Research of time digital converter using early vision model

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K06318
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Electron device/Electronic equipment
• Research Institution: Kanagawa University
• Principal Investigator: Shima Takeshi 神奈川大学, 工学部, 教授 (50312088)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): Nicodimus Retdia 芝浦工業大学, 工学(系)研究科(研究院), 准教授 (90401538)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 初期視覚モデル / 環状多相発振回路 / フィルタ / 発振モード

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, a signal processing method in the early vision model of the retina is introduced to improve the measurement accuracy of the time-to-digital converter. Each oscillator output waveform of the multi-phase ring coupled oscillators (MPRCO) is considered as a photoreceptor cell output of the retina. The dynamic behavior of the MPRCO was analyzed to avoid the instability of the oscillation mode, and the circuit design technique and its startup procedure were proposed to realize an MPRCO that oscillates in a specific mode. In addition, a new output code robust against oscillation frequency perturbations was proposed, as well as a N-path notch filter to improve TDC time resolution. The results of this research will enable recognition of the external environment of an autonomous vehicle in more detail, and in medical imaging devices it will be possible to detect lesions at an early stage. Thus great benefits to our lives are anticipated.

Free Research Field

電子回路工学　集積回路工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

近年外界情報のセンシング技術が注目されている。時間を計測する装置の高精度化は、自動車の自律走行運転や医療用イメージング装置等に代表されるセンシング技術の発展に不可欠である。本研究の成果は、自律走行運転においては外界をより精度よく認識することに役立ち、医療用イメージング装置においては、病変を初期段階で検出することが可能になるなど、我々の生活に大きな便益をもたらすと考えられる。