ITC/USA 2013 Conference Proceedings / The Forty-Ninth Annual International Telemetering Conference and Technical Exhibition / October 21-24, 2013 / Bally's Hotel & Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV / Telemetry ground stations spread over geographically diverse areas are well suited for use in passively locating the source of a distant transmitted signal. In a favorable positioning of receive sites, the accuracy of these passive localization techniques can compete with the accuracy of radars. In these cases, use of receive only assets is a less expensive alternative than the use of a radar's scarce resources. Until recently, the major technical challenge to implementation of the passive localization techniques of time-difference of arrival (TDOA) and frequency-difference of arrival (FDOA) has been the frequency and time stability of geographically separated receivers. Advances in GPS based timing and frequency references has made the implementation of TDOA and FDOA feasible. This paper shows how these limitations have been overcome using the current telemetry assets at the Reagan Test Site in Kwajalein Atoll.

<p>This thesis considers passive localization and tracking. Here, passive refers to passive observations - the type of observations for which the full position estimate of the target cannot be obtained using a single measurement, like those are from a sonar. Hence, localizing or tracking targets based on these measurements calls for the use of multiple sensors. This poses a different set of challenges to tracking with passive observations as opposed to active observations where full target position is available from a single measurement.</p><p>We identify different issues that are related to passive localization and tracking and propose algorithmic solutions to these problems. We consider the angle of arrival (AOA), which is the passive measurement that is often considered in target tracking and time difference of arrival (TDOA) as representative passive measurements to illustrate our algorithms. Whereas, the AOA measurements from different sensors can be considered independent, TDOA measurements, on the other hand, are not independent. That is, they are correlated. We would, however, like to note that the proposed algorithms can be applied with straightforward, but simple, modifications to other types of passive measurements.</p><p>In particular, this thesis provides solutions to the following problems. First, it provides efficient and improved algorithms to the data association problem when tracking with multiple passive synchronous sensors. These solutions are based on the assignment formulation. Whereas one of the algorithms proposed, the gated assignment algorithm, uses the validation gates to reduce the computational cost, the other is a new extension to the multidimensional assignment algorithm that associates the measurements directly to the tracks. This is called the (S + 1)-D assignment-based data association, where S is the number of synchronous sensors available in the tracking system. An approximation to this new (S + 1)-D algorithm is also presented.</p> <p> In literature one finds algorithms to localize a single target using TDOA measurements. None of these algorithms considered the issues that might arise in tracking the localized targets. This thesis provides a framework to localize and track targets based on TDOA measurements. The localization algorithm uses a formulation based on the sensor-emitter geometry. This formulation is considered as a constrained optimization problem and two relaxation-based algorithms are provided to solve this optimization problem. The assignment-based data association provides an additional challenge because the TDOA measurements are correlated. This problem is identified and a solution is provided by modifying the calculation of the association cost.</p> <p> Finally, this thesis also provides an efficient algorithm to form AOA mono tracks using the fast Fourier transform (FFT) and the assignment algorithm. Formation of the mono tracks is very useful in distributed tracking and is the well-known direction of arrival tracking problem in the signal processing community.</p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The main crux of this thesis was to produce a model that was capable of simulating the theoretical performance of different configurations for a spatial measurement system using radio frequency technology. It has been important to study new modalities of spatial measurement since spatial measurement systems are an enabling technology that have allowed for the creation of better medical procedures and techniques, provided valuable data for motion capture in animation and biomechanics, and have improved the quality of manufacturing processes in many industries. However, there has been room for improvement in the functional design and accuracy of spatial measurement systems that will enhance current applications and further develop new applications in medicine, research and industry. <br /><br /> In this thesis, a modelling framework for the investigation of spatial measurement based on radio frequency signals was developed. The simulation framework was designed for the purpose of investigating different position determination algorithms and sensor geomatries. A finite element model using the FEMLAB partial differential equation modelling tool was created for a time-domain model of electromagnetic wave propagation in order to simulate the radio frequency signals travelling from a transmitting source antenna to a set of receiving antenna sensors. Electronic line signals were obtained using a simple receiving infinitesimal dipole model and input into a time difference of arrival localization algorithm. The finite element model results were validated against a set of analytical solutions for the free space case. The accuracy of the localization algorithm was measured against a set of possible applications for a potential radio frequency spatial measurement system design. <br /><br /> It was concluded that the simulation framework was successful should one significant deficiency be corrected in future research endeavours. A phase error was observed in the signals extracted at the receiving antenna locations. This phase error, which can be up to 40??, was attributed to the zeroth order finite elements implemented in the finite element model. This phase error can be corrected in the future if higher order vector elements are introduced into future versions of FEMLAB or via the development of custom finite element analysis software but were not implemented in this thesis due to time constraints. Other improvements were also suggested for future work.

