PPL: A whole-image processing language

This paper presents the design and implementation of the picture processing language (PPL) that extends the syntax and semantics of traditional image processing libraries. PPL provides a rich set of features to support the development of imaging systems. A main aspect is that many of these features treat a whole-image as an individual operand. An efficient memory management scheme is included that allows “in-place operation” with high memory efficiency.The PPL compiler together with an interpreter can work in two modes. The PPL compiler can convert the source code into C files that can be used as macros within a client program. The program can also be executed at run-time by an interpreter. The dual-execution modes make it possible to be used by both imaging researchers and equipment developers.The extended set of PPL instructions can communicate with digital sensors and 3D displays, and store image data into databases across the Internet. The wavelet-based reverse prediction algorithm can speed up the image loading process approximately three times faster than JPEG. The application programming interface (API) of PPL provides all the building blocks for programmers.