Showing papers by "Daniel D. Stancil published in 2014"

Three-dimensional position and orientation measurements using magneto-quasistatic fields and complex image theory [measurements corner]

Abstract: Traditional wireless position-location systems, operating using propagating waves, suffer reduced performance in non-line-of-sight (NLoS) applications. Traditional systems that use quasistatic fields have instead been limited to short ranges, progressive direction-finding applications, require RF fingerprinting, or do not provide complete immunity to dielectric obstacles (use of electric fields). These limitations impose severe restrictions in applications such as tracking an American football during game play, where position and orientation tracking may be required over long ranges, and when the line-of-sight (LoS) is blocked by groups of people. A technique using magneto-quasistatic fields and complex image theory was recently shown to circumvent these problems, and to enable accurate long-range one-dimensional and two-dimensional measurements. In this work, we present three-dimensional position and orientation measurements using the magneto-quasistatic system and complex image theory over an area of 27.43 m × 27.43 m. Inverting the theoretical expression for the voltage measured at the terminals of the receiving loops to determine three-dimensional position and orientation resulted in mean and median geometric position errors of 0.77 m and 0.71 m, respectively; inclination orientation mean and median errors of 9.67° and 8.24°, respectively; and azimuthal orientation mean and median errors of 2.84° and 2.25°, respectively.

Systems and methods for position tracking using magnetoquasistatic fields

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention broadly contemplate systems, methods, apparatuses and program products that provide position tracking using a simple, low frequency oscillator that is attached to an object to be tracked, and one or more receiving stations that are placed around the area in which the object moves. Embodiments of the invention enable position tracking of the object using light weight equipment which minimally impacts the object's natural state.

Measurements corner: Three-dimensional position and orientation measurements using magneto-quasistatic fields and complex image theory

Abstract: Traditional wireless position-location systems, operating using propagating waves, suffer reduced performance in non-line-of-sight (NLoS) applications. Traditional systems that use quasistatic fields have instead been limited to short ranges, progressive direction-finding applications, require RF fingerprinting, or do not provide complete immunity to dielectric obstacles (use of electric fields). These limitations impose severe restrictions in applications such as tracking an American football during game play, where position and orientation tracking may be required over long ranges, and when the line-of-sight (LoS) is blocked by groups of people. A technique using magneto-quasistatic fields and complex image theory was recently shown to circumvent these problems, and to enable accurate long-range one-dimensional and two-dimensional measurements. In this work, we present three-dimensional position and orientation measurements using the magneto-quasistatic system and complex image theory over an area of 27.43 m × 27.43 m. Inverting the theoretical expression for the voltage measured at the terminals of the receiving loops to determine three-dimensional position and orientation resulted in mean and median geometric position errors of 0.77 m and 0.71 m, respectively; inclination orientation mean and median errors of 9.67° and 8.24°, respectively; and azimuthal orientation mean and median errors of 2.84° and 2.25°, respectively.

Experimental characterization of volume-mode waves in near-field anisotropic metamaterials with application to wireless power transfer

Abstract: In this work we characterize the magnetoquasistatic waves in an anisotropic, indefinite metamaterial used in wireless power applications. We show that the magnetic resonances in the metamaterial are volume mode waves and calculate the expected complex wave number, which represents the wavelength and attenuation, versus frequency from the complex permeability of the metamaterial. We then compare the calculated wavenumber to an experimentally extracted number. Our results show that the loss of the metamaterial increases with frequency due to the shortening of the wavelength even though the imaginary part of μ is lower at these frequencies.

Radio channel in a minivan's passenger cabin: Preliminary ray tracing simulations

Abstract: In-cabin wireless networks are attractive in that they enable the passengers to use their own personal equipment during road trips. It is therefore important to obtain information about the wave propagation in the vehicle cabin. This paper presents preliminary results of ray-tracing simulations of the in-vehicle radio channel. The simulations have been performed with respect to the passenger cabin of a Pontiac Montana (a minivan).

Education column: The remote educational antenna laboratory: Making it easier to add projects to antenna courses

Abstract: An antenna measurement facility has been constructed that can be remotely controlled over the Internet. The primary purpose of the facility is to make it easier for instructors to include antenna construction and measurement projects in courses on antennas, RF systems, and electromagnetic fields. The facility is capable of measuring gain, patterns, and return loss for antennas of the type used in personal electronic devices in the 800 MHz to 6.5 GHz range. Experience with remotely supporting courses at Carnegie Mellon University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute showed that both students and instructors felt that use of the remote laboratory added value to the students' experiences.