A novel low latency integral image architecture

An integral image is a vital pre-processing step for several detection algorithms. Object detection algorithm requires real-time operation. Therefore, a strong restriction of time is imposed over the integral image processing. However, the integral image calculation speed is proportional to the image resolution. Hardware implementation provides the necessary speed to achieve a real-time object detection. Previous approaches have relied on an image that has been acquired and stored beforehand to start processing it. However, the performance of the system must take into consideration the acquisition and storing of the image. This paper introduces an integral image architecture that integrates the acquisition and processing stage. Therefore, the proposed architecture leaves out the need for external memory and eliminates the need to wait for an image to be acquired and stored.