Spike-RetinexFormer: Rethinking Low-light Image Enhancement with Spiking Neural Networks

Hongzhi Wang, Xiubo Liang, Jinxing Han, Weidong Geng

Keywords: Spiking Neural Networks, Low-light Image Enhancement

Abstract: Low-light image enhancement (LLIE) aims to improve the visibility and quality of images captured under poor illumination. However, existing deep enhancement methods often underemphasize computational efficiency, leading to high energy and memory costs. We propose \textbf{Spike-RetinexFormer}, a novel LLIE architecture that synergistically integrates Retinex theory, spiking neural networks (SNNs) and a Transformer-based design. Leveraging sparse spike-driven computation, the model reduces theoretical compute energy and memory traffic relative to ANN counterparts. Across standard benchmarks, the method matches or surpasses strong ANNs (25.50 dB on LOL-v1; 30.37 dB on SDSD-out) with comparable parameters and lower theoretical energy. Our work pioneers the synergistic integration of SNNs into Transformer architectures for LLIE, establishing a compelling pathway toward powerful, energy-efficient low-level vision on resource-constrained platforms.

Primary Area: Neuroscience and cognitive science (e.g., neural coding, brain-computer interfaces)

Submission Number: 28110