Introduction

In this experiment, we will determine the physical basis for C-WWI (Continual Wagon Wheel Illusion). The experiment will be based on modeling neurons, which will act as nonlinear oscillations by applying a novel framework of perception.

Aim

To understand the physical basis for C-WWI (Continual Wagon Wheel Illusion).

Theory

1. Continual Wagon Wheel Illusion (C-WWI) is a kind of wheel that creates an optical illusion by making the appearance of rotation of its spoked wheel different from actual rotation.

2. The wheel can rotate slowly, in the opposite direction, and even can not rotate at all concerning actual rotation.

3. With the help of non-linear dynamics of neurons (directive-selective), we found an equation for a neural network model that can be solved entirely on a computer to check the accuracy of experimental data.

4. Neurons are nonlinear oscillators, mutually coupled, subject to cortical inhibition and excitatory stimuli that emphasize neural characteristics of the brain.

Requirements

1. Computer

2. Neuron model

3. Notebook

Procedure

Step 1: To determine during perception whether the neuron model reproduces data after the perception of the Continual Wagon Wheel Illusion and neural activity, conduct a computer simulation.

Step 2: The phases of neurons in directive-selective clusters will depend on time. Determine these phases numerically as a function of variables. For instance, the strength of the inhibition, the strength of the stimulus, and the inhibition and excitation of other neurons.

Step 3: Analyze and graph the resulting phases of resulting phases to find the degree and type of synchronization between neurons.

Step 4: Record your observations.

Observation

1. From the computer simulations, we obtained a wide range of nonlinear dynamics for the coupled neurons, which was the function of the input parameter values.

2. For different parameter values, we observed that full and partial synchronization occurred only in the same direction of the neuron cluster or across it.

3. The result showed a similar effect as published in the C-WWI study on continued switching between different neuron clusters.

Result

1. We successfully determined the oscillatory temporal pattern of directive-selective neuron clusters.

2. From our computer simulation, we found that the created model of neurons shows similar behavior to real directive-selective neurons.

3. We proved this by the clear example of perpetual switches, and the time percentage of these switches that occurred accurately reflected the frequency of data occurrence.

4. Without external stimulations, neural synchronizations were associated with Parkinson’s tremors. This was the result of further variation in the parameters of neurons, which indicates the broad applications in brain understanding.

3. The computer simulation that we created accurately described the neural activity inside the brain that ranges from the perception of an optical illusion to Parkinson’s disease.

Precaution

1. You can take help for performing this experiment.

2. Read more about C-WWI.

Conclusion

We performed this experiment to determine whether the neuron model works as a real neuron cluster with the help of computer simulation.

VIVA Questions With Answers

Q.1 What was the aim of your experiment?

ANS. We aimed to see whether the neuron model works like a real one or not.

Q.2 What do you understand by Parkinson’s Disease?

ANS. This disease affects the central nervous system and sometimes causes tremors.

Q.2 What do you understand about C-WWI?

ANS. The kind of wheel that creates an optical illusion by making the appearance of rotation of its spoked wheel different from actual rotation is termed Continual Wagon Wheel Illusion (C-WWI).

Saquib Siddiqui

Saquib Siddiqui is a Mechanical Engineer and a content creator. He has special interest in science experiments and teaches the same to school and college students. He is also a technical lead at RUDE LABS PVT. LTD.