The neural binding problem(s) - PubMed (original) (raw)

Review

The neural binding problem(s)

Jerome Feldman. Cogn Neurodyn. 2013 Feb.

Abstract

The famous Neural Binding Problem (NBP) comprises at least four distinct problems with different computational and neural requirements. This review discusses the current state of work on General Coordination, Visual Feature-Binding, Variable Binding, and the Subjective Unity of Perception. There is significant continuing progress, partially masked by confusing the different versions of the NBP.

Keywords: Binding problem; Qualia; Synchrony.

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Figures

Fig. 1

Fig. 1

Exponential organization of primary visual cortex. The subjectively experienced high-resolution image is only represented neurally in a small foveal region. The size required for equal acuity grows exponentially with distance from the fovea. This is a striking instance of the intractable binding problem

Fig. 2

Fig. 2

Temporal phase binding illustration. The triangles (denoting spike trains) in row 1 remain aligned with those in row 5 and similarly for rows 3 and 6. There are only these two phases and each captures a query binding: (Tom:? with owns:x) and (Book:? with owns:y). The trapezoids in line 7 depict the envelope of each phase cycle. After additional cycles the system deduces (owns, Tom, Book) from the general rule and the known fact that (buys Tom, Book)

Fig. 3

Fig. 3

A variable binding inference circuit A circuit fragment from a Shruti-like model for phase binding (Fig. 2). The network on the left implements the general rule: buys(x,y) => owns(x,y). The network on the right implements a tiny ontology with Tom < Person < Agent

References

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