Perceptual Reversal Guided by Integration Between Bottom-Up Input and Top-Down Feedback Over Time Course

Abstract

A computational model of perceptual reversal alternating between two interpretations is presented. Initially, the model represents the ambiguous state of a reversible picture, such as the bistable face-vase image. The internal state of the network evolves to settle into a stable state, which corresponds to one of two alternatives. Top-down feedback proves a deciding factor in leading the system into a modeled perceptual state over the time course. At any given time, top-down input from temporal associative memory provides contextual modulation of bottom-up input in the network. The model accounts for the role of top-down knowledge in resolving perceptual ambiguity as well as reversibility from one state to another.

The three-second “subjective present”: A critical review and a new proposal.

“…Several findings indicate that adaptation plays a role in shifts of perception: in simple terms, neurons for one interpretation become adapted or fatigued to a point where they are less excited than neurons for the alternative interpretation, which then take over (Gómez et al, 1995). Recent papers have developed theoretical models of reversibility in bistable percepts that have proposed processes specific to the phenomenon (Furstenau, 2014; Lee, 2014; and see also Holcombe & Seizova-Cajic, 2008). Thus, the time scale of, and effects of manipulated variables on, perceptual reversals reflects, not a general temporal integration process constructing the “subjective present,” but a specific feature of visual processing (fatigue or adaptation) that happens to occur on a similar (though not identical) time scale.…”

Temporal integration by multi‐level regularities fosters the emergence of dynamic conscious experience

“…Meng and Tong instructed subjects to hold one of the two rival stimuli dominant for as long as possible 50 . The results showed only a weak and statistically unreliable attentional modulation effect over the dynamics of BR, in contrast to the strong attention modulation effects observed in studies of perceptual reversals for other bistable stimuli 50–52 . Moreover, Chong et al.…”

“…50 The results showed only a weak and statistically unreliable attentional modulation effect over the dynamics of BR, in contrast to the strong attention modulation effects observed in studies of perceptual reversals for other bistable stimuli. [50][51][52] Moreover, Chong et al found that enhancing task relevance of a rival stimulus (e.g., directing observers' attention to a changing feature of that stimulus) can lengthen perceptual dominance. 53 These attentional modulation effects are not applicable to the current research, as neither voluntary control nor task-driven attentional selection was involved in our behavioral task (i.e., color discrimination).…”