Performance Evaluation of Three-Dimensional UWB Real-Time Locating Auto-Positioning System for Fire Rescue

Fire rescue challenges and solutions have evolved from straightfor-ward plane rescue to encompass 3D space due to the rise of high-rise city buildings.Hence,this study facilitates a system with quick and simplified on-site launching and generates real-time location data,enabling fire rescuers to arrive at the intended spot faster and correctly for effective and precise rescue.Auto-positioning with step-by-step instructions is proposed when launching the locating system,while no extra measuring instrument like Total Station(TS)is needed.Real-time location tracking is provided via a 3D space real-time locating system(RTLS)constructed using Ultra-wide Bandwidth technology(UWB),which requires electromagnetic waves to pass through concrete walls.A hybrid weighted least squares with a time difference of arrival(WLS/TDOA)positioning method is proposed to address real path-tracking issues in 3D space and to meet RTLS requirements for quick computing in real-world applications.The 3D WLS/TDOA algorithm is theoretically constructed with the Cramer-Rao lower bound(CRLB).The computing complexity is reduced to the lower bound for embedded hardware to directly compute the time differential of the arriving signals using the time-to-digital converter(TDC).The results of the experiments show that the errors are controlled when the positioning algorithm is applied in various complicated situations to fulfill the requirements of engineering applications.The statistical analysis of the data reveals that the proposed UWB RTLS auto-positioning system can track target tags with an accuracy of 0.20 m.

System error iterative identification for underwater positioning based on spectral clustering

The observation error model of the underwater acous-tic positioning system is an important factor to influence the positioning accuracy of the underwater target.For the position inconsistency error caused by considering the underwater tar-get as a mass point,as well as the observation system error,the traditional error model best estimation trajectory(EMBET)with little observed data and too many parameters can lead to the ill-condition of the parameter model.In this paper,a multi-station fusion system error model based on the optimal polynomial con-straint is constructed,and the corresponding observation sys-tem error identification based on improved spectral clustering is designed.Firstly,the reduced parameter unified modeling for the underwater target position parameters and the system error is achieved through the polynomial optimization.Then a multi-sta-tion non-oriented graph network is established,which can address the problem of the inaccurate identification for the sys-tem errors.Moreover,the similarity matrix of the spectral cluster-ing is improved,and the iterative identification for the system errors based on the improved spectral clustering is proposed.Finally,the comprehensive measured data of long baseline lake test and sea test show that the proposed method can accu-rately identify the system errors,and moreover can improve the positioning accuracy for the underwater target positioning.

Performance analysis of real-time and post-mission kinematic precise point positioning in marine environments

This article focuses on the performance analysis of both real-time and post-mission kinematic precise point positioning(PPP)in challenging marine environments.For this purpose,a real dynamic experiment lasting 6 h was carried out on a lake dam in?orum City of Turkey.While the kinematic test was continuing,the real-time PPP coordinates were obtained for each measurement epoch with a commercial real-time PPP(RT-PPP)service,namely the Trimble Center Point RTX.Then the post-mission PPP(PM-PPP)coordinates were calculated by using Multi-GNSS data and the Multi-GNSS Experiment(MGEX)precise products.The kinematic RT-PPP and PM-PPP results showed that the PPP coordinates were consistent with the relative solution at centimetre and decimetre level in horizontal and height components,respectively.This study implies that PPP technique is a powerful tool for highly accurate positioning in both real-time and post-mission modes,even for dynamic applications in harsh environments.

A Review of Device-Free Indoor Positioning for Home-Based Care of the Aged:Techniques and Technologies

With the development of urbanization,the problem of neurological diseases brought about by population aging has gradually become a social problem of worldwide concern.Aging leads to gradual degeneration of the central nervous system,shrinkage of brain tissue,and decline in physical function in many elderlies,making them susceptible to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease(AD),stroke,Parkinson’s and major depressive disorder(MDD).Due to the influence of these neurological diseases,the elderly have troubles such as memory loss,inability to move,falling,and getting lost,which seriously affect their quality of life.Tracking and positioning of elderly with neurological diseases and keeping track of their location in real-time are necessary and crucial in order to detect and treat dangerous and unexpected situations in time.Considering that the elderly with neurological diseases forget to wear a positioning device or have mobility problems due to carrying a positioning device,device-free positioning as a passive positioning technology that detects device-free individuals is more suitable than traditional active positioning for the home-based care of the elderly with neurological diseases.This paper provides an extensive and in-depth survey of device-free indoor positioning technology for home-based care and an in-depth analysis of the main features of current positioning systems,as well as the techniques,technologies andmethods they employ,fromthe perspective of the needs of the elderly with neurological conditions.Moreover,evaluation criteria and possible solutions of positioning techniques for the home-based care of the elderly with neurological conditions are proposed.Finally,the opportunities and challenges for the development of indoor positioning technology in 6G mobile networks for home-based care of the elderly with neurological diseases are discussed.This review has provided comprehensive and effective tracking and positioning techniques,technologies and methods for the elderly,by which we can obtain the location information of the elderly in real-time and make home-based care more comfortable and safer for the elderly with neurological diseases.

