An echolocation visualization and interface system for dolphin research.
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.
Amundin
Mats
M
Kolmården Wild Animal Park, Kolmården, Sweden, and Biological Department, Institute of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
Starkhammar
Josefin
J
Evander
Mikael
M
Almqvist
Monica
M
Lindström
Kjell
K
Persson
Hans W
HW
D000819:Animal Communication; D000818:Animals; D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D016288:Computer Terminals; D003626:Data Display; D004289:Dolphins / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D004455:Echolocation / Q000502:physiology*; D005010:Ethology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D030141:Feedback, Psychological; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012984:Software; D013561:Symbolism; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D014741:Video Recording