MERIDIAN open-source software for deep learning-based acoustic data analysis

Abstract

Deep neural networks have the potential to transform our approach to developing acoustic detection and classification models, enabling acousticians to develop or re-purpose such models through a fully data-driven approach requiring minimal knowledge of signal processing, algorithm design, and programming. However, open-source software to facilitate this data-driven workflow is currently lacking. MERIDIAN is working towards filling this gap through the development of several open-source software products, including the Python package Ketos and the MAIPL (Marine AI PLatform) suite of web applications. While Ketos provides a high-level programming interface for training deep neural networks at detecting and classifying sounds, MAIPL is a modular cloud computing service that supports the full model-development workflow. In this contribution, an overview of Ketos and MAIPL will be given and their functionalities will be demonstrated through their application to the HALLO (Humans and ALgorithms Listening for Orcas) project. We highlight one of the MAIPL tools, the MAIPL-Annotator, which provides a user-friendly interface for collaboratively annotating sound samples and validating model predictions. Future developments will also be described, highlighting new MAIPL applications under development such as the MAIPL-Adapter, a tool for adapting acoustic deep learning models to new acoustic environments.