INCOSE NSWG Community of Practice Webinar
Friday, March 20, 2015
Compound Eyes — They Might Not Do What You Think
Dr. Jerome B. Franck, Senior Research Technical Advisor (recently retired)
U.S Army Night Vision & Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD)
Abstract
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.
Bio
Dr. Jerry Franck recently retired from the Operations Division at Night Vision & Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD), Ft. Belvoir, VA. He was the Senior Research Technical Advisor and held a joint positions as head of the International Program Office and as a research physicist working in the area advanced sensors. One of his projects was development of a Synthetic Compound Eye—addressing both construction and a new processing paradigm for eye function.
His career spanned positions with Army, Navy, Air Force and Department of Energy organizations and laboratories. His efforts addressed development and management of telescope systems, laser based damage detection systems, as well as other electro-optical systems. He worked in promoting minority science and technical education. He engaged in international assignments—which included setting up cooperative international research programs between NVESD and a variety of countries (i.e., , including England, Germany, Canada, Japan, France, and others.)
Dr. Franck received his Ph.D. in Optical Sciences from University of Arizona's Optical Science Center. He holds 11 patents. His many recognitions include Senior Fellow in the Council for Excellence in Government. His hobbies include music, stained glass, jewelry making, and fossil and gem collecting.
INCOSE Natural Systems Working Group (NSWG)
Chair: Curt McNamara — Co-chair: George Studor
https://sites.google.com/site/incosenswg nswg-info@incose.org