Position and Orientation for Distributed Sensors (PODIS)

The success of remote, unattended ground sensing using a network of distributed sensors often depends on knowing the position and orientation of each sensor. In fact, sensor localization is a critical enabling technology for Networked Sensors for theObjective Force. However, in many sensor deployments, accurate knowledge of sensor locations and orientations is unavailable. We propose to demonstrate a prototype sensor network incorporating the innovative techniques for sensor self-locating andself-orienting that are being developed in the PODIS Phase I research. These techniques use acoustic signals to determine at each sensor the relative range and bearing of calibration sources; this information is fused at a central node with a minimalamount of prior location information to compute the locations and orientations of all sensors, as well as estimates of the calibration accuracy. Significantly, the source signals may be at unknown locations, and need not be collocated with sensors. Usingacoustic and digital signal processing elements and an advanced sensor radio network, we will demonstrate the ability to self-calibrate a network of sensors separated by 30-500 meters in typical outdoor environments.The sensor self-localization system that will be developed in the Phase II PODIS implementation will be a robust, self-contained system for autonomous localization and orientation. PODIS technology enables location-aware applications for sensing networkscritical to the warfighter in areas where other sensing assets are blind or denied. The PODIS calibration is essential for providing accurate tracking and targeting information with low-cost, quickly deployed sensor networks. Self-calibrating sensornetworks show promise in many commercial applications such as ocean search and rescue, locating victims in burning buildings or forests, providing distributed sensing of large public areas for homeland security, and developing smart houses.