VBOX Indoor Positioning System (VIPS)

Our advanced Indoor Positioning System, VIPS, uses the latest Ultra-Wideband technology to measure real-time, dynamic 3D position, speed and attitude (pitch/roll/yaw) to an accuracy of ±2 cm indoors.

With applications ranging from automotive testing to camera tracking for virtual productions, VIPS is as flexible as it is capable.

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How does UWB positioning work?

VIPS is a highly effective indoor positioning solution, offering centimetre-level accuracy in locations where GNSS or optical systems cannot be used. Its 100 Hz update rate makes it ideal for dynamic measurements ranging from fine, precise movements to high-speed motion at up to 270 km/h.

Based on ultra-wideband technology, VIPS can maintain accuracy with minimal positional drift in the most challenging of environments. In addition to being a capable standalone solution, VIPS is also highly flexible and is simple to integrate with additional technologies. VIPS offers seamless transition from GNSS (outdoors) to VIPS (indoors), and vice versa, with reacquisition and full accuracy established in less than 0.2 seconds.

For VR and motion tracking, VIPS can be used as an alternative to optical tracking systems, maintaining the same quality position in all environments, even where the line of sight is frequently obscured.

Key Features

High Accuracy

VIPS delivers ±2 cm accuracy indoors, which is equivalent to GNSS with RTK corrections.

Dynamic Measurement

VIPS measures velocity and attitude (pitch, roll and yaw), in addition to positioning. With an update rate of 100 Hz, the ±2 cm accuracy can be maintained at speeds of up to 270 km/h.

Seemless Indoor/Outdoor Transition

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.

Data Recording

Connecting to a datalogger (eg. VBOX 3i) enables recording of VIPS data via Serial or CAN.

Portable

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.

Easy Installation

VIPS is easy to install with flexibility to prioritise set up time over accuracy. The self-survey option enables a basic VIPS system to be set up within 30 minutes with an impressive ±5 cm accuracy. To achieve the optimal ±2 cm accuracy the system can be installed using a total station to survey the exact beacon locations.

Low Power

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.

Versatile

VIPS has been designed in-house by RACELOGIC engineers allowing for bespoke adaptations and making it an ideal solution for integration in to existing technologies. We are always keen to hear from engineers, integrators and technical partners to explore new applications and collaborations.

How does VIPS UWB Positioning work?

VIPS works by utilising a network of stand-alone, battery powered beacons which communicate using ultra-wideband (UWB).

The beacons are placed around the perimeter of the operation area (e.g. floor plan of a building or perimeter of a film stage), in known positions which have been manually surveyed using a handheld laser, Total Station or, if time is of the essence, a self-survey can also be performed. The accuracy of the known beacon positions directly correlates to the accuracy of the output measurement, allowing for flexibility in required accuracy verses set up time.

The beacons are completely stand-alone, and the option of battery power makes deployment very rapid. A UWB receiver on the target object communicates with the beacons and uses trilateration to determine its position. This data is combined with the measurements from a highly accurate inertial measurement system, proving real-time, 3D position to within 2 cm.

This industry-leading accuracy is a result of our custom hardware, software and calibration routines. Additionally, the beacons are temperature calibrated to ensure accuracy in all conditions, from -30 °C to +60 °C.

What can VIPS be used for?

The flexibility of VIPS makes it suitable for any application that requires accurate measurement and recording of 3D positioning in sectors including construction, mining and motion capture. VIPS is also compatible with steering robots, offering highly accurate path following and repeatability for autonomous guidance applications.

Autonomous Guidance

Automotive

Virtual Production & Motion Capture

Mining & Tunnels

Construction

Logistics and Material Handling

VIPS is ideal for integration in to existing technologies and product ranges.
We are always keen to hear from engineers, integrators and technical partners to explore new applications and collaborations.

Why VIPS?

Do you need to measure, track and record the position, speed or attitude of a moving object in areas where your existing solution is not capable or reliable enough, or simply not available?

Do you have a GNSS based product or technology that would benefit from an indoor extension capability?

Are you looking to seamlessly combine indoor and outdoor positioning?

Do you need an alternative to optical tracking systems, e. g. to be able to place them behind a green/blue screen?

Does your positioning/ tracking solution struggle to maintain lock or result in high levels of drift when used in challenging environments?

Do you need an indoor positioning system that is easy to install and can be transferred between locations?

Which VIPS solution is right for me?

VIPS comes in several shapes and sizes to cater for different applications and use scenarios. A VIPS system consists of one rover, and several beacons mounted inside the location. The number of beacons required to sufficiently cover your location depends on the size and architecture of the location. A minimum of 4 beacons is needed at all times, but 6 or more beacons gives the best accuracy.

VIPS

Suitable for any industry

VIPS consists of a rover (13 x 7.5 cm) which is placed on the target object and a minimum of 8 beacons placed up to 40 m apart around the perimeter of a building, tunnel or hall. The rover communicates with be beacons to calculate its position, proving real-time, 3D position to within 2 cm.

VIPS Mini

For broadcast TV, live events & virtual production

VIPS Mini consists of a small rover (7 x 4 cm) placed on the camera and connected to the VIPS/ FIZ Processing Unit from which data is sent to the render engine. The system uses a minimum of 8 beacons placed around the stage to calculate its position and an internal inertial measurement unit to calculate pan, tilt, and roll. Adding additional beacons makes the system highly scalable. VIPS is also capable of integrating FIZ data to provide a complete data set to the render engine.