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Simulated head related transfer function of the phyllostomid bat Phyllostomus discolor
F De Mey1, J Reijniers, H Peremans
1Department Milieu, Technologie en Technologiemanagement, Universiteit Antwerpen, Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium. fons.demey@ua.ac.be
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|December 10, 2008
Summary
This study simulates the head-related transfer function (HRTF) and interaural intensity differences (IIDs) in Phyllostomus discolor bats. Results show bat pinnae significantly influence spatial hearing more than the head.
Area of Science:
- Bioacoustics
- Computational Auditory Neuroscience
- Mammalian Auditory Systems
Background:
- Understanding bat spatial hearing is crucial for echolocation.
- Head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) and interaural intensity differences (IIDs) are key to sound localization.
- Previous studies relied on experimental measurements, which can be challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To calculate the HRTF for the frontal hemisphere of the bat Phyllostomus discolor.
- To derive binaural IIDs from the calculated HRTF.
- To compare simulation results with experimental data and investigate the influence of different head parts on spatial hearing.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an acoustic field simulation tool based on the boundary element method (BEM).
- Calculated HRTF for the frontal hemisphere of Phyllostomus discolor.
- Derived binaural IIDs from the computed HRTF data.
Main Results:
- HRTF and IID patterns showed good agreement with experimental measurements within interspecies variability.
- The simulation method offers advantages over physical acoustic measurements.
- Computer manipulation of virtual morphology models allowed detailed analysis of head part effects.
Conclusions:
- The pinna has a significantly larger effect on HRTF and IID patterns than the head in Phyllostomus discolor.
- Simulation studies focusing solely on pinna morphology are supported by these findings.
- This research validates computational methods for studying bat spatial hearing.
