New model for gain control of signal intensity to object distance in echolocating bats ...

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Echolocating bats emit ultrasonic calls and listen for the returning echoes to orient and localize prey in darkness. The emitted source level, SL (estimated signal intensity 10cm from the mouth), is adjusted dynamically from call to call in respons...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nørum, Ulrik, Brinkløv, Signe, Surlykke, Annemarie
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:unknown
Published: Zenodo 2012
Subjects:
bat
Online Access:https://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13442774
https://zenodo.org/doi/10.5281/zenodo.13442774
Description
Summary:(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Echolocating bats emit ultrasonic calls and listen for the returning echoes to orient and localize prey in darkness. The emitted source level, SL (estimated signal intensity 10cm from the mouth), is adjusted dynamically from call to call in response to sensory feedback as bats approach objects. A logarithmic relationship of SL20log10(x), i.e. 6dB output reduction per halving of distance, x, has been proposed as a model for the relationship between emitted intensity and object distance, not only for bats but also for echolocating toothed whales. This logarithmic model suggests that the approaching echolocator maintains a constant intensity impinging upon the object, but it also implies ever-increasing source levels with distance, a physical and biological impossibility. We developed a new model for intensity compensation with an exponential rise to the maximum source level: SLSLmax–ae–bx. In addition to providing a method for estimating maximum output, ...