Chronocam Unveils the First Bio-Inspired Approach to Computer Vision

DRESDEN, GERMANY--(Marketwired - Oct 6, 2015) - Chronocam, a Paris-based developer of biologically-inspired vision sensors and systems for computer vision and IoT applications, today unveiled a prototype of its self-adapting CCAM (Eye)oT™ solution. By being able to sense in real time the relevant dynamic scene context and acquire only what is necessary, the solution represents a dramatic advancement over conventional fixed frame rate camera technology. At Semicon Europa, the company demonstrated for the first time how this technique eliminates the traditional speed vs. date rate trade off in vision systems with a combination of unprecedented improvements in the performance, dynamic range and power efficiency of cameras in smart devices, IoT, robotics, automotive, aerospace and defense, and biomedical applications.

Chronocam's proprietary approach leverages the company's deep expertise in vision technology, sensor design and neuromorphic computing that includes several patents to this new vision CMOS sensing and processing technology. The technology is unique in its ability to achieve scene-dependent data compression that can be optimized in real-time according to varying application requirements. Image information is not acquired and transmitted frame-wise but continuously, and conditionally only from parts of the scene where there is new visual information. The result is an almost time-continuous but very sparse stream of events carrying the most useful full visual information.

With its innovative way to process vision information, CCAM (Eye)oT provides an unprecedented combination of performance figures -- including speed (100 Kfps equivalent), dynamic range ( > 120dB), sensor-level video compression (100x) and power efficiency ( < 10mW), at the same time.

The benefits of the Chronocam approach directly address the need for improvements in power efficiency and bandwidth in a range of vision-enabled application areas, as well as better integration in mobile platforms and sensor networks (IoT) and higher speed and safer control in autonomous vehicles, drones and robots. Potential uses for Chronocam's highly efficient way to meet demanding vision tasks include real-time 3D mapping, complex multi-object tracking, inspection, recognition and tracking devices, advanced driver assistance technology and low power "always-on" visual input for smart devices.

Inspired by the Human Eye
Similar to the way the human eye interprets a scene, the Chronocam sensors are only driven by the relevant events happening in the scene. Each pixel is independent and asynchronous and optimizes its own acquisition time according to the dynamics of the scene: the pixel does not sample when nothing happens and samples fast when something moves fast.

About Chronocam
Chronocam is developing a unique, bio-inspired and self-adapting approach to the need for visual sensing and processing in autonomous vehicles, connected devices, security and surveillance systems. Based in Paris, Chronocam is a venture backed company with investors including Robert Bosch Venture Capital and CEA Investissement. More information can be found at www.chronocam.com.