ICANN 98, Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks Skövde, Sweden, 2-4 September 1998. Niklasson L, Boden M, Ziemke T (eds.). New York: Springer-Verlag, 1998.


Synchronization: The Computational Currency of Cognition

Leif H. Finkel1,2, Shih-Cheng Yen1 and Elliot D. Menschik2,3

1Department of Bioengineering
2Institute of Neurological Sciences
3Medical Scientist Training Program

3320 Smith Walk, 301 Hayden Hall
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19104, U. S. A.

leif@neuroengineering.upenn.edu
syen@neuroengineering.upenn.edu
menschik@neuroengineering.upenn.edu


Abstract

Spatiotemporal codes, such as synchronization of neuronal activity, offer significant computational advantages over traditional rate codes, and our recent simulation studies suggest a role for synchronization in a broad range of cognitive processes, from contour detection to associative memory. We suggest that synchronization mediates Gestalt-based perceptual organization in striate cortex, and that the degree of synchronization represents the perceptual salience of an object. Spatiotemporal coding provides an efficient representation for recognition, and we propose a medial point hypercolumn representation of object shape. Finally, we consider the effects of neuromodulation on synchronization and temporal dynamics in the hippocampal memory system. Together, these processes suggest that the control and coordination of synchronization may be a basic component of many cognitive processes.


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