Date of Completion

7-28-2017

Embargo Period

7-26-2027

Keywords

Saccade, Oculomotor System, Visual and Auditory, Neural Network, Modeling

Major Advisor

John D. Enderle

Associate Advisor

Heather L. Read

Associate Advisor

Patrick D. Kumavor

Associate Advisor

Jennifer M. Groh

Field of Study

Biomedical Engineering

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Open Access

Campus Access

Abstract

A saccade is a common type of eye movement that allows the eyes to quickly move from one target to another. Abnormal saccades are diagnostically important since they can be indicators of neurological disorders and mild traumatic brain injuries. The aim of this dissertation is to provide a comprehensive investigation of horizontal human saccadic eye movements triggered by visual and auditory targets under different stimulus patterns. A discussion of single- and double-step saccade characteristics, including peak velocity, duration, latency, as well as agonist and antagonist neural input properties, is first focused on. These characteristics are described using the parameter estimations from a 3rd-order linear horizontal saccade model that analyzes recorded human eye movement data. Secondly, the simulation of horizontal saccades evoked by different sensory stimuli is demonstrated. This is done using a multiscale neural network and muscle fiber-based saccade model, which is controlled by the estimated neural input time constant parameters from human saccade data. Finally, a proposed neural network model that drives the auditory saccade system expands the current development of the saccade model by further supporting the muscle models and the time-optimal controller under physiological constraints. The studies presented in this dissertation will therefore enhance our understanding of the oculomotor system, and particularly address how the brain monitors, integrates and adaptively controls neurosensory information.

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Available for download on Monday, July 26, 2027

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