Methods to assess binocular rivalry with periodic stimuli

Area of Science:

• Computational Neuroscience
• Visual Perception
• Dynamical Systems Theory

Background:

• Binocular rivalry involves alternating perception between incompatible stimuli presented to each eye.
• Existing models, like Wilson's, have been analyzed for fixed inputs, but periodic forcing dynamics remain underexplored.
• Previous analysis identified Winner-takes-all (WTA), Rivalry oscillations (RIV), and Simultaneous activity (SIM) as key behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a more complete description of complex dynamics in the unforced Wilson binocular rivalry model.
• To conduct a bifurcation analysis of the Wilson model under periodic forcing.
• To investigate the impact of different frequencies of periodic forcing on rivalry dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Bifurcation analysis of the Wilson model with fixed and periodically forced inputs.
• Numerical continuation to study the effects of periodic forcing at various frequencies.
• Identification and characterization of novel dynamical behaviors beyond previously known ones.

Main Results:

• Richer dynamics were found in the unforced Wilson model, including mixed-mode oscillations (MMOs) and a period-doubling cascade (low-amplitude WTA oscillations).
• High-frequency periodic forcing (flicker) modulates existing behaviors (WTA-Mod, RIV-Mod, SIM-Mod).
• Low-frequency periodic forcing (swap) introduces new dynamics: cycle skipping, multi-cycle skipping, and chaotic dynamics.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals a broader range of complex dynamics in binocular rivalry models than previously understood.
• Periodic forcing, especially at low frequencies, can induce chaotic and skipping behaviors, offering new insights.
• Findings provide a framework for evaluating binocular rivalry models against empirical data and understanding neural mechanisms.