Towards Real-Time Image Segmentation:

A Neuromorphic Approach

RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Submitted for the Partial Fulfillment of PhD Admission

Submitted by: Submitted to:

Ms. Ayesha Khannum Department of Computer Science
Email:[email protected] Davangere University,
MOB: 9620639949
Shivagangothri, Davangere- 577007
Contents
SL. NO. CONTENTS PAGE NO

1 Introduction 2

2 Problem Statement 3

3 Literature Review 4

4 Objectives 5

5 Methodology 6

6 Conclusion 8

7 References 9

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 1. INTRODUCTION
Real-time image segmentation, the process of partitioning an image into meaningful
segments, is essential for various applications like medical imaging, autonomous
vehicles, and surveillance systems. However, traditional software-based segmentation
algorithms often struggle to meet the demands of real-time processing due to their
computational complexity. This limitation hampers the effectiveness of these algorithms
in time-sensitive tasks, necessitating innovative solutions.

Neuromorphic engineering presents a promising avenue for overcoming the challenges

of real-time image segmentation. Inspired by the brain's structure and function,
neuromorphic hardware offers parallel processing capabilities, low power consumption,
and high computational efficiency. Leveraging these characteristics, researchers aim to
adapt sophisticated image segmentation algorithms, such as the graph-based random
walker (RW) algorithm, onto neuromorphic hardware to achieve real-time performance.

This proposal seeks to explore the adaptation of the RW algorithm to neuromorphic

hardware for real-time image segmentation. By capitalizing on the parallel computing
capabilities inherent in neuromorphic processors, the aim is to surpass the speed and
efficiency limitations of traditional software-based approaches. Through this research,
we aim to unlock new possibilities in real-time computer vision applications, paving the
way for advancements in fields like medical imaging, robotics, and beyond.

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 2. PROBLEM STATEMENT
Real-time image segmentation, crucial for tasks like object detection and recognition,
faces challenges due to computational complexity. Traditional software-based methods
struggle to meet speed requirements, hindering their applicability in time-sensitive
scenarios.

Neuromorphic hardware offers parallel computing capabilities, promising faster

processing. However, adapting complex segmentation algorithms like the semi-
supervised graph-based random walker (RW) to neuromorphic hardware remains
challenging.

The problem is: "How can we efficiently perform real-time image segmentation using
neuromorphic hardware, specifically by adapting the RW algorithm? This involves
achieving fast and accurate segmentation while overcoming computational constraints
present in traditional software-based approaches."
Addressing this problem could revolutionize real-time image processing across various
fields, including biomedical imaging, survelliance and robotics.

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 3. LITERATURE REVIEW

Author Name The Proposed Methodology Dataset Used Evaluation

and Year Measures Achieved

Boahen, Kwabena The author proposed a neuromorphic hardware Not applicable Hardware efficiency,
A., 2006 architecture inspired by the human brain's (focused on hardware power consumption
structure and function. This architecture architecture) reduction.
consists of interconnected spiking neurons and
synapses, enabling parallel processing and low
power consumption.
Graves, Alex et al., The authors introduced a novel recurrent Not applicable Algorithmic flexibility,
2016 neural network (RNN) architecture called the (focused on neural potential for complex
"neural turing machine" (NTM), which network architecture) operations.
incorporates an external memory component.
This architecture allows for complex
algorithmic operations, potentially suitable for
image segmentation tasks.

Kumar, Ankit et The authors presented a dataset of segmented Medical image Mean Intersection over
al., 2020 medical images for evaluating real-time segmentation dataset Union (mIoU), processing
segmentation algorithms. The dataset time
comprises various medical imaging modalities,
allowing for comprehensive evaluation of
segmentation performance.
Chetan Singh The author proposed a Real-Time Image PASCAL VOC, MS segmentation speed of up
Thakur, Jamal Segmentation using a Spiking Neuromorphic COCO, Medical to 1000 images per second
Molin, Ralph Processor datasets
Etienne-
Cummings, 2017

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 4. OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the real-time image segmentation are as follows:

1. Adaptation of the Random Walker Algorithm:

 Develop methods to adapt the graph-based random walker (RW) algorithm onto neuromorphic
hardware, leveraging the parallel computing capabilities inherent in such platforms.
 Investigate techniques to efficiently implement the RW algorithm's computational steps, such as
graph construction, node weighting, and solving the associated optimization problem, on
neuromorphic processors.

2. Real-Time Performance Optimization

 Explore strategies to optimize the adaptation of the RW algorithm for real-time image
segmentation on neuromorphic hardware.
 Investigate parallelization techniques and algorithmic optimizations to achieve fast and efficient
segmentation processing, meeting the demands of real-time applications.

3. Accuracy and Robustness

 Evaluate the accuracy and robustness of the adapted RW algorithm on neuromorphic hardware
compared to traditional software-based approaches.
 Conduct comprehensive testing and validation to ensure that the adapted algorithm produces
segmentation results of comparable quality to software-based implementations.

4. Hardware-Software Co-Design
 Investigate the integration of the adapted RW algorithm with neuromorphic hardware
architectures, exploring opportunities for hardware-software co-design to maximize
performance and efficiency.
 Explore potential trade-offs between algorithmic complexity, hardware resources, and energy
consumption to design optimized solutions for real-time image segmentation tasks.

