Computer simulation of inhibition-dependent binding in a neural network

Abstract

Reverberating dynamics of neural network is modelled on PC in order to illustrate possible role of inhibition as binding controller in the network. The network is composed of binding neurons. In the binding neuron model the degree of temporal coherence between synaptic inputs is decisive for triggering, and slow inhibition is expressed in terms of the degree, which is necessary for triggering. Two learning mechanisms are implemented in the network, namely, adjusting synaptic strength and/or propagation delays. By means of forced playing of external pattern the network is taught to support dynamics with disconnected and bound patterns of activity. By choosing either high, or low inhibition one can switch between the disconnected and bound patterns, respectively. This is interpreted as inhibition-controlled binding in the network.