Realtime video compression on a multiprocessor system

Technology has evolved to the point that image sequences can be captured, compressed, transmitted, decompressed, and displayed in real time with a system consisting of predominantly off-the-shelf components. The system we have developed is able to decode and display approximately 10 frames/sec (128x128 images) using four 16Mhz Motorola 68020s controlled by an IBM PC/AT. The 68020 processors are connected to a Multibus 7. Via a BIT3 interface [1], the PC/AT sees the Multibus as an extension of its bus. We are presently optimizing the four processor system to handle 8-15 frames/sec.