Selective Tuning: Feature Binding Through Selective Attention

We present a biologically plausible computational model for solving the visual binding problem. The binding problem appears due to the distributed nature of visual processing in the primate brain, and the gradual loss of spatial information along the processing hierarchy. The model relies on the reentrant connections so ubiquitous in the primate brain to recover spatial information, and thus allow features represented in different parts of the brain to be integrated in a unitary conscious percept. We demonstrate the ability of the Selective Tuning (ST) model of visual attention [1] to recover spatial information, and based on this propose a general solution to the binding problem. The solution is demonstrated on two classic problems: recovery of form from motion and binding of shape and color. We also demonstrate how the method is able to handle difficult situations such as occlusions and transparency. The model is discussed in relation to recent results regarding the time course and processing sequence for form-from-motion in the primate visual system.