Performance Assessment of the Innovative Autonomous Tool CETOSCOPE© Used in the Detection and Localization of Moving Underwater Sound Sources

Abstract

The detection and localization of acoustic sources remain technological challenges in bioacoustics, in particular, the tracking of moving underwater sound sources with a portable waterproof tool. For instance, this type of tool is important to describe the behavior of cetaceans within social groups. To contribute to this issue, an original innovative autonomous device, called a CETOSCOPE©, was designed by ABYSS NGO, including a 360° video camera and a passive acoustic array with 4 synchronized hydrophones. Firstly, different 3D structures were built and tested to select the best architecture to minimize the errors of the localizations. Secondly, a specific software was developed to analyze the recorded data and to link them to the acoustic underwater sources. The 3D localization of the sound sources is based on time difference of arrival processing. Following successful simulations on a computer, this device was tested in a pool to assess its efficiency. The final objective is to use this device routinely in underwater visual and acoustic observations of cetaceans.