Proceedings Article | 24 September 2007
KEYWORDS: Video, Video surveillance, Video processing, Image processing, Aerosols, Signal to noise ratio, Light scattering, Image enhancement, Denoising, Scattering
PixonImaging LLC and DigiVision, Inc. have developed a real-time video processor, the PixonVision PV-200, based on
the patented Pixon method for image deblurring and denoising, and DigiVision's spatially adaptive contrast
enhancement processor, the DV1000. The PV-200 can process NTSC and PAL video in real time with a latency of 1
field (1/60th of a second), remove the effects of aerosol scattering from haze, mist, smoke, and dust, improve spatial
resolution by up to 2x, decrease noise by up to 6x, and increase local contrast by up to 8x. A newer version of the
processor, the PV-300, is now in prototype form and can handle high definition video. Both the PV-200 and PV-300 are
FPGA-based processors, which could be spun into ASICs if desired. Obvious applications of these processors include
applications in the DOD (tanks, aircraft, and ships), homeland security, intelligence, surveillance, and law enforcement.
If developed into an ASIC, these processors will be suitable for a variety of portable applications, including gun sights,
night vision goggles, binoculars, and guided munitions. This paper presents a variety of examples of PV-200 processing,
including examples appropriate to border security, battlefield applications, port security, and surveillance from
unmanned aerial vehicles.
