Retina-like Sensors

 Retina-like sensors have a spatial distribution of sensing elements which vary with eccentricity (distance from the central point of the structure). Our research activity is focused on retina-like sensors of the kind shown in the pictures below which are characterized by a linear increase of sampling distance with eccentricity. This sampling strategy mimics the distribution of photoreceptors in the human retina.
The pictures show two examples of distribution with square (left) and triangular tessellation. The size of the smallest elements as well as the total number of elements is the same in both images.

These sensors produce a topological mapping of the images known as log-polar mapping.

Graphical explanation of log-polar mapping

Technology

In collaboration with IMEC in Belgium three versions of space variant chips were developed:

Layout of the central part of the color CMOS sensor.

Research Activities

  • The IBIDEM project - A Videophone for deaf and hard of hearing
  • The SVAVISCA project - Color retina-like CMOS sensor
  • Vergence Control of a Binocular Head
  • Visuo-Inertial Integration
  • Real-time image transmission on Internet
  • Time-to-crash computation
  • Omnidirectional vision

Collaborations

Technology Transfer

  • Miniature log-polar camera