The Information Capacity of Nerve Cells Using a Frequency Code

摘要: Approximate equations are derived for the amount of information a nerve cell or group cells can transmit about stimulus given duration using frequency code (i.e., assuming mean impulses measures intensity maintained stimulus). The take into account variability successive interspike intervals, and any serial correlations between but do not require detailed assumptions mechanism impulse initiation. errors involved in these approximations evaluated neurons which discharge either completely regularly, at random (Poisson process) show particular type intermediate (gamma distribution model). become negligibly small as number functionally similar increases. conditions applying to experimental data discussed. application should help considerably eliminating enormous discrepancies some earlier estimates processing capabilities single systems cells.