Neuromorphic vision sensors: Principle, progress and perspectives

Conventional frame-based image sensors suffer greatly from high energy consumption and latency. Mimicking neurobiological structures and functionalities of the retina provides a promising way to build a neuromorphic vision sensor with highly efficient image processing. In this review article, we will start with a brief introduction to explain the working mechanism and the challenges of conventional frame-based image sensors, and introduce the structure and functions of biological retina. In the main section, we will overview recent developments in neuromorphic vision sensors, including the silicon retina based on conventional Si CMOS digital technologies, and the neuromorphic vision sensors with the implementation of emerging devices. Finally, we will provide a brief outline of the prospects and outlook for the development of this field.

Automated summary

This review article discusses the potential of mimicking neurobiological structures and functionalities of the retina to build highly efficient neuromorphic vision sensors. It also highlights the challenges of conventional frame-based image sensors and the recent advancements in neuromorphic vision sensors. The article concludes with an outlook on the prospects of development in this field.