Hybrid RTLS-RTS Positioning for Multi-Target Precision Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning systems face limitations in combining indoor and outdoor positioning capabilities, with Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) being effective indoors but limited to multiple targets and robotic total stations (RTS) being precise outdoors but limited to single targets.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid positioning system integrating RTLS and RTS, using RTLS for positions greater than 20 cm from the target and transitioning to RTS for closer positions, enabling seamless and transparent positioning across environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If RTLS is used for positioning, then multiple targets can be positioned simultaneously, but positioning precision deteriorates when targets are close to the reference points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of targets positioned simultaneouslyVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is segmented into two distinct subsystems: RTLS for general positioning of multiple targets and RTS for high-precision positioning when targets are close to reference points. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate in its optimal performance range, with RTLS handling multiple targets at distance and RTS handling single target precision measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A server acts as an intermediary between RTLS and RTS, managing the transition between positioning modes. The server receives positioning requests, determines whether to use RTLS or RTS based on target distance and precision requirements, and coordinates the handoff between systems to maintain continuous and accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If RTS is used for positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but the system can only position single targets at a time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidnumber of targets positioned simultaneously
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is segmented into two distinct subsystems: RTLS for general positioning of multiple targets and RTS for high-precision positioning when targets are close to reference points. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate in its optimal performance range, with RTLS handling multiple targets at distance and RTS handling single target precision measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid positioning system provides multi-functionality by combining RTLS and RTS capabilities. The system can handle both multiple target positioning and high-precision single target positioning, as well as manage transitions between modes, making it universally applicable to various positioning scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If RTLS is used for positioning, then indoor positioning capability is provided, but outdoor positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindoor positioning capabilityVSAvoidoutdoor positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid positioning system provides multi-functionality by combining RTLS and RTS capabilities. The system can handle both multiple target positioning and high-precision single target positioning, as well as manage transitions between modes, making it universally applicable to various positioning scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A server acts as an intermediary between RTLS and RTS, managing the transition between positioning modes. The server receives positioning requests, determines whether to use RTLS or RTS based on target distance and precision requirements, and coordinates the handoff between systems to maintain continuous and accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If RTS is used for positioning, then outdoor positioning capability is provided, but indoor positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutdoor positioning capabilityVSAvoidindoor positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid positioning system provides multi-functionality by combining RTLS and RTS capabilities. The system can handle both multiple target positioning and high-precision single target positioning, as well as manage transitions between modes, making it universally applicable to various positioning scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A server acts as an intermediary between RTLS and RTS, managing the transition between positioning modes. The server receives positioning requests, determines whether to use RTLS or RTS based on target distance and precision requirements, and coordinates the handoff between systems to maintain continuous and accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3998498B1Hybrid positioning system using a real-time location system and robotic total station
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 TOPCON POSITIONING SYSTEMS INC
  • EP3998498B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3998498B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3998498B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A positioning system that combines the use of real-time location system (400) and a robotic total station (100) into a single, transparent hybrid positioning system to locate one or multiple targets (510) by one or multiple users.