Space reconstruction by primary visual cortex activity: a parallel, non-computational mechanism of object representation

•Coding by expert cells cannot explain object perception and recognition.•Response patterns in V1 are the basis of parallel conscious object perception.•Serial processing in many cortical areas complements the parallel representation.•Space perception results from interaction between serial and parallel processing.•Our conscious perception and recognition cannot be imitated by computer programs.

The current view posits that objects, despite changes in appearance, are uniquely encoded by ‘expert’ cells. This view is untenable. First, even if cell ensemble responses are invariant and unique, we are consciously aware of all of the objects’ details. Second, in addition to detail preservation, data show that the current hypothesis fails to account for uniqueness and invariance. I present an alternative view whereby objects’ representation and recognition are based on parallel representation of space by primary visual cortex (V1) responses. Information necessary for invariance and other attributes is handled in series by other cortical areas through integration, interpolation, and hierarchical convergence. The parallel and serial mechanisms combine to enable our flexible space perception. Only in this alternative view is conscious perception consistent with the underlying architecture.