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The Arc Transversal Median: Improve Sonar Azimuth Resolution
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Task Description: |
| We have developed a
new method for improving the azimuth accuracy of range information using
conventional (Polaroid) low resolution ultrasonic sensors mounted in a circular
array on a mobile robot. These sensors emit ultra-sound that bounces off
of nearby objects and returns to the sensor. The time-of-flight for the
sound to depart and return to the sensor is proportional to the distance
between the sensor and the object. Although ultrasonic sensors are fairly
accurate in measuring distance in depth, they commonly have significant
uncertainty in azimuth. One method researchers use is to assume the echo
comes from the middle of the arc (middle figure above). This may give the
impression that entrances are more narrow than they actually are (right
figure above).
We hand this problem by properly modeling the uncertainty with a uniform distribution along an arc. This means that the echo has an equal likelihood from originating from any point along the arc. We then introduce a new method to fuse sonar data to better approximate the actual obstacle location. This new method is termed the Arc Transversal Median method because the robot determines the location of an object (i) by intersecting one arc with other arcs, (ii) then by considering only ``transversal'' intersections, those which exceed a threshold in angle and (iii) finally by taking the median of the intersections. The median is a robust estimator that is insensitive to noise; a few stray readings will not affect its value. We show, via some simple geometric relationships, that this method can improve the azimuth accuracy of the sonar sensor by a specified amount under well defined conditions. Finally, experimental results on an ultrasonic sensor array situated on a mobile robot verify this approach. |
| Personnel: |
| Howie
Choset Keiji Nagatani |
| Publications: |
| Mobile Robotics |
| Related Topics: |
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