A multisensory observer model for human spatial orientation perception

Quantitative "observer" models for spatial orientation and eye movements have been developed based on 1-G data from humans and animals (e.g. Oman 1982, 1991, Merfeld, et al 1993, 2002; Haslwanter 2000, Vingerhoets 2006). These models assume that the CNS estimates "down", head angular velocity and linear acceleration utilizing an internal model for gravity and sense organ dynamics, continuously updated by sensory-conflict signals. CNS function is thus analogous to a Luenberger state observer in engineering systems. Using a relatively small set of free parameters, Observer orientation models capture the main features of experimental data for a variety of different motion stimuli. We developed a Matlab/Simulink based Observer model, including Excel spreadsheet input capability and a GUI to make the model accessible to less expert Matlab users. Orientation and motion predictions can be plotted in 2D or visualized in 3D using virtual avatars. Our Observer's internal model now computes azimuth, and pseudointegrates linear motion in an allocentric reference frame (perceived north-east-down). The model mimics the large perceptual errors for vertical motion observed experimentally. It retains the well validated "vestibular core" of the Merfeld perceptual model and predicts responses to angular velocity and linear accelerations steps, dumping, fixed radius centrifugation, roll tilt and OVAR. This model was further extended to include static and dynamic visual sensory information from four independent visual sensors (Visual Velocity, Position, Angular Velocity and Gravity/"Down").

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2009

Author dc:creator

• Newman, Michael C. (Michael Charles)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Charles M. Oman.

• Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/51636

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/51636