Object recognition apparatus and methods useful for extracting information from sensory input. In one embodiment, the input signal is representative of an element of an image, and the extracted information is encoded in a pulsed output signal. The information is encoded in one variant as a pattern of pulse latencies relative to an occurrence of a temporal event; e.g., the appearance of a new visual frame or movement of the image. The pattern of pulses advantageously is substantially insensitive to such image parameters as size, position, and orientation, so the image identity can be readily decoded. The size, position, and rotation affect the timing of occurrence of the pattern relative to the event; hence, changing the image size or position will not change the pattern of relative pulse latencies but will shift it in time, e.g., will advance or delay its occurrence.