An overview of mechanism of target detection by odontocetes biosonar

Odontocetes have evolved to own a unique natural sonar system to detect targets. Odontocetes use their sound emission systems in their foreheads to produce echolocation clicking targets. Echoes contain information about the size, material and ranges of the targets. Odontocetes can probe into the echoes in both time domain and frequency domain to realize the target discrimination. More studies are necessary to reveal how odontcoetes collect meaningful information from echoes. In this paper, the target detection by odontocetes is reviewed from three aspects, i.e. detection range, target discrimination and biomimetic target detection system. Odontocetes can actively adjust their biosonar systems to realize optimal detection. Numerical simulation and bioinspired systems can help to shed light on physical mechanism of odontocetes' target detection process. Multiple theories are needed to deepen our understanding of target detection by odontocetes, which can provide references for designing intelligent biomimetic signal processors.

Automated summary

Odontocetes have evolved a unique natural sonar system to detect targets, utilizing echolocation to gather information about size, material and ranges of targets. Further studies are needed to understand how odontocetes extract meaningful information from echoes.