Quantum RTLS is a real-time location system (RTLS) that relies on advanced technology not found in other systems, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) or RFID. Proprietary technology allows Quantum RTLS to achieve much higher accuracies than other technologies, up to 1.5mm (about 0.06 in).
At its core, Quantum RTLS relies on ultrasonic signals to measure the distance between mobile devices and anchor devices. In a general sense, those precise distance measurements are then utilized to compute a 3D position using a multilateration method, similar to how GPS works.
Ultrasound is an ideal signal to measure the distance between two points due to its slower propagation speed. Older-style RTLS systems rely on radiofrequency (RF) signals to measure this distance. However, RF signals propagate so fast (at the speed of light) that even small errors in measurement translate to large distance errors, ultimately lowering accuracy positions. Conversely, ultrasound propagates about 100,000 times more slowly, minimizing the impact of measurement errors and leading to highly accurate positioning. See this mechanism in action in our Quantum RTLS vs UWB article.
In busy industrial environments with high volumes of metallic objects, ultrasound stands out as an ideal solution. Ultrasonic signals are known to diffusely reflect off objects. In other words, the reflected signals spread out and dissipate. On the other hand, RF signals, like those used in UWB or Bluetooth, reflect in a specular fashion off metallic objects, often corrupting the line-of-sight (LOS) signal. This problem is commonly referred to as multipath and is the leading cause of RTLS failure in industrial applications.