SBIR Phase II: Neuromorphic Color Sensor for Object and Place Recognition

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)二期项目提出了在芯片上构建微型对象识别和颜色分割系统。该芯片将进行调整，以识别自然环境中的各种预定义目标。该芯片将使用一种物体识别模型，即颜色组织图，该模型最初源于认知神经科学的研究。利用神经形态工程的最新进展，该公司将使用模拟/数字混合处理直接在硅中实现基本传感和计算元件。相比之下，用传统的微处理器技术实现相同的模型或算法需要将基本计算模拟为中间步骤。取消这一中间步骤将导致智能传感器的成本大大降低，体积更小，功耗更低--这是竞争对手基于微处理器的技术无法实现的成就。这项技术的应用包括智能玩具和假肢设备。一个玩具可能会被制造成能够识别并因此能够对另一个玩具或特殊设计的环境的存在做出反应。更先进和更精细的芯片版本可能会被用作帮助盲人寻找标准化(即特殊颜色)物体的辅助工具。例如，盲人可以在帮助下定位咖啡杯，区分两件相似的衣服，只是颜色不同，或者在建筑物中找到标准化的“出口”标志。这项技术的更广泛影响是，它将有助于弥合自然、非结构化环境和计算技术之间的差距。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project proposes the construction of a miniature object recognition and color segmentation system on a chip. This chip will be tuned to recognize various predefined targets in natural environments. The chip will use an object recognition model, color histogramming, originally derived from research in cognitive neuroscience. Taking advantage of recent advances in Neuromorphic Engineering, the company will implement the basic sensing and computational elements directly in silicon using mixed analog/digital processing. In contrast, implementing the same model or algorithm with conventional microprocessor technology would require that the basic computations be simulated as an intermediate step. The removal of this intermediate step will result in an intelligent sensor with dramatically lower cost, smaller volume, and reduced power usage-achievements not possible using competing microprocessor-based technology.The applications for this technology include intelligent toys and prosthetic devices. A toy might be made to recognize, and therefore be able to respond to, the presence of another toy or specially designed environment. More advanced and elaborated versions of the chip might be used as an aid to the blind by assisting them in finding standardized (i.e. specially colored) objects. For example, a blind person might be assisted in localizing a coffee mug, distinguishing between two similar items of clothing differing only in color, or finding a standardized 'EXIT' sign in a building. The broader impact of this technology is that it will help bridge the gap between the natural, unstructured environment and computing technology.