Cognitive models of the perception-action cycle: A view from the brain

Perception-action cycle is the circular flow of information that takes place between an organism and its environment in the course of a sensory-guided sequence of actions towards a goal. Each action causes changes in the environment which are processed by the organism´s sensory hierarchy and lead to the generation of further action by its motor effectors. These actions cause new changes that are sensory analyzed and lead to a new action, and so the cycle continues. The efficient and timely coordination of the sensory and motor structures involved will ensure the organism´s survival in a dynamic environment. Two brain inspired cognitive models of the perception-action cycle are presented in this paper: (1) A cognitive model of visual saliency, overt attention and active visual search, and (2) A cognitive model of visuo-motor coordination of reaching and grasping. Both models are multi-modular. They share a number of features (visual saliency, focus of attention, recognition, expectation, resonance, value attribution), while at the same time have distinct properties.