Contrast enhancement spiking neuron network sensory processing apparatus and methods

A computerized method of increasing a contrast of an image comprising a plurality of pixels using at least a spiking neuron network, the method comprising:

• based on a feed-forward stimulus representative of an object within the image, generating a spike output by one or more excitatory neurons of the network;
• and
• based on the spike output, generating an inhibitory signal by an inhibitory neuron;
• wherein:
• individual ones of the plurality of pixels are characterized by a pixel parameter;
• the object is characterized by at least:
• (i) an object spatial extent having an object pixel parameter associated therewith, and (ii) a surround spatial extent having a surround pixel parameter associated therewith, the surround parameter being different from the object parameter;
• and
• the inhibitory signal is configured to suppress surround spike output associated with pixels within the surround spatial extent, thereby effectuating the contrast increase.

A spiking neuron network sensory processing system, comprising:

• a plurality of excitatory neurons configured to encode sensory stimulus into a plurality of pulses;
• and
• at least one inhibitory neuron configured to provide an inhibitory indication to at least a portion of the plurality of excitatory neurons via one or more inhibitory connections;
• and
• wherein:
• the inhibitory indication is based at least in part on two or more of the plurality of pulses being received by the at least one inhibitory neuron over one or more feed-forward connections;
• and
• the inhibitory indication is configured to prevent at least one neuron within the portion from generating a response during a stimulus interval subsequent to the provision of the inhibitory indication.