Neuromorphic Vision Sensors

Vision is one of the most useful sensory functions, but the real-time processing of the continuous, high-dimensional input signals provided by vision sensors is a major challenge in robot design. Conventional digital vision sensors tend to have excessive power consumption, size, and cost for useful applications. In this TechView, Indiveri and Douglas discuss an alternative strategy, namely neuromorphic vision sensors that are based on biological vision systems. In these sensors, specialized sensory processing functions inspired by biological systems such as fly eyes are integrated in parallel, asynchronous circuits that respond in real time. These sensors offer significant advantages over conventional vision sensors.