Visual analysis of a radio frequency tracking system for virtual environments
By: by Philip E. Campbell
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 85
Description: A variety of position tracking technologies have been utilized for virtual environments. Each has a different set of strengths and weaknesses which are usually compared on paper with numbers or generic statements. This thesis develops a methodology for the creation of 3D visualization tools to analyze position tracking technologies and their effectiveness under specific conditions. The methodology includes developing the questions, the models, the simulations, the visualization, and the rendering. This thesis applies the methodology to Advanced Position Systems, Inc.'s RF tracking system which can be easily configured for large volume spaces, unlike any of the other technologies. The analysis asks "How does the positioning of the receivers affect the relative accuracy throughout the target volume?". The model uses the solution to the Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) equations used by the system and the simulation evaluates the position error throughout the volume with a constant error in the TDOA measurements. Point icons represent the data and the Virtual Reality Modeling Language renders the visualization. The asymmetric error profile revealed by this 3D visual analysis arises from the asymmetric arrangement of the TDOA measurements and is not readily apparent with other analytical techniques.
Notes: "June 1999".

Thesis advisor(s): Rudy Darken, Xavier Maruyama.

Thesis (M.S. in Computer Science and M.S. in Applied Physics) Naval Postgraduate School, June 1999.

Includes bibliographical references (p.83-84).

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

Also available online.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Abode Acrobat reader.

US Navy (USN) author.

dk/dk cc:9116 5/18/99