Cited by 263Visual perception and processing mechanismsNeurobiology and Insect Physiology ResearchAdvanced Vision and Imaging

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Elementary Computation of Object Approach by a Wide-Field Visual Neuron

Hatsopoulos, Nicholas, Gabbiani, Fabrizio, Laurent, Gilles·1995·Science

DOI 10.1126/science.270.5238.1000

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Abstract

An essential function of the brain is to detect threats, such as those posed by objects or predators on a collision course. A wide-field, movement-sensitive visual neuron in the brain of the locust was studied by presenting simulated approaching, receding, and translating objects. The neuron's responses could be described simply by multiplying the velocity of the image edge ( d θ/ dt ) with an exponential function of the size of the object's image on the retina ( e −αθ ). Because this product peaks before the image reaches its maximum size during approach, this neuron can anticipate collision. The neuron's activity peaks approximately when the approaching object reaches a certain angular size. Because this neuron receives distinct inputs about image size and velocity, the dendritic tree of a single neuron may function as a biophysical device that can carry out a multiplication of two independent input signals.

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Untitled work
(1998) · doi:10.1002/(sici)1096-9861(19980808)395:3

Authors: Hatsopoulos, N., Gabbiani, F., & Laurent, G.
Affiliations: California Institute of Technology (US)
Corresponding author: Hatsopoulos, Nicholas
Laurent, Gilles
ORCID: Hatsopoulos, Nicholas
Gabbiani, Fabrizio
Laurent, Gilles
Venue: Science
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Published: 1995-11-10
Volume: 270
Issue: 5238
Pages: 1000-1003
ISSN: 0036-8075 (ISSN-L)
1095-9203
DOI: 10.1126/science.270.5238.1000
OpenAlex: W2050303485
Cited by: 263
References: 18
Citations by year: 2026: 2 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 10 · 2017: 10 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 9 · 2013: 14 · 2012: 15
FWCI: 2.13
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Science (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
CaltechAUTHORS (California Institute of Technology) (submittedVersion)
MPG.PuRe (Max Planck Society) (submittedVersion)
Topics: Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Visual perception and processing mechanisms
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition › Advanced Vision and Imaging
Keywords: collision detection, threat detection, locusts, angular size, dendritic computation, motion-sensitive neurons, predator avoidance
MeSH terms: Algorithms, Animals, Brain, Dendrites, Female, Grasshoppers, Male, Mathematics, Motion Perception, Neurons, Photic Stimulation, Size Perception, Vision, Ocular

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Elementary Computation of Object Approach by a Wide-Field Visual Neuron

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