highest possible spatial resolution on the targets of interest while at the same time (c) operating at the highest possible frame rate. Many thousands of frames per second are possible with the prototype imager while maintaining high spatial resolution. The prototype device operates as a visible imager, and Nova is pursuing the transition of this technology into the infrared domain. This paper will concentrate on applications of the technology and will show some imagery collected with the prototype system.