5. Application Demonstration
 Demonstrate the practical applicability of the proposed approach in real-world scenarios, such
as biomedical imaging and robotics, showcasing the benefits of neuromorphic hardware for
real-time image processing tasks.
 Evaluate the performance of the adapted RW algorithm on neuromorphic hardware in specific
application contexts, highlighting its effectiveness and potential impact on various fields.

5.

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 5. METHODOLOGY
Research Methodology for Real-Time Image Segmentation on Neuromorphic Hardware

1. Literature Review:
 Conduct an extensive review of existing literature on image segmentation, Random Walker
Algorithm, neuromorphic hardware, and real-time processing.
 Identify key challenges, advancements, and gaps in the current research landscape.

2. Algorithm Adaptation:
 Develop methods to adapt the Random Walker Algorithm for image segmentation onto
neuromorphic hardware.
 Investigate techniques for efficient implementation of the algorithm's computational steps on
neuromorphic processors, focusing on graph construction, node weighting, and optimization
problem solving.

3. Real-Time Performance Optimization:

 Explore strategies to optimize the adapted Random Walker Algorithm for real-time image
segmentation on neuromorphic hardware.
 Investigate parallelization techniques and algorithmic optimizations to achieve fast and efficient
segmentation processing.

4. Accuracy and Robustness Evaluation:

 Evaluate the accuracy and robustness of the adapted Random Walker Algorithm on
neuromorphic hardware compared to traditional software-based approaches.
 Conduct comprehensive testing and validation to ensure comparable quality segmentation
results.

5. Hardware-Software Co-Design:
 Investigate the integration of the adapted algorithm with neuromorphic hardware architectures.
 Explore hardware-software co-design opportunities to maximize performance and efficiency,
considering algorithmic complexity, hardware resources, and energy consumption trade-offs.

6. Application Demonstration:
 Demonstrate the practical applicability of the adapted Random Walker Algorithm in real-world
scenarios like biomedical imaging and robotics.
 Evaluate the algorithm's performance on neuromorphic hardware in specific application
contexts, showcasing its effectiveness and potential impact.

7. Experimental Setup:
 Define the experimental setup including the neuromorphic hardware platform, dataset selection,
and evaluation metrics.
 Implement the adapted algorithm and conduct experiments to validate its performance.

8. Data Collection and Analysis:

 Collect data from experiments and analyze the segmentation results.
 Compare the performance of the adapted algorithm on neuromorphic hardware with traditional
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 software-based approaches.

9. Results Interpretation:
 Interpret the results obtained from experiments and draw conclusions regarding the efficiency,
accuracy, and real-time performance of the adapted Random Walker Algorithm on
neuromorphic hardware.

10. Publication and Dissemination:

 Prepare research findings for publication in academic journals and conferences.
 Share the research outcomes to contribute to the advancement of real-time image segmentation
on neuromorphic hardware.

By following this research methodology, you can systematically address the objectives outlined for
adapting the Random Walker Algorithm for real-time image segmentation on neuromorphic hardware.

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 6.CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the integration of neuromorphic hardware for real-time image segmentation, particularly
through the adaptation of the Random Walker (RW) algorithm, presents a promising avenue for
overcoming the computational challenges faced by traditional software-based methods. By leveraging
the parallel computing capabilities inherent in neuromorphic architectures, there is a significant
potential to achieve faster and more efficient segmentation processing, crucial for time-sensitive
applications like object detection and recognition.

Efficiently performing real-time image segmentation on neuromorphic hardware involves optimizing

the adaptation of the RW algorithm to ensure both speed and accuracy in segmentation results.
Overcoming the computational constraints present in traditional software-based approaches is key to
unlocking the full potential of neuromorphic hardware in revolutionizing real-time image processing
tasks.

This advancement not only addresses the need for faster processing but also opens up new possibilities
for applications in fields such as biomedical imaging and robotics. By successfully adapting complex
segmentation algorithms like the RW algorithm to neuromorphic hardware, the door is opened to
enhanced performance, efficiency, and applicability in various real-world scenarios, showcasing the
transformative impact of neuromorphic technology in the realm of image processing.
a.

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 7.REFERENCES

1. Singh, S., Mittal, A., & Arora, R. (2017). Real-Time Segmentation and Tracking of Biological
Particles Using OpenCL and CUDA. 2017 2nd International Conference for Convergence in
Technology (I2CT). https://doi.org/10.1109/I2CT.2017.8226213

2. Delbruck, T., & Liu, C. (2010). Neuromorphic vision sensors and their applications.
Proceedings of the IEEE, 98(6), 990-1010. https://doi.org/10.1109/JPROC.2010.2042565

3. Aravind subramanyam.(2017). A Neuromorphic Approach To Image Processing And Machine

Vision. 2017 Fourth International Conference on Image Information Processing (ICIIP)

4. Chetan Singh Thakur, Jamal Molin, Ralph Etienne-Cummings(2017). Real-Time Image

Segmentation using a Spiking Neuromorphic Processor. IEEE 978-1-5090-4780-2/17/2017

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