Papers by Author: Herbert F. Schweinzer

Abstract: In the last years, a few Ultrasonic (US) positioning systems which are primarily directed at indoor tracking of mobile devices were presented. The US positioning system LOSNUS presented in this paper widens the application additionally supporting locating of static devices which can be numerously deployed communicating via a wired or wireless sensor network. However optimized for cheap realization, the system offers locating with high accuracy at medium high speed. The principle of operation, receiver design, and basic measurement results of reached accuracy are presented in the paper.

Abstract: Different approaches for determining the position of the reflection point of a transmitted ultrasound signal are investigated assuming a specular environment. Two different principles are outlined: one based on the evaluation of time of flight (TOF) differences at multiple receivers, the second on the evaluation of the directional characteristics of the ultrasound transducer itself. Experimental results are discussed as well as advantages that are gained by combining both methods.

Abstract: Using phase information of ultrasound transducers outside the main lobe of the radiation pattern enables new sensor principles and improves measurements of type, position and orientation of reflecting objects significantly. This paper presents new methods to measure geometrical object properties by ultrasound, advanced sensor behavior based on phase information, and new effective sensor principles to overcome weaknesses of standard sensors.

Abstract: Ultrasonic distance measurement in air is broadly used for industrial and commercial low cost applications with medium or small resolution. Configurations for the applications are usually restricted to passive reflection and A-B measurement. This paper gives a survey of the ultrasonic distance measurement method with high resolution based on pulse compression. Improvements resulting from this method include good noise suppression, possibility to operate several systems in parallel without disturbing influence of cross talk, and high measurement rate. Modified configurations and the available high resolution lead to new applications which are summarized.