Implementing a real-time locating system based on wireless sensor networks and artificial neural networks to mitigate the multipath effect

Abstract

Wireless Sensor Networks comprise an ideal technology to develop Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLSs) aimed at indoor environments, where existing global navigation satellite systems do not work correctly due to the blockage of the satellite signals. In this regard, one of the main challenges is to deal with the problems that arise from the effects of the propagation of radio frequency waves, such as multipath. This paper presents an innovative mathematical model for improving the accuracy of RTLSs, focusing on the mitigation of the multipath effect by using Multi-Layer Perceptron Artificial Neural Networks. The model is used to implement a novel indoor Real-Time Locating System based on Wireless Sensor Networks.