Visual Attention Control using Pulse Neural Network with Short Term Synaptic Depression

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a new artificial pulse neural network model which utilizes short term synaptic depression (STSD) for attention control. Compared with classic integrator-type neurons, pulse neurons are known for their superior ability to handle temporal information, as well as the easiness to implement new found properties of biological neurons. STSD is one of such properties. While recent researches indicate that STSD shows some interesting behaviours like gain controls, its usefulness for artificial neural networks is still unclear. The proposed model is a brand new pulse neural network to utilize STSD for movie processing. This model is composed of four layers of pulse neurons. The input is the brightness information of the current image of the movie, and the output is the area which requires system's attention. Due to STSD between the input layer and the first hidden layer, it is capable of keeping its attention on things like fast moving objects, while ignoring static or slow objects even if they are flickering. Experimental results show that this model has the basic abilities for attention control.