Next generation Image Processing Engine to support the creation, processing, deployment and transmission of super high definition images for large format ‘smart’ digital displays and signage

Project Information

SuperHD-ToolBox

Grant agreement ID: 712175

DOI

10.3030/712175

Project closed

EC signature date 25 November 2015

Start date 1 December 2015

End date 29 February 2016

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies - Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

IMAGE PROCESSING TECHNIQUES LIMITED
United Kingdom

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SuperHD-ToolBox (Next generation Image Processing Engine to support the creation, processing, deployment and transmission of super high definition images for large format ‘smart’ digital displays and signage)

Reporting period: 2015-12-01 to 2016-02-29

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Phase 1 funding has enabled Omnitek to complete a feasibility study for the SuperHD-ToolBox project: This encompasses the next generation of Image Processing Engines primarily built around FPGA IP cores to support the creation, processing, deployment and transmission of super high definition images for a range of markets including large format ‘smart’ digital displays, signage, projectors, broadcast, medical and consumer equipment.
In the completion of this study, Omnitek has examined current market conditions and trends, and risks and opportunities of markets in different geographical areas. We have assigned priorities to protecting our Intellectual Property in those areas which provide the best fit for our business. There is a ‘technology race’ stemming from high demand for innovative imaging solutions that are clearer, higher quality and better than the current state-of-the-art.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

We have established freedom to operate within the field. No prior IP protection relating to SuperHD-ToolBox-like systems has been discovered. A robust IP strategy has been developed to protect our work from exploitation by outside parties.
We intend to supply software and firmware chip subassemblies (IP Cores) that can be coupled together to provide an extremely cost-effective and high performance system, enabling the manipulation, processing and transmission of video to meet future processing and format requirements. These include “super hi-vision” (8K), High Dynamic Range (HDR) and High Frame Rate (HFR) processing of images to be displayed on multiple high-resolution screens. The current state-of-the-art use ASICs and PC technology, which cannot adapt quickly enough to the rapidly changing market demand and requirement for flexibility. Silicon manufacturers are approximately 2 years behind the market need for 8K image and high frame rate processing Warp technology. By use of flexible IP cores on software on reconfigurable FPGA and MPSoC devices, Omnitek believes it will be able to address these future requirements more rapidly with flexible solutions. Omnitek have already shown considerable signs of success in this region for the new 4K market using its high performance, low footprint IP solutions.
SuperHD-ToolBox will meet customer demands for crystal clear images with high clarity, brightness and image contrast. Potential solutions were evaluated in terms of Customer and Omnitek requirements and a strategy has been defined. Key technologies for meeting these demands are identified and compared.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The SuperHD-ToolBox Project has developed an elaborated business plan in which we detail our commercialisation and marketing strategy. Our strategy for developing client uptake is explained and risks and opportunities associated with the product are identified.
The current state of the technology is described and an overview of future development is presented.

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