A Neuromorphic Paradigm for Online Unsupervised Clustering
This addresses the problem of efficient, real-time clustering for streaming applications, but it is incremental as it builds on existing neuromorphic and clustering concepts.
The paper proposes a neuromorphic paradigm for online unsupervised clustering, implementing it as a cognitive column with elements like temporal coding and STDP, and shows it performs on par with classic k-means in simulations.
A computational paradigm based on neuroscientific concepts is proposed and shown to be capable of online unsupervised clustering. Because it is an online method, it is readily amenable to streaming realtime applications and is capable of dynamically adjusting to macro-level input changes. All operations, both training and inference, are localized and efficient. The paradigm is implemented as a cognitive column that incorporates five key elements: 1) temporal coding, 2) an excitatory neuron model for inference, 3) winner-take-all inhibition, 4) a column architecture that combines excitation and inhibition, 5) localized training via spike timing de-pendent plasticity (STDP). These elements are described and discussed, and a prototype column is given. The prototype column is simulated with a semi-synthetic benchmark and is shown to have performance characteristics on par with classic k-means. Simulations reveal the inner operation and capabilities of the column with emphasis on excitatory neuron response functions and STDP implementations.