How RTLS works

In warehouses, hospitals or factory workshops, the location information of people and objects is as ubiquitous as air, but difficult to capture. RTLS (real-time positioning system) is like a pair of "digital eyes", which converts every move of the physical world into a traceable data stream through wireless signals and algorithms. This system does not rely on GPS and is designed for complex indoor environments with an accuracy of up to centimeters. Understanding its working principle is the key to unlocking scenarios such as smart manufacturing and smart medical care.

Core Principle

The operating logic of RTLS can be broken down into three steps: signal transmission, signal reception, and position solution.

1. Signal transmission: Each target to be tracked (such as tools, vehicles, and personnel badges) carries a positioning tag. The tag continuously or intermittently transmits wireless signals, which usually contain unique IDs, timestamps, and other information. Taking ultra-wideband (UWB) tags as an example, the pulse signal width is only 2 nanoseconds and is almost unaffected by other radio waves.

2. Signal reception: The positioning base station (at least 3) fixed in the environment receives the tag signal. The base station calculates the distance or direction between the tag and each base station based on parameters such as signal arrival time (TOA), arrival time difference (TDOA) or arrival angle (AOA).

3. Position solution: The positioning engine inputs the raw data collected by the base station into the algorithm model and finally outputs the two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinates of the target.

Scene positioning

1. Ultra-wideband (UWB): It uses nanosecond pulse signals to transmit data. The signal bandwidth is extremely wide and the anti-interference ability is strong. It can achieve centimeter-level high-precision positioning and is often used for operating room equipment tracking.

2. Bluetooth AoA: RTLS broadcasts signals through the iBeacon protocol. It has low power consumption and low deployment cost. It is suitable for personnel guidance in scenes such as shopping malls and museums.

3. RFID: It relies on close-range sensing between tags and readers and is suitable for warehouse goods in and out management.

Practical application

In practical applications, the workflow of RTLS is divided into three stages. First, in the initialization phase, the system completes the deployment of reference nodes, tag registration, and construction of environmental maps; in the operation phase, the tags continue to send signals, the reference nodes collect and upload data, and the data processing center solves the position in real time; finally, the positioning results are output through a visual interface, and users can view the location, trajectory, and historical data of the tracked object, and trigger alarms in combination with preset rules, such as electronic fence crossing reminders and asset timeout static warnings.

From the smart management of hospitals to the digital upgrade of factories, RTLS is reshaping the operating models of various industries with flexible technology combinations and efficient positioning capabilities. Understanding its working principle can not only help companies accurately select adaptation solutions, but also unlock the infinite possibilities of space management. Whether it is optimizing resource scheduling or ensuring personnel safety, companies that master RTLS technology are seizing the opportunity in future competition.