Computational models of spatial updating in peri-saccadic perception

• Published in: Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B. Biological sciences Vol. 366; no. 1564; pp. 554 - 571
• Main Authors: Hamker, Fred H., Zirnsak, Marc, Ziesche, Arnold, Lappe, Markus
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England The Royal Society 27.02.2011
• Subjects: Computational Model; Computational modeling; Eye movements; Eyes; Geodetic position; Humans; Modeling; Models, Neurological; Neurons; Perceptual localization; Peri-Saccadic Mislocalization; Photic Stimulation; Saccades; Saccades - physiology; Saccadic Suppression Of Displacement; Space Perception - physiology; Spatial models; Visual perception; Visual Perception - physiology; Visual Stability
• ISSN: 0962-8436; 1471-2970
• DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2010.0229

Perceptual phenomena that occur around the time of a saccade, such as peri-saccadic mislocalization or saccadic suppression of displacement, have often been linked to mechanisms of spatial stability. These phenomena are usually regarded as errors in processes of trans-saccadic spatial transformations and they provide important tools to study these processes. However, a true understanding of the underlying brain processes that participate in the preparation for a saccade and in the transfer of information across it requires a closer, more quantitative approach that links different perceptual phenomena with each other and with the functional requirements of ensuring spatial stability. We review a number of computational models of peri-saccadic spatial perception that provide steps in that direction. Although most models are concerned with only specific phenomena, some generalization and interconnection between them can be obtained from a comparison. Our analysis shows how different perceptual effects can coherently be brought together and linked back to neuronal mechanisms on the way to explaining vision across saccades.