Abstract: The specification discloses a system and method for processing serialized digital representations of grayscale images. The system includes a geometric logic unit through which the serialized representations are passed. The geometric logic unit includes an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and an ALU controller which operate on the serialized signal and a delayed version thereof on a word-by-word basis. The function unit is capable of performing a dynamically selectable function and appropriately clips the resultant data to maintain the data within range.

Abstract: The specification discloses a system and method for processing digital representations of images by routing the representations sequentially through a plurality of function units. Each function unit includes a delay for delaying one of two inputs and a logic unit for performing logical operations on the delayed and undelayed signals to produce two outputs. The logic unit performs any one of a plurality of logic functions as dynamically selected during processing. Specific functions of particular interest include (1) ORing the delayed signal and the original digital signal and (2) ANDing the delayed signal and the original digital signal. The delay includes a first shift register through which the serial signal is shifted, a storage device for storing signal segments read from the first shift register, and a second shift register into which the segments are returned from storage to be re-serialized to produce the delayed signal.

Abstract: The specification discloses a system and a method for processing digital representations of images to produce dilations and erosions at unparalleled speeds and efficiencies. The system includes digital circuitry for effecting a dilation by repetitively delaying the serialized digital image and ORing the delayed digital image back into the serial signal stream.

Abstract: The specification discloses a system and method for processing digital representations of grayscale images to produce grayscale image transformations at unparalleled speed and efficiency. The system includes circuitry for effecting transformations of an image by repetitively (1) delaying the serialized digital image, (2) adding a constant value to each word of the delayed serialized digital image, and (3) logically combining the delayed and undelayed serial images on a word-by-word basis.