A dual operation mode bio-inspired vision sensor

Abstract

We present a bio-inspired frame-free vision sensor with two different operation modes: spatial contrast computation and intensity mode. Cross-pixel communication for contrast computation uses spike signals. Two read-out methods, Pulse Density Modulation (PDM) or Time-to-first spike (TFS), are available. Both use address event representation (AER) for off-chip communication. The user can toggle any time between different operation and read-out modes with two digital control signals that set automatically the bias settings. The sensor is aimed for applications where speed and low output data flow are preferred, i.g. surveillance and industrial processes, offering the possibility of providing detailed intensity images if necessary. The sensor does not need calibration.