Embedded Files
DOLPHIN ENRICHMENT & OPERANT PANEL
DOLPHIN ENRICHMENT & OPERANT PANEL
Background
Background
Dolphins are primarily used by the United States Navy for underwater mine detection. Currently, research is being conducted at the submarine base in Point Loma to further investigate the impact of audio stimulus and the association of different sounds with different actions with the dolphins. Testing and communication with the animals is currently conducted via a bite plate and two paddles that sit underwater. When the dolphin bites the plate, this signals the trainer to solicit an auditory impulse, that prompts the dolphin to respond by bopping the appropriate paddle. Depending on the correctness of the dolphin's response, the trainer will either provide positive reinforcement in the form of fish, or give nothing at all. Each of the responses are then recorded by hand for further analysis. Currently, the rig is primitive in construction, and the training process is entirely manually operated.
Objective
Objective
In cooperation with the United States Navy, the UC San Diego Neurosciences Graduate Program, and the UC San Diego Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate program, the DEOP brings automation to the process of sound recognition training for dolphins. It incorporates sensors and a microprocessor to run trials and record data. It accounts for the unique anatomy of dolphins, which echolocate through their melons (foreheads) and hear through their lower jaws. The DEOP is also designed to be modular, adjustable, and easily assembled/replaced.
Final Design
Final Design
The final design incorporates 80/20 brand anodized aluminum extrusions for the base of the structure, selected for their ease of construction and modularity. The rig runs off of a Raspberry Pi microprocessor, which is housed within a Pelican box and connects to the sensors onboard the rig. The biteplate connects to the 80/20 and is constructed of machined HDPE (high density polyethylene), selected for durability, machinability and corrosion-resistance. It incorporates a spring-loaded design, with compression springs nested in pockets machined in the biteplate that allow for vertical actuation when a dolphin bites the plate. A PVC fitting attaches to the biteplate and holds the hydrophones approximately 1 meter away from the blowhole of the dolphin, as specified by the experimental procedure. The paddles are constructed of hinged 80/20 extrusions, and utilize accelerometers acting as inclinometers that signal when a paddle has been pressed.
Performance Results
When the biteplate was introduced to a dolphin, he had no problems biting onto and actuating the biteplate near the surface. He did, however, seem to become confused once the rig was fully submerged. This is likely due to the new position of the biteplate being under the deck. The trainer explained that it would likely require a day of training to fully accustom the dolphins to the new rig. The electronics functioned how the were designed to and when the biteplate was actuated it triggered the microcontroller to play the desired audio. The paddle responses were successfully registered using accelerometers.
Click here for detailed design component breakdown and performance results
Page updated
Report abuse