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Special equipment can capture video through animals’ eyes
Advanced technology is allowing people to relive experiences previously thought to be inaccessible. British researchers from the University of Sussex collaborated with American scientists from the Hanley Colour Laboratory. They have learned how to create videos through animals’ eyes. Scientists have developed a camera system that transmits the image as seen by different species of mammals.
The scientists published their work in the journal PLOS Biology, which caused an immediate sensation. The authors hope their study will contribute to a better understanding of animals and their behaviour.
Unlike the human eye, the eyes of other mammalian species have a different structure. Their eyes can capture and process ultraviolet light. Animals also perceive the colour spectrum differently. Scientists have been working to capture hues like the visual systems of different species do. However, the use of traditional equipment has not fully captured this visual experience. Capturing light with standard cameras is time-consuming and requires a certain illumination level. As a result, scientists were not getting tangible results when using this method to capture moving objects. So they decided to try something different.
New approach uniqueness
Researchers developed a unique camera that works with special software. It can record video through animals’ eyes at different angles and in natural light.
Using different colour channels, the camera records:
- videos in the blue spectrum;
- in the red spectrum;
- green;
- ultraviolet.
Software then processes the recorded information and converts it into a realistic video as seen by the animals. Tests have shown that the innovative system transmits colours with 92% accuracy compared to a traditional camera.
It is worth noting that British and American scientists’ development is essential in better understanding biological species. The camera and software can create realistic images and visual perspectives. The innovative system consists of multiple cameras housed in a modular 3D-printed shell. The software for the device is open source, allowing specialists in different fields to use the invention for their purposes.
During the study, the scientists paid particular attention to dynamic videos in which animals decide how to proceed. This involves reacting to moving targets. For example, when predators are hunting, or an animal sees danger and is ready to run. The animal kingdom has shown that it can respond differently to visually presented stimuli.
The discovery provides an excellent basis for the development of this field. The scientists plan to refine their approach further to improve the quality of the videos, which will help bring people closer to understanding animal behaviour.