A Novel Multitransmitter and Multitarget Electromagnetic Positioning Model With Large Range and High Accuracy

Abstract

We propose a novel multitransmitter and multitarget electromagnetic positioning (EMP) model to address the issues of limited positioning range and low long-distance positioning accuracy of the existing single-transmitter EMP (EMP-Single) algorithms. The design of multitransmitter provides the model with a more flexible topology. During operation, the system autonomously selects an optimal combination of transmitters for positioning, thereby achieving a larger positioning range. The use of a two-stage accuracy improvement algorithm effectively reduces the system’s positioning error. Additionally, a frequency improvement algorithm is introduced to shorten the positioning cycle and increase the system’s frequency. Finally, we build a prototype system and successfully validate the effectiveness of our model and algorithm. Our EMP prototype system is proved to have higher positioning accuracy and a larger positioning range and can achieve high-accuracy positioning with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.1 cm in a large range with a positioning distance of 45 cm. The presented new model is possible to be used in human-computer interaction, VR/AR, and Internet of Things (IoT)-related fields such as hand gesture tracking.