The main crux of this thesis was to produce a model that was capable of simulating the theoretical performance of different configurations for a spatial measurement system using radio frequency technology. It has been important to study new modalities of spatial measurement since spatial measurement systems are an enabling technology that have allowed for the creation of better medical procedures and techniques, provided valuable data for motion capture in animation and biomechanics, and have improved the quality of manufacturing processes in many industries. However, there has been room for improvement in the functional design and accuracy of spatial measurement systems that will enhance current applications and further develop new applications in medicine, research and industry. <br /><br /> In this thesis, a modelling framework for the investigation of spatial measurement based on radio frequency signals was developed. The simulation framework was designed for the purpose of investigating different position determination algorithms and sensor geomatries. A finite element model using the FEMLAB partial differential equation modelling tool was created for a time-domain model of electromagnetic wave propagation in order to simulate the radio frequency signals travelling from a transmitting source antenna to a set of receiving antenna sensors. Electronic line signals were obtained using a simple receiving infinitesimal dipole model and input into a time difference of arrival localization algorithm. The finite element model results were validated against a set of analytical solutions for the free space case. The accuracy of the localization algorithm was measured against a set of possible applications for a potential radio frequency spatial measurement system design. <br /><br /> It was concluded that the simulation framework was successful should one significant deficiency be corrected in future research endeavours. A phase error was observed in the signals extracted at the receiving antenna locations. This phase error, which can be up to 40°, was attributed to the zeroth order finite elements implemented in the finite element model. This phase error can be corrected in the future if higher order vector elements are introduced into future versions of FEMLAB or via the development of custom finite element analysis software but were not implemented in this thesis due to time constraints. Other improvements were also suggested for future work.

The thesis is to explore wireless location tracking algorithms based on geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) in the mobile environment. The GDOP can be used as an indication of positioning accuracy, affected by the geometric relationship between the target and sensing units. The smaller the GDOP is, the better positioning accuracy. By using the information of sensing units and time difference of arrival (TDOA) positioning method, we use extended Kalman filter as an estimator to track and predict the state of a moving target. From previous research, the lowest GDOP value, located at the center of a regular polygon, represents the best positioning accuracy in 2-D scenario with numerous sensing units. It is important to find the best locations for the sensing units. Simulated annealing algorithm was used in previous studies. However, it only finds a location at a time, and consumes computation load and time. Due to the above-mentioned reasons, we propose a location tracking system, which consists of a base traiver station and numerous mobile sensing units. By using the information of a base transceiver station and the predicted position of target, we can obtain the best locations for all the mobile sensing units with the calculation of rotation matrix. The locations can also be used as beacons for relocating mobile sensing units. It may take many cycles to move mobile sensing units to the best locations. We have to perform path planning for mobile sensing units. Due to the location change of the moving target, the routes need adjustment accordingly. If the predicted stay of a mobile sensing unit is inside the obstacle, we adjust the route of the mobile sensing unit to make it stay out of the obstacle. Therefore, we also propose a path planning scheme for mobile sensing units to avoid obstacles. Through simulations, the proposed method decreases the tracking time effectively, and find the best locations precisely. When mobile sensing units move toward the best locations, they successfully avoid obstacles and move toward the position with the minimum GDOP. Through the course, good positioning accuracy can be maintained.

In this thesis, a system to locate an electrostatic discharge (ESD) event within an electronic device has been developed. ESD can cause a device to fail legally required radiated emissions limits as well as disrupt intended operation. The system used a fast oscilloscope with four channels, each channel attached to a high frequency near-field antenna. These antennas were placed at known locations in three dimensional space to measure the fields radiated from the ESD event. A Time-Difference-of-Arrival technique was used to calculate the location of the ESD event. Quick determination of the ESD event location provides developers with a tool that saves them time and money by eliminating the time-consuming and tedious method of general ESD mitigation within a product.

No description available.

A low-cost radio direction finding (RDF) VHF receiver has been investigated for development into a radio direction finding network (RDFN) with a particular focus towards public service and commercial asset tracking applications. The primary design criteria were reproducibility, low-cost, and simplicity such that public service and volunteer organizations can benefit from the technology. Two receiver designs were built and tested to allow for comparison of practicality, cost, and accuracy. A pseudo-Doppler RDF and a time difference of arrival (TDOA) receiver were built as proof-of-concept for a system design based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. The pseudo-Doppler system is a less practical implementation due to the necessity for custom hardware, a large antenna system, and an increased directional error due to multipath and weak signals. The TDOA system has potential as a very simple and low-cost RDFN implementation, but requires extremely accurate time synchronization that is difficult to achieve using COTS GPS receiver modules. The final proposed solution takes advantage of the simple TDOA hardware and multiple detection techniques (including signal strength) to produce improved locational data and ultimately provide a more accurate estimate of position. Further development and improvements to this receiver design have the potential for implementation as a low-cost radio direction finding network.

