Peripheral artificial vision: integrated circuit implementation of lateral inhibitory networks

The approach to building the silicon retina can be made in several ways. Presently the best known is that of Mead (1989) who has made a chip to model the known physiology of the vertebrate retina. Another approach is electronic implementation of selected specific retinal, cortical and optic lobe (of insects) physiological mechanisms. From the electrophysiological experimental results found in these areas of animal visual systems, a lengthy array of principles has developed. By examining the applicability of these principles one, or a few at a time within the context of existing optoelectronic technology the authors hope to better integrate the biological image processing into the monolithic technology.<>