Low Power Mesh Algorithms for Image Problems

We analyze a physically motivated fine-grained mesh-connected computer model, assuming that a word of information takes a fixed area and that it takes unit time and unit energy to move a word unit distance. This is a representation of computing on a chip with myriad tiny processors arranged as a mesh. While most mesh algorithms assume all processors are active at all times, we give algorithms that have only a few processors on at any one time, which reduces the power required. We apply this approach to basic problems involving images, showing that there can be dramatic reductions in the peak power with only small, if any, changes in the time required. We also show that these algorithms give a more efficient way to utilize power when more power is available.