A computational model of bistable perception-attention dynamics with long range correlations

Abstract

Simulation results of bistable perception due to ambiguous visual stimuli are presented which are obtained with a nonlinear dynamics model using percep-tion–attention–memory coupling with delayed feedback. It predicts long range correlations of the perceptual duration times in agreement with recent experi-mental results [1] as quantified via the Hurst parameter H [2] of the reversal time series. Percept reversals are induced by attention fatigue and noise, with an attention bias which balances the relative percept duration [3]. The dynamics of the attention parameter exhibits qualitative agreement with the eye blink rate variation [4]. Coupling of the attention bias to the perception state introduces memory effects leading to significant long range correlations of perceptual du-ration times (H > 0.5). Deviations of the reversal time statistics from the Gamma-distribution increase with decreasing memory time constant and attention noise. Mean perceptual duration times of 2 – 5 s are predicted in agreement with ex-perimental results [7] if a feedback delay of ca. 40 ms is assumed which is typi-cal for cortical reentrant loops [20].