A Computational Model for Contour Detection in the Primary Visual Cortex

This Master's thesis concerns development and implementation of a computational neuronal model for the neuronal activity of cells involved in contour detection in the primary visual cortex. The model aims at imitating neuronal behaviour and connections in the primary visual cortex to investigate whether a group of neurons detecting the same contour tend to synchronize. Simulation results from the model show that synchronized activity can be obtained within a group of neurons with certain sets of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections. The development of the model is mainly based on published biological findings, with assumptions and simplifications to focus on some main features of the physiological process of contour detection. The single neuronal activity is simulated by an existing neuronal model and the connections in the neuronal network are aimed at resembling a part of the physiological neuronal network in the primary visual cortex. en del av det fysiologiska neurala nätverket i primära synbarken.