Effects of time delay and non-Gaussian noise on the dynamics of a perceptual bistability

In this paper, we investigate the effects of time delay and non-Gaussian noise on the dynamics properties of the attractor network model of perceptual bistability. Using delay Fokker–Planck equation and projection operator method, the stationary probability distribution P_st(x), the associated relaxation time T_c, and the normalized correlation function C(s) for perceptual bistability are obtained, respectively. Research results show that: (i) the time delay τ and the correlation time τ₀ from non-Gaussian noise can induce the change of the peaks in the P_st(x), i.e., the transition of the system appears; (ii) there exhibits an optimal value of the τ₀ or τ by which the T_c or C(s) is maximum, this maximum shows the τ₀ or τ first reduces the stability of the attractor network model of perceptual bistability in the steady state, and then enhances it; and (iii) the noise intensity P or departure q from the Gaussian noise only enhances the stability of the attractor network model of perceptual bistability in the steady state.