A GENERALIZED COMPUTER VISION CHIP

This paper describes a generalized video convolution processor (VCP) w hich fulfils the requirements of an algorithm for depth estimation fro m stereo image pairs allowing the acceleration of I this process to ne ar-real-time rates. In particular, the VCP is designed to perform high -precision image rectification. The very high level of mathematical in tegrity which is required for this operation is not supported by comme rcial image warping devices. Additionally, the generality of the proce ssor allows it to be used across a wider range of computer vision and image processing applications. A prototype has been fabricated using a two-layer metal 1 mu m CMOS process and the chip operates at 30 MHz. The VCP can rectify a 256 x 256 image at 25 frames/sec and allows trul y arbitrary image warps. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited