Real-time image processor

Abstract

A real-time image processor has three functional sections: an image manager, an image processor, and an instruction generator. The image processor may be an array of single-instruction multiple-data (SIMD) processing elements, for processing a subframe of sensor data. The instruction generator generates image processing commands for execution by the image processor. The image manager may be coupled to a plurality of sensors for simultaneously receiving streams of sensor data from the sensors, each stream constituting one or more image frames. When the image manager detects that a subframe of data has been received from a sensor, it loads that subframe into the image processor. Next, the image manager sends a message to the instruction generator, the message including a subframe ready indicator and an algorithm designator. In response, the instruction generator begins generating image processing commands that are determined by the algorithm designator. After the instruction generator has sent out the final image processing command for the designated algorithm, it notifies the image manager. In response, the image manager retrieves the processed image data from the image processor. Hit detection logic in the image manager identifies the location of processed data having predetermined values. The image manager can additionally use a reconstruction buffer to form a processed frame of data from separately processed subframes of data.