Multi-Aperture Vision System Coupled to Neural Network Processors

Nearly every optical system built to date has been modeled after the human eye. Signal processing techniques are also designed to emulate human responses. These human characteristics are imposed upon non-human systems such as missile trackers and robotic vision. Such systems designed to perform simple tasks do not require complex human characteristics, and could be modeled after less sophisticated creatures such as insects. Position determination could be accomplished by coupling a neural network to a multi-aperture vision system. The neural network, acting as the insect visual processor, would use a training set of data with specified inputs and outputs. Once the training set has established the response of the system, the network is considered "trained" and can be programmed to respond in a similar manner to other input function. The insect ommatida, or eyelets, will be constructed using gradient index lenses, fiber optics, and detectors. The system will be "trained" and then stimulated by arbitrary object positions to obtain its response.