A multiprocessor system for visual communications using distributed transputer arrays

A'transputer-based multiprocessor system for visual communication applications is presented. H.261, the encoding/decoding standard for video telephones recommended by CCITT, is implemented in this system for demonstration. Fundamental video processing operators, such as 3 x 3 discrete Laplacian, are also implemented. Up to 20.4 frames per second (fps) video replaying rate and about 7.2 fps processing rate for executing 3 x 3 linear filtering are obtained. Analyses and guidelines for designers wishing to build multiprocessor systems for visual communications are also given. Such a system is fast and flexible for experimenting with new algorithms and is an excellent CAI (computer aided instruction) tool in teaching video processing.