Contour Integration Based on Synchronization Mediated by Self-Organized Lateral Connections

Contour integration is believed to occur based on lateral in teraction between neurons with similar orientation tuning . The exact neural mechanisms underlying such interactions, and their developmental origins, are not well understood. This paper suggests through computational simulations tha t synchronization mediated by patchy lateral connections, formed through input-driven self-organization, can serve as such a mechanism. Furthermore, such patchy connections may explain why different areas of the visual field show diffe rent degrees of contour integration in psychophysical experiments.

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