Skip to main content

Artificial Vision System Inspired by Cat Eyes

Researchers Model Artificial Vision After Cat Eyes to Create a System That Excels in Darkness and Detects Camouflaged Entities

Introduction

Structural and functional features of feline eyes

[Structural and functional features of feline eyes. (A and B) Schematic illustration showing the camouflage-breaking ability of a feline under diverse light condition. (C) Magnified schematic illustration of the tapetum lucidum in the retina. (D) Schematic illustration of the feline eye’s anatomy. (E and F) Schematic illustrations showing the visual ecology of feline and conventional vision during the daytime (E) and nighttime (F).]

Engineers from the Center for Nanoparticle Research, Seoul National University, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, and Korea Institute of Science and Technology have created a novel artificial eye inspired by cat eyes.

Research Overview

In their research published in Science Advances, the group modeled two attributes of cat eyes, enabling improved night vision and enhanced camouflage detection.

Limitations of Current Technology

According to the researchers, cameras on drones and robots often employ circular apertures, mimicking the human eye. While this design keeps both the foreground and background in focus, it can hinder accurate tracking of target objects.

Nature's Solution

Animals such as cats have vertically slitted eyes, providing an asymmetric depth of field. Based on this natural design, researchers selected the cat eye structure to guide their artificial eye development.

Previous Research

The concept of modeling artificial eyes after animal vision is not new--just last year, a Korean research team drew inspiration from the cuttlefish eye to design a robotic eye capable of improved vision in murky underwater environments.

Imaging demonstration of the feline eye–inspired vision system

[Imaging demonstration of the feline eye–inspired vision system.]

New Methodology

For this new method, the researchers devised a vertical aperture that keeps the target in focus and the background blurred, improving the camera's precision in tracking objects during the day.

Enhancing Low-Light Vision

Cats possess a tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer situated behind the retina, which allows them to see effectively in low-light conditions and gives their eyes a distinctive nighttime glow. The research team mimicked this functionality in their artificial eye by placing silver metal reflectors behind the image sensor.

Conclusion

The combination of these two features enhances the camera's capability to see effectively in low-light conditions while enabling it to track target objects, even when they are camouflaged.

Source

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NASA chile scientists comet 3i atlas nickel mystery

NASA and Chilean Scientists Study 3I/ATLAS, A Comet That Breaks the Rules Interstellar visitors are rare guests in our Solar System , but when they appear they often rewrite the rules of astronomy. Such is the case with 3I/ATLAS , a fast-moving object that has left scientists puzzled with its bizarre behaviour. Recent findings from NASA and Chilean researchers reveal that this comet-like body is expelling an unusual plume of nickel — without the iron that typically accompanies it. The discovery challenges conventional wisdom about how comets form and evolve, sparking both excitement and controversy across the scientific community. A Cosmic Outsider: What Is 3I/ATLAS? The object 3I/ATLAS —the third known interstellar traveler after "Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019) —was first detected in July 2025 by the ATLAS telescope network , which scans he skies for potentially hazardous objects. Earlier images from Chile's Vera C. Rubin Observatory had unknowingly captured it, but ...
Post a Comment
Read more

bermuda triangle rogue waves mystery solved

Bermuda Triangle Mystery: Scientist Claims Rogue Waves May Explain Vanishing Ships and Aircraft for decades, the Bermuda Triangle has captured the world's imagination, often described as a supernatural hotspot where ships vanish and aircraft disappear without a trace. From ghostly ships adrift to unexplained plane crashes, this stretch of ocean between Bermuda, Puerto Rico and Florida remains one of the most infamous maritime mysteries. But now, Dr. Simon Boxall, an oceanographer at the University of Southampton , suggests the answer may not be extraterrestrial at all. Instead, he argues that the truth lies in rogue waves — giant, unpredictable surges of water capable of swallowing even the largest ships within minutes. The Bermuda Triangle: A Legacy of Fear and Fascination The Bermuda Triangle has inspired decades of speculation , with theories ranging from UFO abductions to interdimensional rifts. Popular culture, documentaries and countless books have kept the legend alive, of...
Post a Comment
Read more

nist breakthrough particle number concentration formula

NIST Researchers Introduce Breakthrough Formula for Particle Number Concentration Understanding the number of particles in a sample is a fundamental task across multiple scientific fields — from nanotechnology to food science. Scientists use a measure called Particle Number Concentration (PNC) to determine how many particles exist in a given volume, much like counting marbles in a jar. Recently, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a novel formula that calculates particle concentrations with unprecedented accuracy. Their work, published in Analytical Chemistry , could significantly improve precision in drug delivery, nanoplastic assessment and monitoring food additives. Related reading on Nanotechnology advancements: AI systems for real-time flood detection . What is Particle Number Concentration (PNC)? Defining PNC Particle Number Concentration indicates the total count of particles within a specific volume of gas or liquid,...
Post a Comment
Read more