Biological and Silicon Modeling of Moving Target Detection in Insects

Abstract

In this project, we studied the physiology of a class of visual neurons that we have labeled small target, movement detectors (STMDs), which respond selectively to small moving visual targets. In-vivo intracellular recordings were made in several model species (the hoverfly Eristalis tenax and the dragonflies Hemicordulia tau and Aeshna multicolor), while subject to moving visual displays. We found some STMD neurons are capable of responding selectively to small moving targets against moving cluttered backgrounds. We characterized the receptive field properties of a class of small-field STMDs that we labeled elementary small target movement detectors' (ESTMDs), which may be an early stage in a hierarchy of STMD processing. Models were developed for aspects of the processing performed by STMD neurons, and tested in simulations. In particular, a model for the ESTMD was developed and implemented in analog VLSl silicon.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA420888

Entities

People

  • David C O'Carroll
  • Patrick Shoemaker

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Bipolar Junction Transistors
  • Computer Graphics
  • Computers
  • Data Acquisition
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Fabrication
  • Integrated Circuits
  • Medical Personnel
  • Moving Targets
  • Neural Pathways
  • Neurons
  • Neurosciences
  • Semiconductors
  • Simulations
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Video Games

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Integrated Circuit Design and Technology.
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.