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Computer Simulations of Sensory Systems
Computersimulationen sensorischer Systeme
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:14:53
Abstract
This lecture will provide an introduction to the mechanisms of our eyes, ears, and balance system, and how these sensors convert incoming information into neural signals. It will also include an introduction into the signal processing in neurons. In the exercises we will use MATLAB toolboxes to convert images, sound, and movement information into the corresponding neural signals.
Objective
Our sensory systems provide us with information on what is happening around us. Thereby they transform incoming mechanical, electromagnetic, and chemical signals into “action potentials”, the language of the central nervous system. The main goal of this lecture is to describe how our sensors achieve this transformation, and how it can be reproduced with computational tools. For example, our auditory system performs a “Fourier transformation” of the incoming sound waves; our early visual system is optimized for finding edges in images that are projected onto our retina; and our balance system can be well described with a “control system” that transforms linear and rotational movements into nerve impulses. To facilitate the understanding of these systems, the lecture also provides some basic biological background on nerves and nerve signals, and the processing of information in the central nervous system. In the exercises that go with this lecture, we will use MATLAB toolboxes to reproduce the action of our sensory systems, and see how electronic prostheses could replace these sensors when the original eye, ears, or balance systems have failed.
Content
The following topics will be covered: • An overview of the human central nervous system. • An introduction into the signal processing in nerve cells. • A description of the auditory system, including the application of Fourier transforms on recorded sounds. • A description of the visual system, including the retina and the information processing in the visual cortex. The corresponding exercises will provide an introduction to digital image processing. • A description of the mechanics of our balance system, and the “Control System”-language that can be used for an efficient description of the corresponding signal processing (essentially Laplace transforms, and the “Simulink” module of MATLAB). • And if there is some time left, I will present a brief introduction into the application of computational neural networks, and their comparison to actual neural nets.
Resources
Lecture Notes
While there will be no printed script, most of the important information will be available on the internet (http://www.sensory-systems.ethz.ch/). This will also include the multimedia application “sensesweb”, which has been developed by Tutis Vilis: it contains animated tours of the individual senses, as well as the PDFs for the corresponding printouts.
Literature
Up-to-date reference on relevant literature can be found on the WWW-pages corresponding to the individual sensory systems ( http://www.sensory-systems.ethz.ch/ ). For a very good overview I recommend: • E. R. Kandel, J. H. Schwartz, and T. M. Jessell. Principles of Neural Science, McGraw-Hill, 2000 [ISBN: 0838577016 (Hardcover), oder 0071120009 (int stud ed)] This book covers the biological components, from the functioning of an individual ion channels through the various senses, all the way to consciousness. And while it does not cover the computational aspects, it nevertheless provides an excellent, readable overview of the underlying neural processes of sensory systems.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Computersimulationen sensorischer Systeme
Blockveranstaltung nach Vereinbarung,
Details unter
on request in English
|
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise |
Computersimulationen sensorischer Systeme
Blockveranstaltung nach Vereinbarung,
Details unter
on request in English
|
No time listed | 1 h weekly |