Abstract
A network is discussed that is selectively sensitive to the direction of moving patterns. The network is studied by means of computer simulation. It is shown that the network can be used as a paradigm for information processing at ganglion cell level in the retina of certain mammals. The responses of the network are in good qualitative agreement with results obtained by Michael (1968) on the ground squirrel. The connectivity of the network conforms to known retinal structure. The directionally sensitive property of the network is the result of the connectivity of the “inner plexiform layer”. Retinal cells distal to the ganglion cells are not committed to any directional sensitivity.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Barlow, H.B., Hill, R.M.: Selective sensitivity to direction of movement in ganglion cells of the rabbit retina. Science 139, 412 (1963)
Barlow, H.B., Levick, W.R.: The mechanism of directionally sensitive units in rabbits retina. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 178, 477–504 (1965)
Dowling, J.E., Boycott, B.B.: Neural connections of the retina: fine structure of the inner plexiform layer. Cold Spr. Harb. Symp. quant. Biol. 30, 393 (1965)
Foster, D.H.: A model of the human visual system in its response to certain classes of moving stimuli. Kybernetik 8, 69 (1971)
Furman, G.G.: Comparison of models for subtractive and shunting lateral-inhibition in receptor-neuron fields. Kybernetik 2, 257 (1965)
Hubel, D.H., Wiesel, T.N.: Receptive fields and functional architecture in two nonstriate visual areas (18 and 19) of the cat. J. Neurophysiol. 28, 229–289 (1965)
Koenderink, J.J., Grind, W.A. van de, Bouman, M.A.: Foveal information processing at photopic luminances. Kybernetik 8, 128–144 (1971)
Maturana, H.R., Frenk, S.: Directional movement and horizontal edge detectors in the pigeon eye. Science 142, 977–979 (1963)
Michael, C.R.: Receptive fields of single optic nerve fibers in a mammal with an all-cone retina. II. Directionally sensitive units. J. Neurophysiol. 31, 257–267 (1968)
Montero, V.M., Brugge, J.F.: Direction of movement as the significant stimulus parameter for some lateral geniculate cells in the rat. Vision Res. 9, 71–88 (1969)
Norton, A.L., Spekreyse, H., Wagner, H.G., Wolbarsht, M.L.: Responses to directional stimuli in retinal preganglionic units. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 206, 93–107 (1970)
Poggio, T., Reichardt, W.: Considerations on models of movement detection. Kybernetik 13, 223–227 (1973)
Reichardt, W.: Autocorrelation, a principle for the evaluation of sensory information by the central nervous system. In: Rosenblith, W.A. (Ed.): Sensory Communication, pp. 303–317. Cambridge, Mass: M.I.T. Press 1961
Rodieck, R.W., Stone, J.: Analysis of receptive fields of cat retinal ganglion cells. J. Neurophysiol. 28, 833–849 (1965)
Schouten, J.F.: Subjective stroboscopy and a model of visual movement detectors. In: Wathen-Dunn, W. (Ed.): Models for the perception of speech and visual form, pp. 44–55. Cambridge, Mass: M.I.T. Press 1967
Straschill, M., Hoffmann, K.P.: Activity of movement sensitive neurons of the cat's tectum opticum during spontaneous eye movements. Exp. Brain Res. 11, 318–326 (1970)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
van Doorn, A.J., Koenderink, J.J. A directionally sensitive network. Biol. Cybernetics 21, 161–170 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00337423
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00337423