run two functions in parallel matlab

Question

I have this problem: I have one MATLAB function that performs anisotropic diffusion on a volume. For a medical volume it takes about 20 min to complete the execution. Now I want to use this function simultaneously on two different volumes so that the total execution time remains 20 min and not 40 min total using Matlab's Parallel Computing Toolbox. I have a quadcore Macbook so in my thoughts one core should run one the first volume and the second core should run the second volume.

How can I do that?

The functions I want to run simultaneously are:

filt1=anisodiff3D(volume1);
filt2=anisodiff3D(volume2);

Thank you!

I know you asked about the parallel computing toolbox solution, but still: I often just start up a second instance of Matlab, which will run in parallel as well. Just to remind you; the parallel computing toolbox isn't always necessary. — Wooly Jumper
I know the topic is one-year old, but I feel my question is worth a comment rather than a question in itself. I have four scripts to run in MATLAB, but, contrary to the question, I cannot index the argument as the names of the scripts have little in common. I would like to assign a specific job to a specific worker (1, 2, 3 or 4) on a local cluster (quadcore) I have the distcomp toolbox. My question is: is it possible or do I have to resort to starting four instances of MATLAB ? Thanks for your answer ! — user89073

VAndrei VAndrei · Accepted Answer · 2015-03-22T13:58:47

You first need to create a pool of Matlab processes and then use the parfor construct. I would do like this:

% Useful for operating on parfor
filt = [filt1, filt2];
vol = [volume1, volume2];

% Please note that these are separate processes and sharing data can be challengin
matlabpool(2); % or parpool(2);

% Parallelize the for loop using 2 workers
parfor i = 1 : 2
   filt(i) = anisodiff3D(vol(i));
end

run two functions in parallel matlab

2 Answers