Median networks find the median (or k-th element) without fully sorting. For FPGA LIDAR and image processing, finding the median of a sliding window is common for noise reduction. These networks are optimized for minimal depth and comparator count when only the median is needed. Optimal median network constructions are based on the excellent research by Bert Dobbelaere.
Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Depth (stages) | O(log n) to O(log2 n) |
| Comparators | Fewer than full sort |
| Parallelism | High - many independent comparisons |
| Best for | Median filters, noise reduction, image processing |