Integrate-and-fire models for image segmentation

This paper describes an approach to image segmentation that is based on an integrate-and-fire operation. An analog cell is described that will fire current pulses when the input light intensity to the cell exceeds a given threshold. The firing of one cell can induce the firing of neighboring cells, so contiguous object regions are formed using both individual and neighborhood information. The proposed cell is relatively simple in structure and is capable of incorporating a range of advanced autonomous functions by adapting threshold levels to various local and global conditions.