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No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2015

ITC117 Introduction to the Senses (8)

Abstract

This subject introduces the way light, sound, haptic and balance information are processed by mammalian sensory systems. A brief overview of physiology and appropriate behavioural and psychophysical characteristics is accompanied by an analysis of the information processing and storage. The use of our understanding of sensory systems in making artificial devices and compressing image and sound data is discussed throughout.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: ITC117
Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Computing and Mathematics

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
. understand the use of sensory mechanisms to compress audio and visual data;
. understand how sensory mechanism interact and the penalties of cognitive dissonance;
. develop compression algorithms for sensory data;
. improve human-computer interaction through understanding of mechanisms of perception;
. optimise speed and performance of computer graphics through exploiting understanding of human sensory systems.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
. Introductory techniques: idea of representation of one function by a series of other functions; idea of frequency and Fourier analysis.
. Vision: rod and cone photoreceptors; ideas of sampling in time, space and spectrum; spatiotemporal frequency analysis and its use in image and video compression; stereopsis and visual illusions; colour and its representation.
. Hearing: description of the human auditory system (with forward reference to balance); audio bandwidth; loudness, level discrimination and masking; binaural hearing; compression of auditory signals.
. Balance: human vestibular system; cognitive dissonance and nausea.
. Touch: tactile sensors and feedback.
. Smell and taste: overview and future possibilities.

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The information contained in the 2015 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 01 October 2015. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.