https://doi.org/10.1140/epjst/e2015-02473-0
Regular Article
Controlling bistability in a stochastic perception model
1 Centro de Investigaciones en Optica, Loma del Bosque 115, Lomas del Campestre, 37150 Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
2 Computational Systems Biology, Center for Biomedical Technology, Technical University of Madrid, Campus Montegancedo, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcon, Madrid, Spain
3 Institute of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
a e-mail: apisarch@cio.mx
Received: 12 March 2015
Revised: 20 May 2015
Published online: 27 July 2015
Using a simple bistable perception model, we demonstrate how coexisting states can be controlled by periodic modulation applied to a control parameter responsible for the interpretation of ambiguous images. Because of stochastic processes in the brain, any percept is statistically recognized and multistability in perception never occurs. A stable periodic orbit created by the control modulation splits in two limit cycles in an inverse gluing bifurcation, which occurs when the modulation frequency increases. The statistical analysis of transitions between the coexisting states in the presence of noise reveals conditions under which an ambiguous image can be interpreted in a desired way determined by the control.
© EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag, 2015
