Multiprocessor DSP with multistage switching network for video coding

A dynamic load balancing method is proposed that uses a multistage switching network to solve the problem of load concentration on certain processors for video coding in multiprocessor digital signal processors. (DSPs) This method balances the processing load by distributing the total load among the processor elements having smaller loads. The load distribution is performed by the multistage switching network, which transmits the load quantity information within the network. A scheduling method for a motion picture coding algorithm using multiprocessor DSPs is also proposed. This scheduling method takes full advantage of the multistage switching network functions when distributing the processing load and sorting the processed results. By using computer simulation, multiprocessor DSP performance with the proposed method is shown to be double that of a conventional multiprocessor DSP when an initially unbalanced load is allocated to the processors, as in picture coding for TV conferences