ECE Seminar with Professor Seyed Zekavat

Wireless Local Positioning System and its Applications in GPS-Denied EnvironmentsWith Professor Seyed ZekavatMichigan Technological University Faculty Host: David CastanonRefreshments will be served outside Room 339 at 12:45 p.m.Abstract: Wireless Local Positioning System (WLPS) is an innovative positioning system that enables single node localization in GPS-denied or GPS-jammed environments. The WLPS is a self-contained single node localization system, which supports mission-critical systems, not yet available; currently, the developed localization systems for GPS-denied environments require the availability of multiple nodes. Multiple nodes are not available in all applications. WLPS consists of: (1) a mobile or dynamic base station (DBS), and (2) a transponder (TRX) in target mobiles, which acts as active targets. Unique identification codes (IDs) are assigned to each target. In WLPS, DBS transmits an ID request (IDR) signal periodically to all targets located in its vicinity, and targets respond to that signal by transmitting their ID codes back to the DBS. DBS is a multiple-antenna system that independently and remotely localizes single-antenna (active) nodes via time-of-arrival (TOA) and direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation. Multiple antennas also enable beam-forming that reduces interference and improves the detection and localization (DOA-TOA estimation) performance. WLPS is designed to be a system that facilitates the process of tracking, monitoring, and control of mobiles in a scattering and multi-agent environment and has a broad range of indoor and outdoor applications. The DBS is designed to enable line-of-sight (LOS) identification and to verify the measured DOA and TOA estimation. The DBS recognizes each target by its ID code, and then positions, tracks, and monitors those targets. Because targets in this system are active and contribute to the process of identification by specific ID codes, the achieved probability-of-detection is high. In this talk, (1) the WLPS structure, (2) a summary of research conducted on developing new and low complexity algorithms for direction-of-arrival and time-of-arrival estimation and beamforming, (3) non-LOS (NLOS) identification and localization methods, (4) different stages of prototype development and progress made, and (5) WLPS applications in indoor security, battlefield command and control, space orbit control, health and emergency services will be presented. About the Speaker: Dr. Seyed Zekavat is associate professor and director of the Wireless Position Lab at Michigan Tech University. He received his Ph.D. in 2002 from Colorado State prior to joining Michigan Tech. He is the Founder and Director of VIEWComm, a Wireless Position Location Company. His research interests include wireless localization and communications, channel modeling, cognitive radio-based localization, space-based solar power, spectrum allocation techniques and smart antennas and antenna design. He is on the editorial board of the IET Wireless Sensor Systems Journal. He is the author of four books, including Electrical Engineering: Concepts and Applications, which was the result of an NSF-funded multi-disciplinary effort at Michigan Technological University to create a new curriculum that is attractive, motivational, and relevant to students.

When 1:00 pm on Friday, August 2, 2013
Location Photonics Center, 8 Saint Mary’s St., Room 339