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Underwater Localization using Time and Frequency Multiplexing of Circular and Spiral Acoustic Fields

R.S. Viegas(1), F. Zabel(2), A. Silva(3) and J. Gomes(1)
(1) LARSyS, IST, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
(2) Marsensing Lda. Centro Empresarial Pav.A5, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
(3) CISCA, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal

Comments: (pdf)
Ref.: Underwater Communications and Network Conf., Lerici (Italy), September 2024

Abstract:
The transmission of circular and spiral acoustic fields using spiral beacons offers a promising alternative to traditional underwater localization methods. Existing literature typically employs time multiplexing of these field types. This work introduces a novel approach by implementing both time and frequency multiplexing of circular and spiral fields, specifically transmitting three circular and one spiral field at distinct times and frequencies. The proposed multiplexing methods were evaluated at two different underwater environments: a controlled pool environment and a natural lagoon setting. The localization results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly reduces azimuth variability and confirms its functionality in a lagoon, although with less accuracy compared to the pool test. Overall, time and frequency multiplexing proved to be an effective strategy to enhance current spiral beacon systems and holds potential for advancing new underwater joint communication and localization techniques.