The synchronous dataflow machine: a computer architecture for real time image processing

A parallel computer architecture for real-time image processing is described. The architecture centers on the direct mapping of a static dataflow graph into hardware: each node (or group of nodes) is replaced by a processing element. The processing elements are connected by a flexible and fast communication network based on multiple interruptible buses. A prototype of the system has been built. Many low-level image processing algorithms run in real time at video rate. Applications of the system include real-time computer vision, real-time image enhancement, robotics, and autonomous systems. A color classification algorithm for autonomous vehicle guidance runs at video rate (50 frames/s). For this application, more than 200 million instructions (VAX equivalent) are executed