Yes - please send the link / reference.  We can then compare the maths with the natural system, and perhaps ask sensible questions about the reasons behind the segmentation of insect eyes.

Julian


On 20 Sep 2012, at 16:40, Lynny wrote:

> I've found a paper online which deals with hexagonal global parameterization of arbitary surfaces. It allows for the tiling of surfaces with nearly regular hexagonal patterns. Would that's be of any use? It's not my paper but can send you the link if you want?
> 
> Sent from my HTC
> 
> ----- Reply message -----
> From: "Julian Vincent" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Tiling eyes!
> Date: Thu, Sep 20, 2012 15:24
> 
> 
> Chicken wire would work if the hexagons kept constant geometry, but they don't.  Corners tend to disappear and the size changes!  So I really do need to know the detail.  
> 
> Julian
> 
> 
> On 20 Sep 2012, at 15:17, Lynny wrote:
> 
> > Thank you Julien, my apologies for not staying in touch better! Ah, well if you have the designer in house you will know much more about it! =)
> > 
> > I may be going down too simple a route here but if you are wanting to analyse how the hexagons distort over various curvature, could you not set up a model using some kind of lightweight chicken wire? Not particularly high tech I know but might give some indication to if there is a pattern to the distortion?
> > 
> > I'd be very interested in the results once you have got them.
> > 
> > Lynn.
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Sent from my HTC
> > 
> > ----- Reply message -----
> > From: "Julian Vincent" <[log in to unmask]>
> > To: <[log in to unmask]>
> > Subject: Tiling eyes!
> > Date: Thu, Sep 20, 2012 14:59
> > 
> > 
> > Nice to hear from you, Lynn!
> > 
> > I know about the BM roof - the guy who did the computation (Chris WIlliams) is in the Architecture Dept at Bath.  But that's all triangulated.  The interesting thing about the insect eye is that the basic unit is a hexagon (like a geodesic dome) which encloses the largest area with the shortest perimeter and thus gives the lightest structure (cf. Eden Centre biomes).  But all these structures have even curvature.  The uneven curvature that you get in the eye of a dragonfly takes you round far sharper corners.  I want to see how the hexagons are distorted under those geometrical constraints.
> > 
> > I'll report results, but at the moment it looks as if I'll be taking photos!
> > 
> > Julian
> > 
> > On 20 Sep 2012, at 14:52, Lynny wrote:
> > 
> > > Hi Julian,
> > > 
> > > I'm not sure how much use this will be but it might be worth having a look at the design for Norman and Fosters Great Court at the British Museum. The glazed roof spans in an arc from a cylinder to a straight edge.
> > > 
> > > Let of know if this is the sort of lines you are going down and I can see if I have and additional information on it at home.
> > > 
> > > Hope this helps.
> > > 
> > > Thanks,
> > > 
> > > Lynn.
> > > 
> > > Sent from my HTC
> > > 
> > > ----- Reply message -----
> > > From: "Julian Vincent" <[log in to unmask]>
> > > To: <[log in to unmask]>
> > > Subject: Tiling eyes!
> > > Date: Wed, Sep 19, 2012 16:06
> > > 
> > > 
> > > I'm working on a project to tile a curved surface and wonder whether the packing pattern of ommatidia on an insect's eye would give some clues about what to do at the corners.  I've found a few pictures, but I'm sure there should be more - probably in the older literature.  Alternatively, has anyone got an algorithm for morphing (say) hexagons as they go round corners?  Come to that, what is the supposed function of the packing shapes going round corners.  Is it purely getting as many ommatidia of more than a minimum area, or are there other criteria?
> > > 
> > > Thanks for all the replies!
> > > Julian Vincent
> > 
>