Esko Olavi Dijk

Ultrasonic 3D Position Estimation Using a Single Base Station

In indoor context awareness applications the location of people, devices or objects is often required. Ultrasound technology enables high resolution indoor position measurements. A disadvantage of state-of-the-art ultrasonic systems is that several base stations are required to estimate 3D position. Since fewer base stations leads to lower cost and easier setup, a novel method is presented that requires just one base station. The method uses information from acoustic reflections in a room, and estimates 3D positions using an acoustic room-model. The method has been implemented, and verified within an empty room. It can be concluded that ultrasonic reflection data provides useful clues about the 3D position of a device.

Audio-tactile stimulation: a tool to improve health and well-being?

Stimulation of the tactile sense or the hearing sense can be used to improve a persons health and well-being. For example, to make someone relax, feel better or sleep better. In this position paper, we present the concept of auditory-tactile stimulation for health and well-being. Through carefully selected audio-tactile stimuli, a persons bodily, mental and emotional state may be influenced. The state of the art is described and its limitations are indicated. Then, a vision is presented on how auditory-tactile stimulation could be beneficial in several application domains. Three specific research areas are identified: identifying mechanisms of perception of auditory-tactile stimuli, methods for automatic conversions between audio and tactile domains and automated analysis of human bio-signals and behaviour for adapting the stimulation optimally to the user.