This proposal describes the design and implementation of VLSI vision systems for real-time dynamic tasks. The two part career plan develops smart application specific and general purpose visual computational sensors which may be used with other intelligent systems to realize solutions to various robot vision and image processing problems. The three part research tasks are: (1) the development and implementation of compact VLSI algorithms for image acquisition, edge detection and motion detection; (2) applications of these algorithms to specific problems such as image velocitometry, target tracking and rudimentary line-following auto- navigation and (3) development of a general purpose VLSI computational sensor which performs image acquisition, edge detection and 2D optical flow measurement in a single compact system. The goals of the educational component of this proposal include inclusion of VHDL tools into introductory undergraduate digital design courses, and the development of VLSI courses in imaging technology and mixed digital/analog signal processing with fabrication and testing requirements.
