A scalable low power imager architecture for compound-eye vision sensors

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a scalable low power imager architecture for compound-eye vision sensors. The proposed hardware architecture is based on a time domain data representation as well as a biologically inspired read-out strategy using address-event-representation (AER). The proposed AER approach to compound-eye imaging enables low power operation (10nA/pixel), efficient read-out, improved signal-to-noise ratio together with wide dynamic range. Moreover, the proposed AER-based VLSI architecture is scalable and well suited to the next generation of deep submicron silicon processes owing to decreased supply voltage, process variability and increased noise levels.