Loc-Knock: Remotely Locating Survivors in Mine Disasters Using Acoustic Signals

Abstract

In mine disasters, the location information of trapped miners is extremely important in rescue. In this paper, we propose a novel localization approach called Loc-Knock that remotely locates miners through acoustic signals, i.e., knocking sounds. By applying an implicit synchronization method to the acoustic signals of indeterminate phases, frequencies and speeds, Loc-Knock can collaboratively reconstruct remote signals from unsynchronized sensors and locate the miners through a synchronization-free TDoA (Time Difference of Arrival) based localization method. To evaluate our approach, we conduct extensive experimental study in an operating coal mine. The results in the given 1 km field-test tunnel proved that Loc-Knock can precisely locate the miner over the tunnel.