Introduction

The system is able to analyze the acoustic field in a three-dimensional space and to obtain with very good accuracy (in the range of millimeters) the position in the space of a probe using acoustic waves. Besides the position (useful for example for topographic surveys), the probe can be used to measure acoustic parameters or temperature.

Technical features

The developed system is able to analyze the acoustic field in a three-dimensional space and, using acoustic waves allows to obtain the position in the space of a probe in a very precise manner, with an error ranging from 2 to 4mm. The system comprise of a computer, a multi-channel audio card and a few accessories. The computer runs an ad hoc software to measure, process, view, and save the acquired data. The instrument allows to measure sound level in dB and other acoustic parameters in various points of the space. The system may be also applied to measure reverberation time in different points of a room or hall, to detect low frequency stationary waves in a room, and to measure temperature of a fluid in a three- dimensional space.

Possible Applications

• Acoustic training and research;
• Topographic surveys;
• 3D planimetric measurement of archaeological sites;
• 3D map of temperatures.

Advantages

• Lower costs than those of other existing systems based on optical methods (lasers);
• Far more precise than other systems such as GPS;
• Works everywhere while GPS works in open spaces only.