Oscillator Networks for Image Segmentation and Their Circuits Using Pulse Modulation Method

This paper proposes a modi ed model of the oscillator network, LEGION, suitable for VLSI implementation. The model performs gray-level real image segmentation using nonlinear analog dynamics. Because of the limited calculation precision in VLSI implementation, it is important to estimate the calculation precision required for proper operations in the modi ed model. By using numerical simulation, the necessary precision is estimated to be 5 bits. A new circuit technique using pulse-width/pulse-phase modulation (PWM/PPM) methods is proposed for implementing nonlinear dynamics. A nonlinear oscillator circuit, which is the most important part of LEGION, is proposed by using this technique. The basic operation of this circuit is con rmed by circuit simulation.