Changes, adaptations, and applications of a bio inspired machine vision sensor - biomed 2013

The Musca domestica (common housefly) biomimetic sensor project is an ongoing endeavor at the University of Wyoming. The project has developed a sensor platform based on the rudimentary function of a fly’s compound eye, including the inherent hyperacuity (high sensitivity to motion) present in the insect’s vision. The design portion of the project is nearing completion, and application driven characterization can now begin. NASA is funding research into utilizing the sensor for efficient, fast, and inexpensive target tracking applications. This stage of the project is very preliminary, but is advancing and offers unique challenges and opportunities. his paper provides background information on the sensor design being considered, discusses the advances in the most current sensor platform, and offers an application currently being investigated.