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Distance sensing for mini-robots: RSSI vs. TDOA

  • C. Perkins
  • , L. Lei
  • , M. Kuhlman
  • , T. H. Lee
  • , G. Gateau
  • , S. Bergbreiter
  • , P. Abshire

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper reports a compact, robust distance-only sensor for networked small robotic platforms. Two methods of sensing distance (neglecting heading) between robots are discussed: Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA). Both implementations make use of a commercially available wireless sensor network board for communication and processing. Although RSSI requires no additional hardware, TDOA requires several additional components including a sound source and microphone. While experimental results indicate that both methods can provide distance sensing within a local neighborhood, TDOA sensing was found to be more robust and accurate, providing 1 cm distance resolution over a range of 80 cm versus 2.4 cm for RSSI. These sensors have been integrated onto mini-robotic platforms by incorporating a heading estimator and controller.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2011 IEEE International Symposium of Circuits and Systems, ISCAS 2011
Pages1984-1987
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Event2011 IEEE International Symposium of Circuits and Systems, ISCAS 2011 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Duration: May 15 2011May 18 2011

Publication series

NameProceedings - IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems

Conference

Conference2011 IEEE International Symposium of Circuits and Systems, ISCAS 2011
Country/TerritoryBrazil
CityRio de Janeiro
Period05/15/1105/18/11

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