The ability to wirelessly sense the accurate location of an object enables a rich set of location-based applications. Wireless sensor networks (WSN) typically enable applications that are based on the real-time physical condition of an object. For example, an application may take action if the temperature or energy consumption of an object reaches a preset threshold. The ability to combine location data with sensed data opens up powerful new opportunities for information rich applications.

Of the wireless technologies available today that provide location information - from RFID to WiFi – most (if not all) require a line-powered infrastructure with multiple LAN or WAN connections. This translates into high installation costs. Dust Networks is combining its low power 802.15.4 standards-based mesh technology with multi-channel time-of-flight (TOF) measurement to enable a new, real-time location technology we call Time Synchronized Position Time-of-flight (TSPT). TSPT combines the best attributes of WSN with the best of location technologies. Key features of TSPT location systems include:

• No wires: every node can run on batteries or harvested energy. Installations are non-disruptive, and the technology can be readily used indoors and outdoors.
• No site survey: the self-forming, self-healing Time Slotted Channel Hopping (TSCH) mesh automatically adapts to a changing RF environment.
• No special planning for coexistence with other wireless systems: TSPT is based on an IEEE 802.15.4E channel hopping protocol.
• No special deployment skills: the network forms automatically and no field wireless expertise is needed.
• Sensor data is easily combined with location data to enable applications to know where and how an object is.

Dust Networks will be introducing TSPT products in the near future. To learn more, contact us.