Measuring the Accuracy and Precision of the Garmin GPS Positioning in Forested Areas： A Case Study in Taxiarchis-Vrastama University Forest

In this paper, it is attempted to examine and compare different orientation, one recreational and another more precise, in the performance of two （global positioning system） receivers of forested areas. In doing this, a field test on horizontal and vertical positional errors of GPS positioning at different points in the forested area of Taxiarchis-Vrastama University forest was conducted. The two GPS receivers were used to determine the positional accuracy of a selected number of points under tree canopies. Specifically, the precision and accuracy of Garmin＇s GPS positioning at different points were calculated and compared with the corresponding positioning and accuracy of another GPS system, namely the TOPCON GPS. By the calculation of various measures of accuracy and precision suitable for GPS receivers and the use of statistical methods, accuracy between the different receivers differed significantly is shown. Also, regression analysis revealed that the basal area and the number of available satellites are the most important factors for predicting position error.

Diagnostic accuracy of real-time tissue elastography for breast cancer:a meta-analysis

Objective The present study aimed to determine the accuracy of real-time tissue elastography （RTE） for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Methods The search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China Biology Medicine databases from inception through December 31, 2014, without language restrictions. The meta-analysis was conducted using STATA version 12.0 and Meta-Disc version 1.4. We calculated the summary statistics for sensitivity （Sen）, specificity （Spe）, positive and negative likelihood ratio （LR＋/LR–）, diagnostic odds ratio （DOR）, and summary receiver operating characteristic （SROC） curve. Results Ten studies that met al inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 608 ma-lignant breast lesions and 1292 benign breast tumors were assessed. Al breast lesions were histological y confirmed after RTE. The pooled Sen was 0.83 （95% CI = 0.79–0.86）; the pooled Spe was 0.86 （95% CI = 0.84–0.88）. The pooled LR＋ was 9.87 （95% CI = 2.66–36.71）; the pooled LR– was 0.20 （95% CI = 0.17–0.23）. The pooled DOR of RTE for the diagnosis of breast cancer was 62.21 （95% CI = 33.88–114.24）. The area under the SROC curve was 0.9334 （standard error = 0.00125）. We found no evidence of publica-tion bias （t = –0.57, P = 0.582）. Conclusion RTE may have high diagnostic accuracy for the dif erential diagnosis of benign and malig-nant breast tumors. RTE may be a good tool for breast cancer diagnosis.

Error Analysis on the Positioning Accuracy of a Pneumatic Vibration Isolator

A method of error analysis on the positioning accuracy of a pneumatic vibration isolator was proposed.First,the necessity of positioning accuracy was studied,in addition to the key factors associated with positioning accuracy.These analyses indicated that the positioning accuracy of the pneumatic vibration isolator was mainly attributed to the position error of the push button and the gap between the spindle and valve stem.Second,the error model of the positioning accuracy of the pneumatic vibration isolator was established through geometric simplification and geometric calculation.There are different methods used to calculate the position error of the push button for the different valves.Finally,an example analysis evaluating the impact of a specific two-position three-way valve on the positioning accuracy was given by means of error distribution.Experimental results validated the accuracy of the error model and the example analysis.This error model can be used to guide the structural parameter optimization design according to the requirements for positioning accuracy.

Positioning accuracy of IGPS

The positioning accuracy of a short-haul target-locating system,the inverse-GPS(IGPS) ,was analyzed in detail. The relationship between IGPS and the positioning error was discussed. The multiplicative error minimal bound of the geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) about the four-base-station IGPS was also investigated. In order to clarify the practical implementation of IGPS,the multiplicative and additive error factors which affect the positioning accuracy and theoretical estimation of positioning accuracy were presented. By analyzing the experiments of locating a target's position in virtual three-dimensional areas,the positioning performance of IGPS was illustrated. The results show that the multiplicative and additive error factors should be eliminated in IGPS to improve the positioning accuracy.

