Visual Computation Psy 5612 Lecture Review

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on visual computation, including the physiological basis of vision, types of visual cells, neural processing stages, and theoretical frameworks surrounding perception.

What are the five steps of visual computation?

1. Rod & Con cells (light detection) 2. Horizontal & Bipolar cells (preprocessing) 3. Ganglion cells (preprocessing) 4. Lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) cells (relay station) 5. Visual cortex (conscious perception)

What is the 'Binding Problem' in visual perception?

The challenge of how the brain combines sensory attributes such as shape, color, orientation, and direction of motion to create a unified perception of an object.

What types of color-detecting cells exist in the human retina?

There are three types of cone cells: L-cones (long wavelengths - red), M-cones (medium wavelengths - green), and S-cones (short wavelengths - blue).

What is the receptive field (RF) of a neuron?

The area of retina cells that trigger activity of that neuron.

What is the function of ON-center/OFF-surround receptive fields?

They enhance contrast by responding maximally when light is on the center area and no light is in the surrounding area.

How do rods function in vision?

Rods are responsible for detecting brightness in low illumination and contribute to peripheral vision.

What is the role of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN)?

It acts as a relay station for visual information, transmitting it from the retina to the visual cortex.

What does it mean for neurons to engage in 'synchronized neural assembly coding'?

Neurons in a neural assembly tend to fire in phase-lock fashion or in unison, enhancing the representation of features in perception.

What does the term 'visual computation' imply regarding our perception of the world?

It suggests that what we perceive is a result of complex internal processes rather than a direct reflection of the external world.

What is the significance of 'neural oscillations' in the visual cortex?

They play a crucial role in sensory binding and enable the integration of visual attributes for unified perception.