Sound localization in barn owls studied with manipulated head-related transfer functions: beyond broadband interaural time and level differences.

Interaural time and level differences are important cues for sound localization. We wondered whether the broadband information contained in these two cues could fully explain the behavior of barn owls and responses of midbrain neurons in these birds. To tackle this problem, we developed a novel approach based on head-related transfer functions.

Envelope contributions to the representation of interaural time difference in the forebrain of barn owls.

Birds and mammals use the interaural time difference (ITD) for azimuthal sound localization. While barn owls can use the ITD of the stimulus carrier frequency over nearly their entire hearing range, mammals have to utilize the ITD of the stimulus envelope to extend the upper frequency limit of ITD-based sound localization. ITD is computed and processed in a dedicated neural circuit that consists of two pathways.

Estimating characteristic phase and delay from broadband interaural time difference tuning curves.

Characteristic delay and characteristic phase are shape parameters of interaural time difference tuning curves. The standard procedure for the estimation of these parameters is based on the measurement of delay curves measured for tonal stimuli with varying frequencies. Common to all procedures is the detection of a linear behavior of the phase spectrum.

Side peak suppression in responses of an across-frequency integration model to stimuli of varying bandwidth as demonstrated analytically and by implementation.

Multiplication-like sound localization models are subjected to phase ambiguities for high-frequency tonal stimuli as multiplication creates several equivalent response peaks in tuning curves. By increasing the bandwidth of the stimulus, phase ambiguities can be reduced, which is often referred to as side peak suppression. In this study we present a Jeffress-based sound localization model, and determine side peak suppression analytically.

Heart rate estimation on a beat-to-beat basis via ballistocardiography - a hybrid approach.

We present an algorithm for obtaining the heart rate from the signal of a single, contact-less sensor recording the mechanical activity of the heart. This vital parameter is required on a beat-to-beat basis for applications in sleep analysis and heart failure disease management. Our approach bundles information from various sources for first robust estimates.