Recommendations for enhancing the role of the auditory modality for processing sonar data

Abstract

Submarine warfare continues to pose a threat in present-day military operations. Visual displays play a dominant role for operator detection and classification of underwater and surface targets. However, the visual modality is ineffective for the detection of transient signals. In spite of quieter submarines, transient sounds such as hull popping are difficult to disguise, which makes them more likely to be detected via an auditory display. Operators tend to use auditory displays less often because several factors can impede effective aural processing. In this paper, the sonar problem is reviewed followed by some proposed techniques for making more effective use of the auditory modality for the presentation of sonar signals as a means of further improving operator detection and classification of targets. Some recommendations for augmenting the aural presentation of sonar signals over headphones are then discussed. Key research areas include: (1) a reduction of the sound level of the ambient noise in noisy environments should improve the likelihood that the operator will detect weak signals; (2) the provision to replay sound bites of interest and to compare these against a library of known archetypes should lead to increased accuracy in target classification; (3) the ability to present sonar beams in a three-dimensional auditory display where the spatial position of each sonar beam corresponds to the actual position of the source in the ocean should enable the operator to monitor multiple beams and increase his/her situational awareness. Ultimately, the viability of an auditory display is dependent on operator hearing acuity.