Ultrasonic Identification

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[edit] Ultrasound Identification (USID)

Ultrasound Identification is a Real Time Locating System (RTLS) or Indoor Positioning System (IPS) technology used to automatically track and identify the location of objects in real time using simple, inexpensive nodes (badges/tags) attached to or embedded in objects and devices, which then transmit an ultrasound signal to communicate their location to microphone sensors.

Ultrasound-based IPS is considered a superior alternative to Radio-frequency identification (RFID) in complex indoor environments (such as hospitals), where radio waves may reflect off of metallic or ceramic objects, thereby compromising the positioning accuracy, or otherwise interfering with sensitive medical equipment.[1] Because ultrasound signals have short wavelengths, they are confined to more precise locations.

[edit] References:

  1. ^ Greenemeier, Larry. "A Positioning System That Goes Where GPS Can't", Scientific American, 2008-01-23. Retrieved on 2008-04-04.