Jared Vawter, Kevin Clark, Steven Kalman

Ultrasonic Positioning System – Progress Report 1

Jared Vawter

Kevin Clark

Steven Kalman

Last Saved: 2005/1/16 10:41 PM

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Jared Vawter, Kevin Clark, Steven Kalman

Table of Contents

List of Tables and Figures

Abstract

1Introduction

1.1Problem Definition

1.2Team Information

1.3Scope of Project

2Assigned Tasks

3Proposed Schedule

4Progress Report

5Conclusion

List of Tables and Figures

Table 1 - Limasonic, a division of Limacon Software

Table 2 - Project Tasks

Table 3 - Schedule

Abstract

Ultrasonic Positioning Systems are used for multiple purposes including underwater positioning. These systems allow precise calculations to be used to allow directivity of submersed devices to be determined. For the 499B project proposed by Dr. Zielinski a design and prototype of a three dimensional positioning system will be done in multiple phases allowing for both testing and refinement. Design and implementation of this project with be done by Jared Vawter, Kevin Clark, and Steven Kalman as part of Limasonic production. Testing will be initiated on land and conversion to a submersed device will only commence once a working prototype has been produced.

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Jared Vawter, Kevin Clark, Steven Kalman

1Introduction

1.1Problem Definition

A system is required to monitor the position of an object in three dimensions. The object can beequipped with an acoustic transponder that re-transmits a signal upon interrogation by the basetransmitter. Two-way travel time can be used to estimate the distance between transmitter andtransponder. The phase differences at the three receivers (microphones or hydrophones) locatedat the transmitter site can be used to calculate the direction of the signal arrival. This type ofpositioning is called ultra-short line. This project has several independent subsystems and issuitable for a group of 3 to 4 students.

1.2Team Information

Limasonic will be the group working on the Ultrasonic Positioning System under the guidance of Dr. Adam Zielinski.

Team Members / Phone Numbers / Student Numbers
Kevin Clark / 514-1744 / 0024166
Jared Vawter / 516-9164 / 0021099
Steven Kalman / 818-1533 / 9908106

Table 1 - Limasonic, a division of Limacon Software

1.3Scope of Project

This project will entail the design and prototyping of an acoustic positioning system. The prototyping will involve several steps to establish a proof of concept.

  1. A single dimension version of the system to measure distance will be designed and prototyped.
  2. The second dimension will then be tested and prototyped to obtain an angle measurement.
  3. Integration and testing will then be done to unite both the first two designs.
  4. Time permitting a functional third dimension will be tested and prototyped allowing an elevation angle to be determined.

2Assigned Tasks

Tasks pertaining to a finished prototype are assigned as followsthough each person will have individual tasks, most tasks will be completed as a group:

Jared Vawter / design of the audio drivers, phase detector design, PIC programming, theoretical calculations
Kevin Clark / mechanical design, PIC programming, theoretical calculations, prototyping
Steve Kalman / PIC programming, LCD interfacing, oscillator design, website design, theoretical calculations

Table 2 - Project Tasks

3Proposed Schedule

A preliminary schedule was devised to allow a projection of allocated resources during the limiting deadline of our end of term.

Phase 1
Jan 10-14 Week 1 / Phase Detector - design and simulation, parts acquisition,
Jan 17-21 Week 2 / Progress Report Due Jan 17.
Design, simulation and assembly of signal amplification
Jan 24-28 Week 3 / PIC programming for distance calculation
Jan 31-Feb 4 Week 4 / PIC programming for distance calculation
Feb 7-11 Week 5 / Mechanical design and prototyping
Feb 14-18 Week 6 / Testingof Phase 1, design and assembly of signal generator
Phase 2
Feb 21-25 Week 7 / Research into angle calculation, multiple reflection handling
Feb 28-Mar 4 Week 8 / Second progress due.
Mechanical design and prototyping
Mar 7-11 Week 9 / PIC programming
Mar 14-18 Week 10 / Final assembly and testing
Mar 21-25 Week 11 / Final assembly and testing
Mar 28-Apr 1 Week 12 / Report (editing) and Display

Table 3 - Schedule

4Progress Report

As of writing this document, the following tasks have been completed:

  1. Design and simulation of a phase detector
  2. Most parts for Phase 1 have been acquired, including a PIC and a PIC programming board
  3. Design of the audio amplifiers
  4. Some prototyping has been done
  5. Research of existing systems
  6. Web design initiated
  7. First Report finalized

5Conclusion

Within the short period give to us to do our first report we were able to do a number of things that will allow a strong foundation in our report and design. This included the acquisition of a PIC, chips, and several tools to begin design and prototyping.

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