Simulation modelling was used to quantify the accuracy of positions estimated in a three dimensional underwater environment. Time of arrival differences combined with multilateration methods were used to make positional estimates of a signal source (acoustic tag). The network studied was used to examine position estimates of aquatic organisms within a sensor (hydrophone) array. Hydrophone position uncertainty (distribution and variance), background noise converted to a measurement of signal strength in the form of a signal to noise ratio, a signal to noise ratio threshold and geometry of the hydrophone array were considered. Each of these factors was studied at two levels by way of a 2 to the power of 5 factorial design and analyzed with an ANOVA analysis to determine their influence on three dimensional positioning error. The level of background noise and hydrophone geometry were the two most influential factors in position accuracy. When a high level of background noise was present, it was essential that hydrophone geometry was as close to ideal as possible to ensure accurate position estimates.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OGU.10214/3961 |
| Date | 10 September 2012 |
| Creators | Connolly, Jessica |
| Contributors | Umphrey, Gary |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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