Trajectory Control: Directional MWD Inversely New Wellbore Positioning Accuracy Prediction Method

The deviation control of directional drilling is essentially the controlling of two angles of the wellbore actually drilled, namely, the inclination and azimuth. In directional drilling the bit trajectory never coincides exactly with the planned path, which is usually a plane curve with straight, building, holding, and dropping sections in succession. The drilling direction is of course dependant on the direction of the resultant forces acting on the bit and it is quite a tough job to hit the optimum target at the hole bottom as required. The traditional passive methods for correcting the drilling path have not met the demand to improve the techniques of deviation control. A method for combining wellbore surveys to obtain a composite, more accurate well position relies on accepting the position of the well from the most accurate survey instrument used in a given section of the wellbore. The error in each position measurement is the sum of many independent root sources of error effects. The relationship between surveys and other influential factors is considered, along with an analysis of different points of view. The collaborative work describes, establishes a common starting point of wellbore position uncertainty model, definition of what constitutes an error model, mathematics of position uncertainty calculation and an error model for basic directional service.

High Accuracy and Real-Time Gated Viewing Laser Radar

A gated viewing laser radar has an excellent performance in underwater low light level imaging, and it also provides a viable solution to inhibit backscattering. In this paper, a gated viewing imaging system according to the demand for real-time imaging is presented, and then the simulation is used to analyze the performance of the real-time gated viewing system. The range accuracy performance is limited by the slice number, the width of gate, the delay time step, the initial delay time, as well as the system noise and atmospheric turbulence. The simulation results indicate that the highest range accuracy can be achieved when the system works with the optimal parameters. Finally, how to choose the optimal parameters has been researched.

Comparison of density and positioning accuracy of PS extracted from super-resolution PSI with those from traditional PSI

In the application of persistent scatterer interferometry(PSI),deformation information is extracted from persistent scatterer(PS)points.Thus,the density and position of PS points are critical for PSI.To increase the PS density,a time-series InSAR chain termed as"super-resolution persistent scatterer interferometry"(SR-PSI)is proposed.In this study,we investigate certain important properties of SR-PSI.First,we review the main workflow and dataflow of SR-PSI.It is shown that in the implementation of the Capon algorithm,the diagonal loading(DL)approach should be only used when the condition number of the covariance matrix is sufficiently high to reduce the discontinuities between the joint images.We then discuss the density and positioning accuracy of PS when compared with traditional PSI.The theory and experimental results indicate that SR-PSI can increase the PS density in urban areas.However,it is ineffective for the rural areas,which should be an important consideration for the engineering application of SR-PSI.Furthermore,we validate that the positioning accuracy of PS can be improved by SRPSI via simulations.

Positioning performance analysis on combined GPS/BDS precise point positioning

Combining the observation data from five Multi-GNSS Experiment(MGEX)stations with the precise orbit and clock products from Global Positioning System(GPS)and BeiDou Navigation Satellite System(BDS),we studied the model of combined GPS/BDS precise point positioning,and then analyzed the convergence speed and short-time(6 h)positioning accuracy.The calculation results show that in static positioning,the average convergence time of GPS is about 50 min,and its horizontal accuracy is better than 2 cm while the vertical accuracy is better than 4 cm.The convergence speed of combined GPS/BDS is about 40 min,and its positioning accuracy is close to that of GPS.In kinematic positioning,the average convergence time of GPS is about 72 min,and its horizontal accuracy is better than 5 cm while the vertical accuracy is better than 12 cm.The average convergence time of GPS/BDS is about 57 min,and its horizontal accuracy is better than 3 cm while the vertical accuracy is better than 9 cm.Combined GPS/BDS has significantly improved the convergence speed,and its positioning accuracy is slightly than that of GPS.

Assessment of positioning performances in Italy from GPS, BDS and GLONASS constellations

The use of multiple GNSS constellations has been beneficiary to positioning performances and reliability in recent times, especially in low cost mass-market setups. Along with GPS and GLONASS, GALILEO and BDS are the other two constellations aiming for global coverage. With ample research demonstrating the benefits of GALILEO in the European region, there has been a lack of study to demonstrate the performance of BDS in Europe, especially with mass-market GNSS receivers. This study makes a comparison of the performances between the combined GPS-GLONASS and GPS-BDS constellations in Europe with such receivers. Static open sky and kinematic urban environment tests are performed with two GNSS receivers as master and rover at short baselines and the RTK and double differenced post processed solutions are analyzed. The pros and cons of both the constellation choices is demonstrated in terms of fixed solution accuracies, percentage of false fixes, time to first fix for RTK and float solution accuracies for post processed measurements. Centimeter level accuracy is achieved in both constellations for static positioning with GPS-BDS combination having a slightly better performance in comparable conditions and smaller intervals. GPS-GLONASS performed slightly better for longer intervals due to the current inconsistent availability of BDS satellites. Even if the static tests have shown a better performance of GPS-BDS combination, the kinematic results show that there are no significant differences between the two tested configurations.

