Mi6Sense nodes communicate with each other using low-frequency magnetic fields, which are able to penetrate rock, soil, concrete and water with minimal loss of signal, a marked advantage over current wireless technology based on high frequency radio that cannot penetrate even a few cm of concrete.
The magnetic field of Mi6Sense nodes is distorted by the presence of metal objects such as steel rebars. We propose a solution to this problem by introducing a new channel model that takes into account these distortions and turns them into an advantage for communication and 3-D positioning.
In open space, the magnetic field of Mi6Sense nodes can be approximated by a quasi-static magnetic dipole.
Previous Image
Next Image
info heading
info content
Project
mi6sense is a research project that aims to revolutionize the way in which concrete structures are monitored. Smart sensors embedded within structures and foundations precisely measure relative changes in 3-D position and 3-D orientation (hence 6 degrees of freedom). The battery-free devices form a self-organizing mesh and communicate information about structural deformation from deep within the structure.
Innovation
The key technological leap is the use of low frequency magneto-inductive fields which are able to penetrate concrete, soil and rock with minimal loss. This is a patent pending technique developed at the University of Oxford and which has found use in underground animal monitoring and mine rescue.
About
This project is being run by Dr Orfeas Kypris, a Postdoctoral Research Associate and Dr Andrew Markham, an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Oxford. This project has been funded under EPSRC EP/M017583/1 from October 2014 to September 2016. The funding was awarded under a highly competitive Dragon’s Den style “big-pitch”, one of only four awards made in the area of Structural and Ground Engineering.
