An image region extraction LSI based on a merged/mixed-signal nonlinear oscillator network circuit

This paper proposes a nonlinear oscillator network LSI for image region extraction as a preprocessing of intelligent image recognition. The processing can be achieved by using the nonlinear characteristics of a nonlinear oscillator. The proposed circuit has been designed using a merged/mixed analog-digital CMOS circuit architecture that includes pulse modulation circuits and digital logic and memory circuits. An LSI fabricated using a 0.35 µm CMOS technology demonstrates the basic operation of image region extraction. The processing time will be on the order of sub-milliseconds with a maximum operation frequency.