CONFIGURABLE PARALLEL PIPELINE IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM

    公开(公告)号:CA1258319A

    公开(公告)日:1989-08-08

    申请号:CA509127

    申请日:1986-05-14

    Applicant: IBM

    Inventor: KIMMEL MILTON J

    Abstract: Configurable processing element groups (PEGs), made up of processing elements (PEs) and boolean combiner image switches (BC), arrayed in image processing subassemblies (CAGEs) having limited external PE connections, provide myriad image processing network choices without massive investment in memory and b us capacity. PEs have full variable connectability within the PEG, and connectability via limited bus connections to PEs in related PEGs. Image switching is implemented by the BC, which is feedback connected to PEs within the PEG. Each PEG is also directly connected to the next PEG, through its BC, in straightforward pipeline configuration. For simple jobs, the implementor configures simple networks of PEs within n PEGs. For demanding jobs, the implementor configures PEs in one PEG together with PEs from other PEGs, in a compound bus-connected network within the CAGE. For very demanding jobs, the implementor uses the PEs in the system not only as binary window processors, but also as additional switching paths, logic inverters and delay elements, setting up the image processing system most closely approaching the optimum for the job. Limitations are only bus capacity, bus con-nections and CAGE to CAGE connections. The system features host computer, video buffer, and pipeline of CAGEs, each CAGE having bit stream input an array of PEGs, and CAGE exit mechanism which provides a bit stream output in the form of X-Y coordinates of selected pels. An additional feedback loop, from BC output to BC input within the PE, significantly adds to capability with little additional oral structure.

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