New image enhancement technology from PixonImaging refines a raw image by providing the same detail as if the subject was twice as close and clarifies the image by removing obscuring haze and boosting signal contrast in low light conditions. By flipping a switch, soldiers will be able to determine not only if these tanks are friendly, but the exact type of tanks they are about to encounter.
This technology is made possible through a combination of software designed by PixonImaging and hardware engineered by strategic partner, DigiVision, both of San Diego, California. PixonImaging's software incorporates the patented "Pixon® Method" which works by solving a mathematical equation that relates the "perfect image" to the measured, imperfect image captured by the soldier's binoculars (or other visual device such as a video camera).
The Pixon technology works backwards, stripping corrupting noise and image blur while simultaneously adjusting the intensity of each pixel until the simplest image that fits the real-time data emerges. "To put it in more pedestrian terms," said Rick Hier, chief scientist, vice president and CTO of DigiVision, "the data gets 'messed up' by the atmosphere and other factors. If you know how it gets messed up, you can undo it."
Pixon would not have their innovative product without the help of their strategic partner, DigiVision. When Puetter began developing the Pixon Method in the early 90s, they discussed integrating the technology into DigiVision's product offering. After Puetter helped to found Pixon LLC, the two companies formed a strategic alliance in 2001 (Puetter later became CEO of PixonImaging, a spin-off company addressing the needs of the military and security markets).
It was also in 2001 when Puetter first heard of CCAT during the program's early stages. When CCAT held a "kick off" meeting that spring, Puetter was in attendance and thought CCAT offered some possibilities to help get his technology off the ground.
In the fall of 2001, CCAT granted Pixon a market study in order to review the commercial possibilities for the real-time video enhancement technology. The market study, completed in the spring of 2002, determined that there was a viable market for the technology in both the military and surveillance industries.
The CCAT staff completing the market study was impressed by Pixon's technology and they recommended that the company be invited to apply for a CCAT Follow On award. In early 2003, CCAT awarded Pixon $75,000 for prototype development funding and additional market analysis. A second market study was done to help Pixon determine specific manufacturers to pursue in the unmanned aviation vehicles (UAV) market and determined that enhanced integration between the Pixon software and the DigiVision hardware would advance the technology's chances for success.
CCAT provided additional funding of $75,000 to Pixon in early 2004. This time, CCAT funded Pixon to take the prototype to the next stage with improved hardware/software integration and a more robust interface. The second CCAT award also expanded the number of prototypes in order to further marketing activities.
While Pixon was busy improving their product offerings, they were also acquiring customers. The Japanese Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy liked what they saw and purchased DigiVision hardware imbedded with Pixon technology for testing in 2004.
PixonImaging is currently working with DigiVision on a project for the U.S. Army for a processor that removes atmospheric turbulence. "It's sort of like when you look over the desert and you see heat waves rising. Well, imagine if you put one of our devices on a pair of binoculars and throw the switch so that wavy image goes away to become rock solid," said Puetter. "Then we'll take some of the hardware we already have and make that rock solid, geometrically stable image into a very sharp, clear and noise free image." DigiVision signed the contract with the Army in September, 2006 and the two companies will work together to engineer the project.
For more information, please contact:
Tom Sheffer, CCAT Program Director
SDSU Research Foundation
E-mail: tsheffer@foundation.sdsu.edu
Phone: (619) 594-4135 / Fax: (619) 594-5774