Description
Measure a signed gap or overlap between supplied insect-call bouts.
Insect observations distinguish specimen anatomy, taxonomic sources, recorded visits, catch categories and sampling effort. Bulb-hours differ from elapsed trap-hours, and a landmark length/width ratio differs from an aerodynamic wing aspect ratio. Nondetection, missing observation and uncertain classification require their own record states.
Measure a signed gap or overlap between supplied insect-call bouts.
When to use this tool
Use Insect Call Bout Gap when you already have previousBoutEndSeconds, nextBoutStartSeconds and need to measure a signed gap or overlap between supplied insect-call bouts.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter previousBoutEndSeconds, nextBoutStartSeconds. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read signedGapSeconds, overlap. Inspect overlap before interpreting the associated values.
Return nextBoutStartSeconds-previousBoutEndSeconds and overlap=nextStart<previousEnd.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| previousBoutEndSeconds | Previous Bout End Seconds | Required. Finite number. |
| nextBoutStartSeconds | Next Bout Start Seconds | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| signedGapSeconds | Signed Gap Seconds | Required. Finite number. |
| overlap | Overlap | Required. Boolean. |
{
"input": {
"previousBoutEndSeconds": 12.5,
"nextBoutStartSeconds": 15
},
"output": {
"signedGapSeconds": 2.5,
"overlap": false
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Negative gaps indicate overlap; equality is zero without overlap. No audio is analyzed or bout boundaries detected.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Inspect original specimens, images, recordings and trap logs when verifying observations. Use the complete survey and calibration method for abundance or behavioral conclusions, preserving effort, detection and taxonomic definitions rather than treating one rate or label as that analysis.
References
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