Karhünen-loève transform: An exercise in simple image-processing parallel pipelines

Abstract

Practical parallelizations of multi-phased low-level image-processing algorithms may require working in batch mode. The features of a common processing model, employing a pipeline of processor farms, are described. A simple exemplar, the Karhünen-Loève transform, is prototyped on a network of processors running a real-time operating system. The design trade-offs for this and similar algorithms are indicated, when a general solution is sought. Eventual implementation on large- and fine-grained hardware is considered. The chosen exemplar is shown to have some features, such as strict sequencing and unbalanced processing phases, which militate against a comfortable parallelization.