Parallel Processing System Design with "Propeller" Processor

This is a technical and experimental report of parallel processing, using the "Propeller" chip. Its eight 32 bits processors (cogs) can operate simultaneously, either independently or cooperatively, sharing common resources through a central hub. I introduce this unique processor and discuss about the possibility to develop interactive systems and smart interfaces in media arts, because we need many kinds of tasks at a same time with NIMErelated systems and installations. I will report about (1) Propeller chip and its powerful IDE, (2) external interfaces for analog/digital inputs/outputs, (3) VGA/ NTSC/PAL video generation, (4) audio signal processing, and (5) originally-developed MIDI input/output method. I also introduce three experimental prototype systems.