Time+Place: Tuesday 09/04/2002 14:30 Room 337-8 Taub Bld.
Title: Walking on tiles: from neuronal diffusion to safe and steady motion
Speaker: Yoram Baram http:\\www.csatechnion.ac.il\~baram
Affiliation: Computer Science faculty

Abstract:


First, it will be shown that visual stabilization and navigation can be
facilitated by an array of elementary neurons that realize a spatial
diffusion process. This may explain why birds and sharks approach their
prey in curved trajectories. Bounds on the convergence time and the 
fault tolerance of the diffusion process will be presented.

These observations have led us to the development of an apparatus, which
creates dynamic virtual environments, such as tiled floors, for aiding
people with motion disorders. The device has been tested on Parkinson's
patients and random elderly populations, and found to significantly improve
walking abilities. Clinical test results and video clips will be presented.