Adaptive Hodgkin–Huxley Neuron for Retina‐Inspired Perception

Abstract

Biomimetic machine vision systems require structures, including an artificial retina to capture and process images, and an artificial network that imitates the cortex for visual inspection and identification tasks. One of the key challenges for biomimetic perceptional machine visual systems is the self‐adaptive behavior of the retina, which is known as the ability to adjust and eventually perceive objects through a wide range of environmental light intensities. To achieve this, current systems use either complex processing algorithms or specific devices with optoelectronic properties which results in complexity and less efficiency. Herein, an artificial retina circuit is reported to imitate the adaptation process to light (photopic and scotopic adaptation) of the perceptional biovisual system. The implementation of an artificial Hodgkin–Huxley neuron circuit based on adaptive VO2 memristors has helped the artificial retina to successfully demonstrate time‐varying activation and inhibition characteristics. The adaptable perception function under different illumination conditions is faithfully achieved by the artificial HH neuron based on the self‐adaptability of the memristor. The function is consistent with the dynamic light amplitude ranges of biological vision systems. More importantly, this development shows a pervasive way to design and fabricate a universal environmentally adaptable artificial system.

Keywords

• adaptive memristor
• artificial neuron
• artificial retina
• VO2