Analogic and Neural Computing Laboratory

Wave computing algorithms via the Analogic Cellular (CNN) Computer, including wave metrics, active contour algorithms, and computational framework, sensor computers and telepresence, neuromorphic models of sensing, adaptation, and plasticity, optoelectronic CNN-UM architectures and real-time optimization using analogic CNN algorithms

Description

Research Projects and Highlights

The major motivating research themes for a new 3-year-period:

• Wave computing algorithms via the Analogic Cellular (CNN) Computer, including wave metrics, active contour algorithms, and computational framework
• Sensor Computers and telepresence
• Neuromorphic models of sensing, adaptation, and plasticity
• Optoelectronic CNN-UM architectures
• Real-time Optimization using analogic CNN algorithms

The main results in 2001 were as follows:

• A neuromorphic multilayer implementation and 3-layer complex cell decomposition of a typical mammalian retinal model
• New spatio-temporal nonlinear pattern classes and a programmable test bed for bifurcation phenomena
• A new framework for computing and computer complexity in analogic wave computers
• A behavioural modeling and template design methodology of analogic visual microprocessor chips
• A multiple B-template optical CNN-UM implementation with improved geometric robustness
• Color constancy implementation and testing on the ACE4k chip
• Framework for multi-camera and multi-target tracking and detection system
• New, high-speed optimization algorithms for call admission control and Quality of Service switch routing, both for high-speed internet communication
• Optimization of Paintbrush rendering
• New architectural speed-up in Emulated digital CNN/UM implementations
• Emulated digital CNN implementation in FPGAs
• New, high-speed 3D reconstruction of the heart based on 2D image sequences

Start of a new Consortium for Telesense Applications

• A new, major R&D project has started in telesense and echocardiology applications. The first results will appear in 2002.

Publications and citations

The usual high number of publications and citations was characteristic in 2001 as well. The first textbook on CNN Technology has been printed and its sale start will at the beginning of 2002 (see at Amazon.com). About 100 citations, without self-citations, mostly in SCI journals, highlight the role of the research done at the Laboratory.

In addition to the usual active role of many Laboratory members at various scientific conferences, now, 3 members have new roles in editorial boards.

Cooperating Laboratories

The cooperating laboratories mentioned in our publications are as follows.

With the laboratories below we have made continuous common work.

The closest co-operation has been made with

• The Nonlinear Electronics Laboratory of Professor L.O. Chua at the University of California at Berkeley
• The Analog Integrated Circuit Design Laboratory of Professor Ángel Rodríguez-Vázquez at the University of Seville
• The Neurobiology Laboratory of Professor J. Hámori, at Semmelweis University of Medicine in Budapest
• The Vision Research Laboratory of Professor F. Werblin at the University of California at Berkeley

Active, project and contract related collaboration has been done with

• The Laboratory of Professor Pier Paolo Civalleri at the Technical University of Torino
• The Systems and Control Laboratory of Professor Luigi Fortuna at the University of Catania
• The Laboratory of Professor Joos Vandewalle at the ESAT Laboratories in Leuven (Katolieke Universiteit Leuven)
• The Department of Information Technology at the University of Veszprém
• The Division of Dr. Á.Tahy of St. Francis Hospital in Budapest
• The Division of A. Szathmáry at Gy. Gottsegen Hospital in Budapest

In addition, with the Laboratories below, we have made useful contacts and/or started joint work

• The Laboratory of Professor Ronald Tetzlaff, at Goethe University, Frankfurt
• The Laboratory of Dr. J. Zerubia at INRIA, Sophia - Antipolis, France
• The Image Processing Laboratory at the University of Leipzig, Germany
• The Signal Processing Laboratory of Professor Murat Kunt, at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
• The Optical Engineering Laboratory at the University of Joensuui, Finland

In the framework of the Center of Excellence program, we have hosted two visiting scientists.

• Dr. Ronald Tetzlaff, from Goethe University, Frankfurt, spent 4 months at our Laboratory working on an epilepsy project. The aim is the very high-speed forecast of the epileptic seizure of a patient at least a few minutes earlier. The analogic CNN algorithms implemented on the ACE 4 k analogic visual microprocessor are good candidates for this task.
• Dr. Zsófia Ruttkai was working on facial expression modeling. We have identified a couple of tasks which could be efficiently implemented via CNN Technology.

Research Grants

National Grants:

• Project title: Accuracy, adaptation, dynamics and complexity in analogic CNN
  Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (OTKA)
  Principal Investigator: T. Roska
• Project title: Modelling the Human Color Visual System with Cellular Neural Networks: experiments, models and adaptive displaying
  Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (OTKA)
  Principal Investigator: Á. Zarándy
• Project title: 3D Surface Modelling
  National Scientific Research Foundation (OMFB)
  Principal Investigator: A. Radványi

International and Foreign Grants:

• Project title: Implementation of Programmable Opto-Electronic Analogic CNN Computers Embedding CNN Universal Machine Chips and Polymer Optical Memories
  Office of Naval Research, USA
  Principal Investigator: T. Roska
  Partners: L.O. Chua, F. Werblin (US Co-Principal Investigator), (U.C. Berkeley)
• Project title: Dynamic Image Computing using Tera-speed Analogic visual Micro-processors (DICTAM)
  EU Fifth Framework Projects (Emerging Technologies)
  Principal Investigator: A. Rodriguez-Vázquez (CNM-CSIC, Sevilla)
  Partners: M. Kunt (EPFL, Lausanne), J. Vandewalle (K.U., Leuven), T. Roska (MTA SZTAKI, Budapest), M. Lavorgna (SGS, Catania), L.Fortuna (U.Catania), P. Van den Bulck (BARCO Ltd.)