Abstract: Systems and methods for folding a single instruction multiple data (SIMD) array include a newly defined processing element group (PEG) that allows interconnection of PEGs by abutment without requiring a row or column weave pattern. The interconnected PEGs form a SIMD array that is effectively folded at its center along the North-South axis, and may also be folded along the East-West axis. The folding of the array provides for north and south boundaries to be co-located and for east and west boundaries to be co-located. The co-location allows wrap-around connections to be done with a propagation distance reduced effectively to zero.

Abstract: Systems and methods for folding a single instruction multiple data (SIMD) array include a newly defined processing element group (PEG) that allows interconnection of PEGs by abutment without requiring a row or column weave pattern. The interconnected PEGs form a SIMD array that is effectively folded at its center along the North-South axis, and may also be folded along the East-West axis. The folding of the array provides for north and south boundaries to be co-located and for east and west boundaries to be co-located. The co-location allows wrap-around connections to be done with a propagation distance reduced effectively to zero.

Abstract: In an image processing system, high density storage of bit-plane data is provided in a secondary or page memory as well as high bandwidth access to the data by an image processor. The page memory provides storage of data not currently being processed. The page memory may also be part of a system that provides input and output of image data to and from the image processor. The image data may be handled outside the image processor in a packed pixel form and be converted between that form and bit-line form which the page memory stores during input and output. The bit-line data may be gathered into bit-planes for use by the image processor during movement of data from the page memory to the processing logic.

Abstract: System and method for the management of bit plane resources are presented. Because of the scarcity of processing element (PE) memory in a SIMD architecture, it is important to ensure that it is used with optimal efficiency. The Invention discloses methods for managing PE memory at runtime such that nearly 100% utilization is achieved. The method employed allows memory to be allocated and deallocated in single bit plane increments. Runtime allocation and deallocation occurs continuously such that it is impossible to guarantee availability of contiguous blocks of PE memory. The method employed by the invention allows scattered bit planes to be used without the necessity of expending execution time to perform “garbage collection”.

Abstract: System and method for reading and writing pixel aligned subframes from a frame buffer in a parallel processing system are disclosed. Optimal bandwidth access of the frame buffer requires that data be moved in bursts having multiple data words. Subframes are specified at X and Y locations within the image frame with a resolution of one pixel. In addition, subframes within a row may overlap each other and consecutive subframe rows may also overlap. Memory control logic of the invention provides pixel packing and unpacking and storing selected pixel data in a cache memory. Reading and writing to the frame buffer is provided in a manner that makes optimal use of the frame buffer internal architecture. Other capabilities of the memory control logic include decimation of pixel data during input, suppression of redundant frame buffer writes, and accessing image frame data in an interlaced manner.

Abstract: A parallel processor has a controller for generating control signals, and a plurality of identical processing cells, each of which is connected to at least one neighboring cell and responsive to the controller for processing data in accordance with the control signals. Each processing cell includes a memory, a first register, a second register, and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU). An input of the first register is coupled to a memory output. The output of the first register is coupled to a second register located in a neighboring cell. An input of the second register is coupled to receive an output from a first register located in a neighboring cell. The output of the second register is coupled to an input of the ALU. In another feature, mask logic is interposed between A and B operand sources, and two inputs of the ALU.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing data has a Single-Instruction-Multiple-Data (SIMD) architecture, and a number of features that improve performance and programmability. The apparatus includes a rectangular array of processing elements and a controller. The apparatus offers a number of techniques for shifting image data within the array. A first technique, the ROLL option, simultaneously shifts image planes in opposite directions within the array. A second technique, the gated shift option, makes a normal shift of an image plane to neighboring PEs conditional, for each PE, upon a value stored in a mask register of each PE. A third technique, the carry propagate option, combines the computations from multiple PEs in order to complete an n-bit operation in fewer than n clocks by forming "supercells" within the array. The apparatus also includes a multi-bit X Pattern register and a multi-bit Y Pattern register.