An Image Memory Logic Unit Inspired by Human Retina

Abstract

Human-inspired neuromorphic computing system breaks the limit of “von Neumann bottleneck” and improves the computing efficiency. However, the processing of a large amount of non-structural visual data results in a considerable waste of computing resources. In human visual system, visual information is preprocessed by the retina before transmitted to the visual cortex, which effectively reduces data redundancy. Therefore, multifunctional intelligent devices which integrate sensing-memory-processing functions are desired for the artificial visual system. Herein, an image memory logic unit (IMLU) inspired by human retina is proposed. The IMLU is formed by a simple two-terminal photodetector and comparator module. The photodetector is based on the Mo_xW_1−xS₂ alloy with persistent photo conductivity effect. In addition, the IMLU exhibits capabilities of in situ sensing, memory and logical operations (“AND”, “OR”, and “XOR”). Furthermore, the IMLU array enables image processing functions such as dilation, erosion and difference recognition, which shows great potential to provide simplified information processing for subsequent tasks in machine vision.