Intermediate-level vision tasks on a memory array architecture

Abstract

With the fast advances in the area of computer vision and robotics there is a growing need for machines that can “understand images” at very high speed. A conventional von Neumann computer is not suitable for this purpose, because it takes a tremendous amount of time to solve most typical image analysis problems. Thus, it is now imperative to study computer vision in a parallel processing framework in order to reduce the processing time. In this paper we demonstrate the applicability of a simple memory array architecture to some intermediate-level computer vision tasks. This architecture, called theAccess Constrained Memory Array Architecture (ACMAA) has a linear array of processors which concurrently access distinct rows or columns of an array of memory modules. Because of its efficient local and global communication capabilities ACMAA is well suited for low-level as well as intermediate-level vision tasks. This paper presents algorithms for connected component labeling, determination of area, perimeter and moments of a labeled region, convex hull of a region, and Hough transform of an image. ACMAA is well suited to an efficient hardware implementation because it has a modular structure, simple interconnect and limited global control.