Performance analysis model for real-time Ethernet-based computer numerical control system

In order to optimize the embedded system implementation for Ethernet-based computer numerical control （CNC） system, it is very necessary to establish the performance analysis model and further adopt the codesign method from the control, communication and computing perspectives. On the basis of analyzing real-time Ethemet, system architecture, time characteristic parameters of control-loop ere, a performance analysis model for real-time Ethemet-based CNC system was proposed, which is able to include the timing effects caused by the implementation platform in the simulation. The key for establishing the model is accomplished by designing the error analysis module and the controller nodes. Under the restraint of CPU resource and communication bandwidth, the experiment with a case study was conducted, and the results show that if the deadline miss ratio of data packets is 0.2%, then the percentage error is 1.105%. The proposed model can be used at several stages of CNC system development.

New Three-Dimensional Assessment Model and Optimization of Acoustic Positioning System

This paper addresses the problem of assessing and optimizing the acoustic positioning system for underwater target localization with range measurement.We present a new three-dimensional assessment model to evaluate the optimal geometric beacon formation whether meets user requirements.For mathematical tractability,it is assumed that the measurements of the range between the target and beacons are corrupted with white Gaussian noise with variance,which is distance-dependent.Then,the relationship between DOP parameters and positioning accuracy can be derived by adopting dilution of precision(DOP)parameters in the assessment model.In addition,the optimal geometric beacon formation yielding the best performance can be achieved via minimizing the values of geometric dilution of precision(GDOP)in the case where the target position is known and fixed.Next,in order to ensure that the estimated positioning accuracy on the region of interest satisfies the precision required by the user,geometric positioning accuracy(GPA),horizontal positioning accuracy(HPA)and vertical positioning accuracy(VPA)are utilized to assess the optimal geometric beacon formation.Simulation examples are designed to illustrate the exactness of the conclusion.Unlike other work that only uses GDOP to optimize the formation and cannot assess the performance of the specified size,this new three-dimensional assessment model can evaluate the optimal geometric beacon formation for each dimension of any point in three-dimensional space,which can provide guidance to optimize the performance of each specified dimension.

A GPS/BDS dual-mode positioning algorithm for a train based on CIPSO_EKF

When using global positioning system/BeiDou navigation satellite(GPS/BDS)dual-mode navigation system to locate a train,Kalman filter that is used to calculate train position has to be adjusted according to the features of the dual-mode observation.Due to multipath effect,positioning accuracy of present Kalman filter algorithm is really low.To solve this problem,a chaotic immune-vaccine particle swarm optimization_extended Kalman filter(CIPSO_EKF)algorithm is proposed to improve the output accuracy of the Kalman filter.By chaotic mapping and immunization,the particle swarm algorithm is first optimized,and then the optimized particle swarm algorithm is used to optimize the observation error covariance matrix.The optimal parameters are provided to the EKF,which can effectively reduce the impact of the observation value oscillation caused by multipath effect on positioning accuracy.At the same time,the train positioning results of EKF and CIPSO_EKF algorithms are compared.The eastward position errors and velocity errors show that CIPSO_EKF algorithm has faster convergence speed and higher real-time performance,which can effectively suppress interference and improve positioning accuracy.

Comparison of availability and reliability among different combined-GNSS/RNSS precise point positioning

With emergence of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System(BDS), the Galileo Satellite Navigation System(Galileo), the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System(QZSS)and the restoration of the Global Navigation Satellite System(GLONASS), the single Global Positioning System(GPS) has been gradually expanded into multiple global and regional navigation satellite systems(multi-GNSS/RNSS). In view of differences in these 5 systems, a consolidated multi-GNSS/RNSS precise point positioning(PPP) observation model is deduced in this contribution. In addition, the performance evaluation of PPP for multi-GNSS/RNSS is conducted using a large number of the multi-GNSS experiment(MGEX) station datasets. Experimental results show that multi-GNSS/RNSS can guarantee plenty of visible satellites effectively. Compared with single-system GPS, PDOP, HDOP, and VDOP values of the multi-GNSS/RNSS are improved by 46.8%, 46.5% and 46.3%, respectively. As for convergence time, the static and kinematic PPP of multi-GNSS/RNSS are superior to that of the single-system GPS, whose reliability, availability, and stability drop sharply with the increasing elevation cutoff. At satellite elevation cutoff of 40 °, the single-system GPS fails to carry out continuous positioning because of the insufficient visible satellites, while the multi-GNSS/RNSS PPP can still get positioning solutions with relatively high accuracy, especially in the horizontal direction.

