Smart sensing within a pyramid vision machine

A machine is designed, based on a pyramid architecture, that supports smart sensing and related highly efficient processing. Key elements of the design are (a) hierarchical data structures for image representation, (b) fine-to-coarse algorithms for the fast generation of image measures, (c) coarse-to-fine search strategies that rapidly locate objects or events within a scene, and (d) high-level control mechanisms that guide data gathering even as visual information is being interpreted. This system, known as the Pyramid Vision Machine, achieves high performance at modest cost. Design considerations and several applications are described.<>