Sistema de localización empregando módulos UWB de Qorvo

Abstract

[Resumo]: Neste traballo realizouse un estudo sobre a solución de sistema de localización que ofrece Qorvo, utilizando os dispositivos MDEK1001. Estos dispositivos son balizas con tecnoloxía UltraWideBand (UWB) que, teoricamente, ofrecen unha alta precisión e capacidade de operar en tempo real. Non obstante, presentan limitacións propias da natureza da comunicación nas frecuencias que usan, como o alcance limitado e a dificultade de atravesar obstáculos. Para avaliar o sistema desenvolvéronse ferramentas de software para extraer, almacenar e visualizar os datos procesados pola rede Qorvo. Realizáronse múltiples probas en diferentes entornos, variando o número de balizas, as distancias entre elas, tanto en interiores como en exteriores e con e sen obstáculos. En cada proba analizouse a calidade da información recibida e as distancias ás que o sistema xa comezaba a fallar. Nas situacións nas que os datos recollidos o permitían, comparáronse as localizacións proporcionadas polo sistema Qorvo coas traxectorias realizadas, ben cualitativamente ou cuantitativamente mediante o sistema Optitrack que se encontra no CITIC. Ademais, realizáronse esixentes probas de estrés e despregue para avaliar o rendemento da infraestrutura de software desenvolvida. Desafortunadamente, os resultados obtidos do sistema de localización de Qorvo foron bastante decepcionantes en canto a precisión e alcance.

[Abstract]: In this work, a study was conducted on the location system solution provided by Qorvo, using the MDEK1001 devices. These devices are beacons with UltraWideBand (UWB) technology that, theoretically, offer high accuracy and the ability to operate in real time. However, they have limitations inherent in the nature of communication in the frequencies they use, such as limited range and the difficulty of passing through obstacles. To evaluate the system, software tools were developed to extract, store and visualize the data processed by the Qorvo network. Multiple tests were conducted in different environments, varying the number of beacons, the distances between them, both indoors and outdoors and with and without obstacles. In each test, the quality of the information received and the distances at which the system began to fail were analyzed. In situations where the data collected allowed it, the locations provided by the Qorvo system were compared with the trajectories taken, either qualitatively or quantitatively using the Optitrack system found at CITIC. In addition, demanding stress and deployment tests were performed to evaluate the performance of the developed software infrastructure. Unfortunately, the results obtained from Qorvo’s location system were quite disappointing in terms of accuracy and range.