Image moments are used in image analysis for object modelling, matching and representation. The computation of high-order moments is a computational intensive task that can not be implemented in real-time with nowadays general-purpose processors. This paper proposes a set of specialised processors for generating an image moment of an arbitrary order in real time, by adopting systolic processing techniques and floating-point arithmetic units. It proposes a modular and cost effective architecture for generating image moments, with a processing time not dependent on the order of the computed moments. The architecture was implemented using different devices, such as programmable digital processors, configurable hardware logic and integrated circuits, by using a 0.7 /spl mu/m CMOS process. The several implementations have shown the effectiveness of the architecture, and the obtained results allow us to compare the different solutions in terms of speed, flexibility, cost and power consumption.