Fly eye based sensor model and animation using matlab - biomed 2011

A new optical sensor based on the common house fly, Musca domestica, has been under development for some time at the University of Wyoming. Each sensor consists of a series of photodiodes with overlapping Gaussian field of views. The photodiodes share a common facet lens. This type of sensor provides higher movement detection and resolution than can be obtained in current charged-couple detector (CCD) arrays that are commonly used in digital imaging systems. The purpose of this research is to aid in the application and development of the fly based sensor by creating a MATLAB simulation tool to model and study the response signals from various input stimuli. In particular, the sensor detection capability and limits for line, edge and pulse stimuli will be modeled, and analyzed. Increased knowledge of the detection characteristics and limits of this type of sensor will provide insight and guidance to determine possible sensor applications. The signal analysis makes use of the Gaussian profiles that are created in MATLAB. A user-selectable input signal can be applied, while observing the output signal. The information is animated, and plotted for study and analysis. This interactive MATLAB model is a powerful tool to help understand the complex interactions of the optical signals. This sensor configuration has a variety of applications in wheelchair odometry, power line detection by unmanned aerial systems (AES), high speed railroad line inspection, and remote building monitoring.