VBOX INDOOR POSITIONING - VIPS
VIPS is a highly accurate way of measuring speed, position and attitude (pitch/roll/yaw) in areas where GPS is not available.
With its high dynamic capabilities and the seamless transition from outdoor GNSS to indoor VIPS, it is a cutting-edge addition to any test programme.
KEY FEATURES
VIPS delivers cm-level accuracy which is equivalent to GNSS with RTK corrections. Transfer seamlessly from outdoor GNSS to indoor VIPS and vice-versa. VIPS can also achieve reacquisition and full accuracy in less than 0.2 seconds. The VIPS beacons are small and lightweight which makes the whole system easy to transfer between locations and quick to change set up configurations within a test or usage environment. VIPS beacons can be powered by 12 V batteries for temporary installations. Alternatively, the beacons can be hard-wired into any power network for longer-term installations. |
Option to measure velocity and attitude (pitch, roll and yaw), in addition to positioning. With an update rate of 100 Hz, the high accuracy can be maintained at speeds of up to 270 km/h. Connecting to a data logger, for example the VBOX 3i, enables recording of VIPS data via Serial or CAN. A simple 6 beacon system using tripods can be setup by two people in less than 90 minutes. VIPS has been designed in-house by RACELOGIC engineers allowing for bespoke adaptations and integration into existing technologies. We are always keen to hear from engineers and technical partners to explore new applications and collaborations. |
How Does VIPS Work?
A UWB receiver on the vehicle continuously communicates with the beacons and triangulates its position indoors. This data is combined with the measurements from a highly accurate inertial measurement system, providing a real-time 3D position and attitude measurement at 100 Hz, to within 2 cm. All measurements are made on the target vehicle in real-time.
What is remarkable, is that VIPS can achieve re-acquisition and full accuracy in less than 0.2 of a second, which is considerably faster than GPS!
A number of fixed Ultra-Wideband (UWB) beacons are placed around the indoor test area (minimum 6), in known positions which have been manually surveyed using a handheld laser or Total Station (if time is of the essence, a self-survey can also be performed). The beacons are completely stand-alone, and can be battery powered, making the deployment very rapid.
AstaZero Case Study
Following the recent opening of the AstaZero DryZone, Peter Janevik, CEO of AstaZero, explains why they needed an indoor positioning system and the benefits of selecting VIPS.
The AstaZero Dry Zone is the world’s longest indoor test track, measuring 700 m long by 40 m wide and is used by automotive manufacturers for year-round, repeatable testing. However, with the roof blocking satellite signals, they required an indoor positioning system to allow for established testing technologies and accuracy levels achieved outdoors to also be delivered indoors.
VIPS delivers centimetre-level accuracy across the whole of the test hall, with up to five target vehicles in operation simultaneously at speeds of up to 270 km/h. VIPS is also fully compatible with most leading test systems, including driving robots.
What is the intended application?
The system is designed for high dynamic vehicle test and validation procedures which are normally performed outside using GPS. Examples include acceleration, braking, handling, crash testing, tyre testing and ADAS sensor validation.
The system can also be used to fill in gaps in GPS coverage in areas such as heavy tree cover, tunnels and urban canyons.
How do we get such high accuracy?
Over the 5 years it has taken to develop VIPS (VBOX Indoor Positioning System), we have built our own custom hardware, software and calibration routines which has resulted in an industry leading accuracy of less than 2 cm. We temperature calibrate the beacons to ensure accuracy in all conditions, and we have developed our own antennas which are specifically designed to work on a vehicle. The custom antenna design significantly enhances the repeatability of the measurements. To take into account the high dynamic environment of vehicle testing, we have developed our own UWB algorithms, and this has allowed us to take individual measurements at up to 1000 Hz, reducing noise and dynamic errors in the measurements.
The video above (no audio) demonstrates the industry leading accuracy that we have been able to achieve with VIPS, as we verify the distance between the vehicle and a static point using both VIPS and a tape measure.
Interested?
If you would like to know more about our indoor testing solution or discuss your individual test requirements, please click on the mail button at the top of the page, or give us a call.