A Computational Model of Bistable Perception- Attention Dynamics with Long Range Correlations

摘要

Simulation results of bistable perception due to ambiguous visual stimuli are presented which are obtained with a nonlinear dynamics model using perception-attention-memory coupling. Percept reversals are induced by attention fatigue and noise, with an attention bias which balances the relative percept duration. The dynamics of the attention parameter exhibits qualitative agreement with the eye blink rate variation [4]. Coupling of an attention bias to the perception state introduces memory effects leading to significant long range correlations of perceptual duration times as quantified by the Hurst parameter (H > 0.5). This prediction is in agreement with recent experimental results [1]. Deviations of the reversal time statistics from the T-distribution increase with decreasing memory time constant and attention noise. Mean perceptual duration times of 2 - 5 s are predicted in agreement with experimental results [7] if a feedback delay of ca. 40 ms is assumed which is typical for cortical reentrant loops.