An echolocation visualization and interface system for dolphin research |
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Authors: | Amundin Mats Starkhammar Josefin Evander Mikael Almqvist Monica Lindström Kjell Persson Hans W |
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Institution: | Kolm?rden Wild Animal Park, Kolm?rden, Sweden, and Biological Department, Institute of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Link?ping University, SE-581 83 Link?ping, Sweden. |
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Abstract: | The present study describes the development and testing of a tool for dolphin research. This tool was able to visualize the dolphin echolocation signals as well as function as an acoustically operated "touch screen." The system consisted of a matrix of hydrophones attached to a semitransparent screen, which was lowered in front of an underwater acrylic panel in a dolphin pool. When a dolphin aimed its sonar beam at the screen, the hydrophones measured the received sound pressure levels. These hydrophone signals were then transferred to a computer where they were translated into a video image that corresponds to the dynamic sound pressure variations in the sonar beam and the location of the beam axis. There was a continuous projection of the image back onto the hydrophone matrix screen, giving the dolphin an immediate visual feedback to its sonar output. The system offers a whole new experimental methodology in dolphin research and since it is software-based, many different kinds of scientific questions can be addressed. The results were promising and motivate further development of the system and studies of sonar and cognitive abilities of dolphins. |
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