Biologically inspired model of path integration based on head direction cells and grid cells

Abstract

Some neurons in the brain of freely moving rodents show special firing pattern. The firing of head direction cells (HDCs) and grid cells (GCs) is related to the moving direction and distance, respectively. Thus, it is considered that these cells play an important role in the rodents’ path integration. To provide a bionic approach for the vehicle to achieve path integration, we present a biologically inspired model of path integration based on the firing characteristics of HDCs and GCs. The detailed implementation process of this model is discussed. Besides, the proposed model is realized by simulation, and the path integration performance is analyzed under different conditions. Simulations validate that the proposed model is effective and stable.

Keywords

Head direction cells (HDCs) / Grid cells (GCs) / Path integration / Bionic navigation

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2016 Zhejiang University and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg