Pulse-Coupled Neurons for Image Filtering

A pulse-coupled neuron (PCN) circuit is proposed. This circuit uses a positive feedback circuit with two capacitors. One corresponds to the sodium ion potential and the other corresponds to the potassium ion potential and can be easily implemented in CMOS technology. The circuit behaves like a real neuron, generating a pulse train in which the frequency increases with an increase of input excitation. The circuit threshold increases after pulse generation and then gradually returns to the initial level. These electronic neuron models are used for image processing. Images with sharp corners and those with narrow pathways as features were generated and corrupted with noise. Performance of mean and median filters was compared to that of the new PCN networks with several strengths of coupling. These tests of the capabilities of the new circuit demonstrate successful restoration of interesting images and their features.