Optical Localization Techniques for Micro-Sensor Network Devices

Many applications of micro-sensor networks, such as detecting and tracking targets in geodetic coordinates, require accurate knowledge of the network devices’ positions and orientations. To meet this need, Toyon Research Corporation proposes to extend the optical localization algorithms developed in Phase I, implement them in efficient C++ software, and integrate, test, evaluate, and demonstrate their performance in an optical sensor network test-bed, as well as in large-scale simulations. The algorithms use inter-node angle measurements from detections of optical beacon signals in the camera image planes. With angle-only information, and one-way network links due to clandestine optical-only communication, 3-D distributed localization is challenging; however, Toyon’s novel algorithms have met this challenge, as shown by Phase I results. Phase II development will extend these algorithms to localize larger numbers of nodes in diverse network configurations, and optimize the algorithms to maximize use of available information for improved estimation accuracy. Algorithm evaluation will include detailed analyses of trades in network configurations and limitations, especially related to the constraints of optical-only measurement and communication. To prepare for development beyond Phase II, Toyon will also acquire and test advanced ultraviolet (UV) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) cameras and beacons for covert operation and higher communication rates.