Contextual effects by short range connections in a mean-field model of V1
In this paper, we derive a model for analyzing the influence of local cortical connections on the activities of neurons in V1. A set of orientation columns is arranged according to a measured orientation map. Orientation columns are connected by local excitatory and slightly more distributed inhibitory fibers. Based on this geometrical model we demonstrate that (i) sharp and contrastinvariant orientation tuning curves are combined with contrast saturation, (ii) the strength of cortical amplification can be localized in orientation space and (iii) anisotropic contextual suppression by iso-oriented flanking stimuli arises as an emergent property and can be mediated by local connections.
contextual effects primary visual cortex short-range connections