Real Time Locating Systems

Assembling a real time locating system to gather movement data in real time.

Within HUBS we have assembled a mobile real time locating system (RTLS) that allows to gather movement data (xy-coordinates) in realtime. The RTLS is designed as a mobile system that allows to collect and store real time location data of participants in experiments in various contexts. Through an Innovation Exchange Amsterdam (IXA) proof-of-concept grant and funds by the Polder Center, we could buy the state-of-the-art RTLS system from KINEXON and optimise the system for our use.

Testing out the RTLS in a school gym.
Image credits: HUBS

The data acquired with the RTLS system consists of real time location data (xy-coordinates) that can be acquired at a frequency of up to 10 Hz. The high-frequency location data can be directly used as input for the pedestrian model we are developing (see M4MA). We have used the RTLS system in our naturalistic supermarket experiment, as part of the smart distance lab (see SDL), and in our NEMO experiment (see NEMO).

Visualisation of collected movement flows.
Image credits: HUBS

The movement sensors consist of UWB (ultra-wideband) equipped tags and enable the measurement of different variables such as third position of objects (x, y, z) coordinates, acceleration, and alignment. Furthermore, the technology allows for visualization of networks and spatial context of agents as well as real-time tracking. Applying this UWB technology in experiments involving movement allows for the collection of unique datasets which include individual differences, movement in low density environments, and can be applied in benchmarking of other models requiring low density datasets.

For more information on RTLS, have a look at the student projects of Joran Timmerman, Julia Anten, and Max Oppenheim.