Real-time morphology processing using highly parallel 2-D cellular automata CAM2

Mathematical morphology is a promising computer paradigm based on set theory and has many applications in image processing. Although some architectures have been proposed, there are as yet no compact, practical computers that can handle a variety of morphological operations with large, complex structuring elements at video rates. This has prevented the great potential of morphology from being fully realized. This paper describes a morphology processing method that uses a highly parallel two-dimensional (2-D) cellular automaton architecture called it CAM² (Cellular AutoMata on Content Addressable Memory). New mapping methods achieve high-throughput complex morphology processing. Evaluation results show that CAM² performs one morphological operation for basic structuring elements within 30 μs. Furthermore, CAM² can also handle an extremely large and complex structuring element of 100×100 at video rates. CAM2 will increase the potential use of morphology and make a significant contribution to the development of various real-time image processing systems.