ETLP: Event-based Three-factor Local Plasticity for online learning with neuromorphic hardware

Neuromorphic perception with event-based sensors, asynchronous hardware and spiking neurons is showing promising results for real-time and energy-efficient inference in embedded systems. The next promise of brain-inspired computing is to enable adaptation to changes at the edge with online learning. However, the parallel and distributed architectures of neuromorphic hardware based on co-localized compute and memory imposes locality constraints to the on-chip learning rules. We propose in this work the Event-based Three-factor Local Plasticity (ETLP) rule that uses (1) the pre-synaptic spike trace, (2) the post-synaptic membrane voltage and (3) a third factor in the form of projected labels with no error calculation, that also serve as update triggers. We apply ETLP with feedforward and recurrent spiking neural networks on visual and auditory event-based pattern recognition, and compare it to Back-Propagation Through Time (BPTT) and eProp. We show a competitive performance in accuracy with a clear advantage in the computational complexity for ETLP. We also show that when using local plasticity, threshold adaptation in spiking neurons and a recurrent topology are necessary to learn spatio-temporal patterns with a rich temporal structure. Finally, we provide a proof of concept hardware implementation of ETLP on FPGA to highlight the simplicity of its computational primitives and how they can be mapped into neuromorphic hardware for online learning with low-energy consumption and real-time interaction

Rehabilitation Engineering

Population ageing has major consequences and implications in all areas of our daily life as well as other important aspects, such as economic growth, savings, investment and consumption, labour markets, pensions, property and care from one generation to another. Additionally, health and related care, family composition and life-style, housing and migration are also affected. Given the rapid increase in the aging of the population and the further increase that is expected in the coming years, an important problem that has to be faced is the corresponding increase in chronic illness, disabilities, and loss of functional independence endemic to the elderly (WHO 2008). For this reason, novel methods of rehabilitation and care management are urgently needed. This book covers many rehabilitation support systems and robots developed for upper limbs, lower limbs as well as visually impaired condition. Other than upper limbs, the lower limb research works are also discussed like motorized foot rest for electric powered wheelchair and standing assistance device

AXMEDIS 2007 Conference Proceedings

The AXMEDIS International Conference series has been established since 2005 and is focused on the research, developments and applications in the cross-media domain, exploring innovative technologies to meet the challenges of the sector. AXMEDIS2007 deals with all subjects and topics related to cross-media and digital-media content production, processing, management, standards, representation, sharing, interoperability, protection and rights management. It addresses the latest developments and future trends of the technologies and their applications, their impact and exploitation within academic, business and industrial communities

Multi-Sensory Interaction for Blind and Visually Impaired People

This book conveyed the visual elements of artwork to the visually impaired through various sensory elements to open a new perspective for appreciating visual artwork. In addition, the technique of expressing a color code by integrating patterns, temperatures, scents, music, and vibrations was explored, and future research topics were presented. A holistic experience using multi-sensory interaction acquired by people with visual impairment was provided to convey the meaning and contents of the work through rich multi-sensory appreciation. A method that allows people with visual impairments to engage in artwork using a variety of senses, including touch, temperature, tactile pattern, and sound, helps them to appreciate artwork at a deeper level than can be achieved with hearing or touch alone. The development of such art appreciation aids for the visually impaired will ultimately improve their cultural enjoyment and strengthen their access to culture and the arts. The development of this new concept aids ultimately expands opportunities for the non-visually impaired as well as the visually impaired to enjoy works of art and breaks down the boundaries between the disabled and the non-disabled in the field of culture and arts through continuous efforts to enhance accessibility. In addition, the developed multi-sensory expression and delivery tool can be used as an educational tool to increase product and artwork accessibility and usability through multi-modal interaction. Training the multi-sensory experiences introduced in this book may lead to more vivid visual imageries or seeing with the mind’s eye

Advances in Character Recognition

This book presents advances in character recognition, and it consists of 12 chapters that cover wide range of topics on different aspects of character recognition. Hopefully, this book will serve as a reference source for academic research, for professionals working in the character recognition field and for all interested in the subject

Character Recognition

Character recognition is one of the pattern recognition technologies that are most widely used in practical applications. This book presents recent advances that are relevant to character recognition, from technical topics such as image processing, feature extraction or classification, to new applications including human-computer interfaces. The goal of this book is to provide a reference source for academic research and for professionals working in the character recognition field