Bottlenose Dolphin Acoustics, Isolation,

Extraction and Representation

by

Patrick Cross (0614718)

Music Media and Performance Technology

Supervisor – Kerry Hagan

Abstract

This document describes an attempt to design and build a semi-automated

software system that isolates and extracts cetacean vocalisations from field

recordings. Two alternative approaches are implemented, the first employing a

generic musical GUI environment (Ircams Audiosculpt), the second a custom built

stand alone PC software application named ‘Deilf’. The central premise of the second

build phase is a simplification of the entire whistle extraction procedure. This is

achieved through contextual inquiry of end user work practices, work-flow analysis of

present extraction systems, the implementation of an evolutionary software

development model, cooperative evaluation techniques and validation sessions with

expert and novice users and the application of User Centred Design principles

throughout all phases of the design process. Another quantitative extraction system

(Beluga), is investigated and contrasted. The results of evaluation and validation

sessions are included and considered. Alternative approaches are offered and

suggestions for future work described.