Predictive neural fields for improved tracking and attentional properties

Predictive capabilities are added to the competition mechanism known as the Continuum Neural Field Theory, in order to improve and extend its attentional properties. In order to respect the distributed and bio-inspired nature of the model, the prediction is introduced as an internal stimulation, directly determined by the past field activity. Building on mathematical developments and optimization techniques, performance is ascertained on a 2D tracking application where the system must robustly focus on a target despite rapid movements, noise and distracters. In addition to a consistent gain on previously observed capabilities, the extended model can also track stimuli with full occlusions and static obstacles on the trajectory.