FPGA Based Embedded Vision Systems

Embedded micro-controller systems are becoming increasingly popular in image processing applications. Imaging algorithms can consume large amounts of the processing time on a CPU, which also needs to handle other tasks such as I/O. A significant amount of research has been performed in recent years into the acceleration of image processing algorithms using reconfigurable hardware logic devices such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). This project combines the two, presenting an embedded controller with an on-board FPGA for real-time image processing. In addition, this project investigates the implementation of several imaging algorithms in hardware logic. FPGA implementations of algorithms for performing colour space conversion, image thresholding and object location are presented and analysed. Finally, this project outlines the design and implementation of a new hardware divisor for performing 8-bit division. The error probability function of this division algorithm is fully characterised and contrasted against existing hardware division algorithms.