LGN-CNN: a biologically inspired CNN architecture

In this paper we introduce a biologically inspired CNN architecture that has a first convolutional layer that mimics the role of the LGN. The first layer of the net shows a rotationally symmetric pattern justified by the structure of the net itself that turns up to be an approximation of a Laplacian of Gaussian. The latter function is in turn a good approximation of the receptive profiles of the cells in the LGN. The analogy with respect to the visual system structure is established, emerging directly from the architecture of the net.