Single-trial estimation of neuronal firing rates: From single-neuron spiketrains to population activity

We present a method to estimate the neuronal firing rate from single-trial spike trains. The method, based on convolution of the spike train with a fi xed kernel function, is calibrated by means of simulated spike trains for a representative selection of realistic dynamic rate functions. We derive ru les for the optimized use and performance of the kernel method, specificall y with respect to an effective choice of the shape and width of the kernel functions. An application of our technique to the on-line, single-trial rec onstruction of arm movement trajectories from multiple single-unit spike tr ains using dynamic population vectors illustrates a possible use of the pro posed method. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.