Model-based covariance mean variance classification techniques: algorithm development and application to the acoustic classification of zooplankton

• Published in: IEEE journal of oceanic engineering 1998-10, Vol.23 (4), p.344-364
• Main Authors: Martin Traykovski, L.V., Stanton, T.K., Wiebe, P.H., Lynch, J.F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acoustic scattering; Acoustic signal processing; Acoustic waves; Acoustics; Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Attenuation; Backscatter; Biological and medical sciences; Biology; Classification algorithms; Covariance matrix; Euphausiidae; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Marine; Oceans; Physics; Predictive models; Pteropoda; Sea water ecosystems; Siphonophora; Synecology; Underwater sound
• ISSN: 0364-9059; 1558-1691
• DOI: 10.1109/48.725230

For inversion problems in which the theoretical relationship between observed data and model parameters is well characterized, a promising approach to the classification problem is the application of techniques that capitalize on the predictive power of class-specific models. Theoretical models have been developed for three zooplankton scattering classes (hard elastic-shelled, e.g., pteropods; fluid-like, e.g., euphausiids; and gas-bearing, e.g., siphonophores), providing a sound basis for model-based classification approaches. The covariance mean variance classification (CMVC) techniques classify broad-band echoes from individual zooplankton based on comparisons of observed echo spectra to model space realizations. Three different CMVC algorithms were developed: the integrated score classifier, the pairwise score classifier, and the Bayesian probability classifier; these classifiers assign observations to a class based on similarities in covariance, mean, and variance while accounting for model spare ambiguity and validity. The CMVC techniques were applied to broad-band (/spl sim/350-750 kHz) echoes acquired from 24 different zooplankton to invert for scatterer class and properties. All three classification algorithms had a high rate of success with high-quality high SNR data. Accurate acoustic classification of zooplankton species has the potential to significantly improve estimates of zooplankton biomass made from ocean acoustic backscatter measurements.