My imaging system currently produces a stream of digitized video data at 10Msps. That is, parallel 12bit ADC output at 10MHz. The next step is to collect the data in 1024*1024 chunks and perform image processing on it. With pauses, the frame rate is about 0.25s. Thus, the data for the new image is ready every 0.25s. The image processing might involve many complicated operations (not known yet).
Where do I start? What embedded systems would be most suitable for my application? I found several similar question like this one, which suggested embedded systems such as DSP uCs, FPGAs, other mini computers based on Windows (if I understood it right). However, I wish to hear more speculation on device selection.
I doubt I could keep up with the frame rate and perform real time image processing, but it would be great to find a solution that will have a reasonable performance speed (close to my frame rate) as well as good price, ease of implementation, the size, etc.
Best Answer
If you have a bit of budget, the Xilinx Spartan 6 FPGA is quite well suited to video processing. You can even buy a complete kit for about $5K. The link has some reference designs which you can compare to what you are trying to accomplish.
Since you don't know exactly what amount of processing is required, it might be better to err on the side of more capability than you think you'll need, so you don't run out of room on a given approach. You can always downsize to a smaller FPGA.