A new type of analog processor that is compact while offering extremely fast computations for image processing may lead to the creation of an artificial eye to replace damaged human retinas.
The cellular nonlinear network (CNN) analog computer chip is integrated with a camera to produce an image processor. The 1 cm-square CNN chip can increase processing speed while reducing the power requirements over standard digital chips by two to three orders of magnitude.

Other potential medical applications include real-time diagnosis for heart monitoring and ultrasound imaging of the heart and analyzing electroencephalogram (EEG) data, allowing researchers to predict the occurrence of epileptic seizures.

The research is funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR).