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Commonly Used Terms with ZeroKey's QRTLS

This guide provides clear definitions of commonly used terms within the context of ZeroKey’s Quantum RTLS.

 

Anchor

A ZeroKey device that is a stationary reference point for localizing the Mobile.

For more information, consult our Info Center article: Select the Right ZeroKey Anchor for your Deployment

Anchor Density

The quantity of Anchors deployed in a specific environment to provide reference points for localizing Mobiles.

For more information, consult our Info Center article: Anchor Placement Fundamentals

Anchor Layout

The arrangement or configuration of Anchors within a tracking environment.

For more information, consult our Info Center article: Anchor Layouts for Starter Kits

Application Programming Interface (API)

The software middleman that enables communication between two applications.

For more information, visit our API guide: https://api.zerokey.com/v3

Calibration

The process by which the ZeroKey Anchors, a ZeroKey Mobile, and a ZeroKey Gateway communicate to define a coordinate system.

For more information, consult our Info Center article: How to Calibrate your Positioning System

COM Port

A hardware interface that enables connection to external devices for data transfer.

Config Tool

The ZeroKey GUI that is used to calibrate and operate the Quantum RTLS system.

For more information, consult our Info Center category: Config Tool

Coordinate Transformation

The process of converting the coordinates in a map from one coordinate system to another through rotation or scaling.

For more information, consult our Info Center article: Utilize Coordinate Transformation in the Config Tool

Daisy Chain

Daisy chaining involves connecting multiple devices in a sequence, allowing for shared power and communication. In ZeroKey’s ecosystem, Power over Ethernet (PoE) Anchors are connected using the daisy chain method.

Device Firmware Update (DFU)

The hardware state whereby the ZeroKey Anchor, Mobile, or Gateway enter a pairing state, ready to receive a firmware update.

Device Log

The output from all calibration and positioning data as well as configuration and settings information from each device.

Device Map

A detailed plot depicting the location of each Anchor within a tracked space. Each Anchor location is labelled with the corresponding Anchors MAC address.

For more information, consult our Info Center article: Creating a Device Map

Discovery

The proprietary process by which ZeroKey Anchors and Mobiles are brought out of a battery saving dormant state into an active state using Radio Frequency (RF) communication.

Distance Measurement Tool

The interface embedded in the Config Tool that enables the measurement of the distance between two Mobiles within a tracked space.

For more information, consult our Info Center article: How to use the Distance Measurement Tool

Firmware Update Tool

The ZeroKey GUI that is used to apply firmware updates or downgrades to ZeroKey Anchors, Mobiles and Gateways.

For more information, consult our Info Center article: Updating and Downgrading ZeroKey Firmware

Gateway

The ZeroKey device that acts as a communications link between Anchors and Mobiles and transmits calibration and positioning data through a wired connection.

Home Run

A direct wiring method where a single cable runs directly from a power source to an Anchor.

INS Fusion

The process of combining ultrasonic and inertial measurement data to achieve higher quality position accuracy

Line of Sight (LOS)

A straight line along which a Mobile has an unobstructed view to an Anchor.

For more information, consult our Info Center article: Anchor Placement Fundamentals

MAC Address

A MAC address is a unique code assigned to a device’s network interface for identifying it on a network.

Mobile

A ZeroKey trackable device in the form of a Universal Mobile, Wristband, Dot or Wearable Tag.

For more information, consult our Info Center article:

Mobile Body Frame

The body frame is an orthogonal axis set which is aligned with the roll, pitch, and heading axes of the carrier where the IMU is mounted.

For more information, consult our Info Center article: Mobile Body Frame in the ZeroKey Quantum RTLS

Multipath

Refers to signals reaching a receiver via multiple paths due to reflection or scattering.

Power Allowance

The maximum permitted electrical power for a device.

Power Source

The central point where electrical power is distributed to Anchors such as a power injector or PoE switch.

Range

The distance calculated between a Mobile and an Anchor.

Solve

The Anchor coordinate system produced by the Config Tool based on data collected during calibration.

Terminal Input

The text input line in the Config Tool or any USB serial terminal.

Transducer

A mechanical device that generates sound waves from electrical energy.

Ultrasonic Pulse

A vibration that is generated when an electric current is applied to a transducer that produces a frequency greater than 20 kHz. ZeroKey devices produce a 50 kHz pulse.

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