This invention enables effective corner detection of pixels of an image using the FAST algorithm using a vector SIMD processor. This invention loads an 8×8 pixel block that includes four 7×7 pixel blocks including the 16 peripheral pixels to be tested for each of four center pixels. This invention rearranges the 64 pixels of the 8×8 block to form a 16 element array for each center pixel preferably using a vector permutation instruction. This invention uses vector SIMD subtraction and compare and vector SIMD addition and compare to make the FAST algorithm comparisons. The N consecutive pixels determinations of the FAST algorithm are made from the results of plural shift and AND operations. The corresponding center pixel is marked a corner or not a corner dependent upon of the results of plural shift and AND operations.