An integrated model of conscious image processing in human cortex is proposed based on the Holonomic Brain Theory by Karl Pribram and related models. After optimal delineation of the neural and quantum ingredients, the model combines the predominantly (sub)neuronal image processing and the essentially quantum-based repetitive act of becoming-conscious of the resulting phenomenal image. The model optimally incorporates contemporary limited knowledge starting from a systematic search for fit between existing computational models, and between available experimental data, and between data and models. Since we are not yet able to tackle qualitative conscious experience directly, processes for making an image (or result of image processing,respectively) conscious are discussed. A quantum implementation of holography-like processing of images in the striate cortex (V1) is proposed using a computational model called quantum associative network. The input to the quantum net could be the Gabor wavelets, together with their coefficients, which are infomax-constrained spectral and sparse neural codes produced in the convolutional cascade along the retino-geniculo-striate visual pathway using the receptive fields as determined by dendritic processes. Perceptual projections are used as argument for holography-like and quantum essence of visual phenomena, because classically (neurally) alone they could not be produced in such a quality. Level-invariant image attractors are argued to be representations to become conscious in/by a subject, after a similar stimulus has triggered the wave-function collapse (i.e., recall from memory). Auxiliary representations for simultaneous subconscious processing, based on phase-information, for associative vision-based cognition are proposed to be Gabor wavelets (i.e., spectral codes in V1 receptive fields, or dendritic trees, respectively) and their coefficients (i.e., sparse codes in activities ofV1 neurons).

Image processing, brain, vision, striate cortex, V1, consciousness, quantum associative net, Pribram