Yes / Underwater communication applications extensively use localization services for object identification. Because of their significant impact on ocean exploration and monitoring, underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSN) are becoming increasingly popular, and acoustic communications have largely overtaken radio frequency (RF) broadcasts as the dominant means of communication. The two localization methods that are most frequently employed are those that estimate the angle of arrival (AOA) and the time difference of arrival (TDoA). The military and civilian sectors rely heavily on UWSN for object identification in the underwater environment. As a result, there is a need in UWSN for an accurate localization technique that accounts for dynamic nature of the underwater environment. Time and position data are the two key parameters to accurately define the position of an object. Moreover, due to climate change there is now a need to constrain energy consumption by UWSN to limit carbon emission to meet net-zero target by 2050. To meet these challenges, we have developed an efficient localization algorithm for determining an object position based on the angle and distance of arrival of beacon signals. We have considered the factors like sensor nodes not being in time sync with each other and the fact that the speed of sound varies in water. Our simulation results show that the proposed approach can achieve great localization accuracy while accounting for temporal synchronization inaccuracies. When compared to existing localization approaches, the mean estimation error (MEE) and energy consumption figures, the proposed approach outperforms them. The MEEs is shown to vary between 84.2154m and 93.8275m for four trials, 61.2256m and 92.7956m for eight trials, and 42.6584m and 119.5228m for twelve trials. Comparatively, the distance-based measurements show higher accuracy than the angle-based measurements.

The door lock - a key function in every modern home, as well as a product which is today undergoing drastic change. The digital revolution has not left the door lock untouched, and there is today a wide variety of digital door locks utilizing technologies ranging from touch displays to fingerprint readers. The premises of the project was to try a different approach to the digital door lock and implement it schoolyard-style using a secret knock sequence, set by the user. The secret sequence would consist of two elements, both a rhythmical and a positional pattern. To unlock the door, the user would therefore need to simultaneously knock the correct rhythm and knock at the correct positions. To record and analyze the knock vibrations, piezo electric sensors connected to an Arduino Uno were used. To unlock the door, a small servo motor, two gears and a timing belt were used to turn the lock turning knob . Despite a short time frame and hardships due to the limitations caused by the coronavirus outbreak, a fully functional prototype which fulfilled both reliability and consistency was achieved. It could with good consistency recognize the test sequence, which was the intro rhythm to ”We Will Rock You” knocked in a square pattern. But even with flawless functionality, the conclusion would have been the same. The security of the system may be exceptional from a technical perspective, but it falls flat when the human factor is taken into account. The ability for a potential burglar to simply watch as one executes the secret knock is too much of a security hazard for the system to ever be considered as a competitor to other alternatives. The usage of the system is therefore better suited for applications where the thrill of using the product is more important than the actual security of it. / Dörrlåset - en grundläggande funktion i varje modernt hem, och samtidigt en produkt som idag genomgår drastisk förändring. Som resultat av den digitala revolutionen finns det idag en uppsjö av olika digitala dörrlås som utnyttjar allt från touchskärmar till fingeravtrycksläsare. Syftet med projektet var att testa en annorlunda tappning på det digitala dörrlåset, och förverkliga något många hade drömt om i barndomen - ett dörrlås aktiverat genom ett eget hemligt knackningsmönster. Det hemliga knackningsmönstret skulle då bestå av både ett rytmiskt och ett positionellt mönster. Därmed skulle den som ville öppna dörren behöva knacka både rätt rytm, och på rätt ställen på dörren. För att spela in och analysera vibrationerna från knackningarna användes piezoelektriska sensorer kopplade till en Arduino Uno. Mekanismen som styrde själva upplåsningen bestod av en liten servomotor, två kugghjul och en kuggrem som kopplade samman det hela. Trots en begränsad tidsram och motgångar orsakade av coronaviruset lyckades en fullt fungerande prototyp med hög pålitlighet färdigställas. Den kunde med hög tillförlitlighet känns igen testsekvensen, som var introrytmen till ”We Will Rock You” knackat i mönstret av en kvadrat. Men även med felfri prestanda hade slutsatsen varit densamma. Säkerheten för systemet må vara exeptionell ur ett rent tekniskt perspektiv, men den faller platt när den mänskliga faktorn tas med i beräkningen. Risken att en potentiell inbrottstjuv helt enkelt tittar på när någon knackar det hemliga mönstret är för stor för att systemet någonsin skulle kunna betraktas som en seriös konkurrent till andra digitala dörrlås. Produkten är därmed bäst lämpad för användningsområden där nöjet av att använda den är av högre prioritet än själva säkerheten.