FPGA-based system for fast image segmentation inspired by the network of synchronized oscillators

Abstract

This paper presents an FPGA-based system for fast and parallel image segmentation. Implemented segmentation method is inspired by operation of the network of synchronized oscillators - a robust tool for image processing and analysis. The architecture of parallel digital image processor was presented and discussed. It was optimized to enable fully synchronized parallel processing along with reduction of FPGA resources. The developed system is able to analyze both binary and monochrome images with size of 64 × 64 pixels. It was demonstrated that it can perform region growing image segmentation, edge detection, labelling of binary objects, and basic morphological operations. Sample analysis results were also presented and discussed.