Project Title:

Focal Plane Image Compressions in the Charge Domain

07.01-9271A
901041
Focal Plane Image Compressions in the Charge Domain

Abstract:

This project addresses charge-domain image compression on a monolithic charge-coupled
device (CCD) detector. Such a device would have substantially reduced output bandwidth
compared to existing pixel-by-pixel readout systems. Since current image compression
algorithms can provide compression factors of greater than 10:1 with little visible
degradation, a charge domain compressor CCD could reduce system electronics mass
and power requirements by an order of magnitude without compromising image quality.
The objectives of this project are to devise an image compression algorithm that
can be implemented in the charge domain and to produce an electrical design for a
CCD that implements that compression algorithm and a block design for the system
that incorporates it. The effort will develop a software simulation of a charge domain
compressor, use the simulation to optimize the compressor performance, determine
the optimal partitioning between on-chip and off-chip, and estimate the power required
for such a system. Potential NASA uses for a charge-domain image compressor CCD include
minimizing electronics resource requirements for very high resolution (e.g. landing
site selection) and very small (e.g. rover and penetrator) planetary mission cameras.
Potential commercial applications for CCD charge-domain image compressors/detectors
include spaceflight imaging systems, electronic (i.e. non-film based) motion picture
systems, and consumer video cameras.
focal plane, image compressions, charge-domain