Laser Interferometer Based Measurement for Positioning Error Compensation in Cartesian Multi-Axis Systems

Accuracy is one of the most important key indices to evaluate multi-axis systems’ (MAS’s) characteristics and performances. The accuracy of MAS’s such as machine tools, measuring machines and robots is adversely affected by various error sources, including geometric imperfections, thermal deformations, load effects, and dynamic disturbances. The increasing demand for higher dimensional accuracy in various industrial applications has created the need to develop cost-effective methods for enhancing the overall performance of these mechanisms. Improving the accuracy of a MAS by upgrading the physical structure would lead to an exponential increase in manufacturing costs without totally eliminating geometrical deviations and thermal deformations of MAS components. Hence, the idea of reducing MAS’s error by a software-based alternative approach to provide real-time prediction and correction of geometric and thermally induced errors is considered a strategic step toward achieving the full potential of the MAS. This paper presents a structured approach designed to improve the accuracy of Cartesian MAS’s through software error compensation. Four steps are required to develop and implement this approach: (i) measurement of error components using a multidimensional laser interferometer system, (ii) tridimensional volumetric error mapping using rigid body kinematics, (iii) volumetric error prediction via an artificial neural network model, and finally (iv) implementation of the on-line error compensation. An illustrative example using a bridge type coordinate measuring machine is presented.

How crystal configuration affects the position detection accuracy in pixelated molecular SPECT imaging systems?

It is well known that inter-crystal scattering and penetration(ICS-P) are major spatial resolution limiting parameters in dedicated SPECT scanners with pixelated crystal.In this study,the effect of ICS-P on crystal identification in different crystal configurations was evaluated using GATE Monte Carlo simulation.A ^(99m)Tc pencil-beam toward central crystal element was utilized.Beam incident angle was assumed to vary from 0° to 45° in 5° steps.The effects of various crystal configurations such as pixel-size,pixel-gap,and crystal material were studied.The influence of photon energy on the crystal identification(CI) was also investigated.Position detection accuracy(PDA) was defined as a factor indicating performance of the crystal.Furthermore,a set of ^(99m)Tc point-source simulations was performed in order to calculate peak-to-valley(PVR) ratio for each configuration.The results show that the CsI(Na)manifests higher PDA than NaI(TI) and YAP(Ce).In addition,as the incident angle increases,the crystal becomes less accurate in positioning of the events.Beyond a crystal-dependent critical angle,the PDA monotonically reduces.The PDA reaches 0.44 for the CsI(Na) at 45° beam angle.The PDAs obtained by the point-source evaluation also behave the same as for the pencil-beam irradiations.In addition,the PVRs derived from flood images linearly correlate their corresponding PDAs.In conclusion,quantitative assessment of ICS-P is mandatory for scanner design and modeling the system matrix during iterative reconstruction algorithms for the purpose of resolution modeling in ultra-high-resolution SPECT.

Quality monitoring of real-time GNSS precise positioning service system

The Real-Time Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS)Precise Positioning Service(RTPPS)is recognized as the most promising system by providing precise satellite orbit and clock correc-tions for users to achieve centimeter-level positioning with a stand-alone receiver in real-time.Although the products are available with high accuracy almost all the time,they may occasionally suffer from unexpected significant biases,which consequently degrades the positioning perfor-mance.Therefore,quality monitoring at the system-level has become more and more crucial for providing a reliable GNSS service.In this paper,we propose a method for the monitoring of realtime satellite orbit and clock products using a monitoring station network based on the Quality Control(QC)theory.The satellites with possible biases are first detected based on the outliers identified by Precise Point Positioning(PPP)in the monitoring station network.Then,the corresponding orbit and clock parameters with temporal constraints are introduced and esti-mated through the sequential Least Square(LS)estimator and the corresponding Instantaneous User Range Errors(IUREs)can be determined.A quality indicator is calculated based on the IUREs in the monitoring network and compared with a pre-defined threshold.The quality monitoring method is experimentally evaluated by monitoring the real-time orbit and clock products generated by GeoForschungsZentrum(GFZ),Potsdam.The results confirm that the problematic satellites can be detected accurately and effectively with missed detection rate 4×10^(-6) and false alarm rate 1:2×10^(-5).Considering the quality alarms,the PPP results in terms of RMS of positioning differences with respect to the International GNSS Service(IGS)weekly solution in the north,east and up directions can be improved by 12%,10%and 27%,respectively.