A comprehensive approach for optimizing ToA-localization in harsh industrial environments

Real-life industrial environments pose a challenge for today's radio-based localization systems, as the radio channel is highly affected by the multiple interference present in the environment. Therefore, this paper presents a solution for generating Weighted Multilateration Position Estimation based on the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) for ToA (Time of Arrival) ranging measurements to enhance the fault tolerance, reduce the self-interference of the ranging system and finally enhance the accuracy of the position estimation. A coordinate descent algorithm for optimal anchor placement is demonstrated in this paper, which is based on results of 3D ray tracing. The applied 3D environment model is highly sophisticated, as it was generated by 3D laser scanning for gauging. In a final optimization step, power level adjustment is shown to further enhance the accuracy of the localization system. Concluding, a performance evaluation based on simulations, numerical optimization and experimental measurements in the industrial target environment will demonstrate the improvements of our comprehensive approach in terms of accuracy and robustness.