Nonlinear local image transforms with a new type of pipelined processor

A new type of array processor is presented which, coupled to an image store, works synchronously with the scan at a pixel rate of 8 MHz. It allows access to 16 points within a local neighbourhood. A new value for the center point is evaluated in a cascade of look-up tables with two entries. A vast range of local transforms may therefore be programmed which may include nonlinear or logical operations. The system performs up to 10 transforms/sec yielding roughly 11O Moperations/sec on 6 bit pixel data. Each operation (= one table look-up) may however consist of several instructions. Examples of biological applications include detection of objects by texture and parallel tracking.