BioInspired! So What? Now What!

Dr. Jerome B. Franck, Senior Research Technical Advisor (recently retired)
U.S Army Night Vision & Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD)

There are more compound eyes in nature than any other type of visual sensor— by far! Bees, wasps, ants, and a variety of other insects have compound eyes. What do we know about compound eyes and how they work? This presentation begins by summarizing what we know about compound eyes in nature — and how they are different from other types of visual sensors, e.g., eyes in mammals.

Next, we discuss mimicking compound eyes in nature. We have developed a novel low cost method for rapidly manufacturing synthetic lenses for small compound eyes. The process creates a master mold, and then utilizes excimer laser ablation techniques to write out each microlens element on the curved surface of the master lens. Reproductions from the master mold are easily created. Such a system allows for a field of view greatly in excess of 180 degrees. Other special properties are added to create a compound eye system.

Lastly, we focus on this sensor as a Task-Oriented Optical Processing system; where the processing is performed primarily by the optics, thus reducing requirements
for a “real-time,’ electronic processor. This is critical for micro, insect sized platforms (less than one inch) where the weight budget is devoted to the energy
and propulsive systems. This makes paradigm is unique with respect to conventional image processing.

Login and Meeting Details:
1. Go to Globalmeet Weblink: https://incose.pgimeet.com/GlobalmeetThree
2. Select Enter As A Guest
3. Enter the Access Number: 1-719-457-6209 and then Guest Passcode: 195 372 9323