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A neural code for three-dimensional object shape in macaque inferotemporal cortex

Nature Neuroscience volume 11, pages 1352–1360 (2008)Cite this article

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Abstract

Previous investigations of the neural code for complex object shape have focused on two-dimensional pattern representation. This may be the primary mode for object vision given its simplicity and direct relation to the retinal image. In contrast, three-dimensional shape representation requires higher-dimensional coding derived from extensive computation. We found evidence for an explicit neural code for complex three-dimensional object shape. We used an evolutionary stimulus strategy and linear/nonlinear response models to characterize three-dimensional shape responses in macaque monkey inferotemporal cortex (IT). We found widespread tuning for three-dimensional spatial configurations of surface fragments characterized by their three-dimensional orientations and joint principal curvatures. Configural representation of three-dimensional shape could provide specific knowledge of object structure to support guidance of complex physical interactions and evaluation of object functionality and utility.

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Figure 1: Evolutionary three-dimensional shape experiment.
Figure 2: Neural tuning for three-dimensional configuration of surface fragments.
Figure 3: Prevalence of three-dimensional shape tuning in IT.
Figure 4: Three-dimensional surface configuration tuning patterns.
Figure 5: Distribution of three-dimensional shape tuning.
Figure 6: Configural coding of three-dimensional object structure.

Change history

  • 12 October 2008

    In the version of this article initially published online, Figure 1 was too small to evaluate the data being presented. The figure has been enlarged for the print, PDF and HTML versions of this article.

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Acknowledgements

We thank B. Nash, B. Quinlan, C. Moses and L. Guruvadoo for technical support, and J. Bastian, A. Bastian, T. Poggio and M. Riesenhuber for comments on the manuscript. This work was supported by a grant from the US National Institutes of Health to C.E.C.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zanvyl Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, 21218, Maryland, USA

    Yukako Yamane, Eric T Carlson, Katherine C Bowman, Zhihong Wang & Charles E Connor

  2. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, 21205, Maryland, USA

    Eric T Carlson

  3. Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, 21205, Maryland, USA

    Katherine C Bowman & Charles E Connor

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  1. Yukako Yamane
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  5. Charles E Connor
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Correspondence to Charles E Connor.

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Yamane, Y., Carlson, E., Bowman, K. et al. A neural code for three-dimensional object shape in macaque inferotemporal cortex. Nat Neurosci 11, 1352–1360 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.2202

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