Mobile Robot Sonar for Target Localization and Classification

A novel sonar array is presented that has applications in mobile robotics for localization and mapping of indoor environments. The ultrasonic sensor localizes and classifies multiple targets in two dimensions to ranges of up to 8 meters. By accounting for effects of temperature and humidity, the system is accurate to within a millimeter and 0.1 degrees in still air. Targets separated by 10 mm in range can be discriminated. The error covariance matrix for these measurements is derived to allow fusion with other sensors. Targets are statistically classified into four reflector types: planes, corners, edges and unknown. The paper establishes that two transmitters and two receivers are necessary and sufficient to distinguish planes, corners and edges. A sensor array is presented with this minimum number of transmitters and receivers. A novel design approach is that the receivers are closely spaced so as to minimize the correspondence problem of associating different receiver echoes from multiple targets. A linear filter model for pulse transmission, reception, air absorption and dispersion is used to generate a set of templates for the echo as a function of range and bearing angle. The optimal echo arrival time is estimated from the maximum cross-correlation of the echo with the templates. The use of templates also allows overlapping echoes and disturbances to be rejected. Noise characteristics are modeled for use in the maximum likelihood estimates of target range and bearing. Experimental results are presented to verify assumptions and characterize the sensor. 1Work performed while L. Kleeman was on sabbatical leave at the Intelligent Sensors Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering, Yale University. 2 Author for correspondence, Intelligent Robotics Research Centre, Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton 3168, AUSTRALIA. 3Intelligent Sensors Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering, Yale University, PO Box 208284, New Haven CT 06520-8284, USA.