User Manual

12 Overview PLUS System Manual
Proprietary Information: Do not disclose unless authorized under a Nondisclosure Agreement and the Partner Agreement.
1.2.3 Asset Tag
The PLUS Tag is an ultra wideband active transmitter. Once per second, the
Tag transmits a short packet containing a unique serial number. One or more
PLUS Readers receive this transmission and pass the Tag data and Time of
Arrival (TOA) to a Location Engine which calculates the precise location of the
Tag. The PLUS Tag is small and durable, with a plastic housing that allows it to
be attached to assets or people. The Tag has a four-year battery life and requires no maintenance.
1.2.4 Antenna
The PLUS Antenna is available in 180 degree directional and
omnidirectional versions, and replaces a standard 2’x2’ ceiling tile in
suspended ceiling systems. The bottom of the Antenna is a white plastic
dome that allows it to blend in to the ceiling for an inconspicuous aesthetic
appearance. The Reader mounts to the top of the Antenna and is concealed
above the ceiling.
1.2.5 Location Software
The PLUS Location Software Library is a Windows-based software
component which is installed from the software CD included with the
PLUS software / documentation package. It is supported on Microsoft
Windows XP and Vista operating systems.
The library component is an OCX COM object library that provides
functions including buffering of Reader UDP packets, solving for the Tag location, and delivery of
location data to the developer’s application. The portion of the Location Engine that calculates tag
locations is also referred to as the Solver.
1.3 Additional Components and Peripherals
1.3.1 Visualizer
The PLUS Visualizer is a Windows-based application which is installed from the software CD
included with the PLUS software / documentation package.
The Visualizer component is a graphical software tool for use in system setup, diagnostics, and
demonstrations. It interfaces to the PLUS Readers through the PLUS Location Software Library
described above in Section 1.2.5 Location Software. After a PLUS system is in place and operating,
the Visualizer does not need to be run on a continuous basis – instead, it can be used as a maintenance
tool when changes are made to the system. Typically, third party graphical software will replace the
Visualizer as the system monitor in a customized system.
1.3.2 Location Software Server
A user-supplied server is needed to run the PLUS Location Software Library. Recommended
specifications for the Location Engine server to maximize Tag capacity are as follows.
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista
CPU Intel Quad Core 2.4 GHz
Memory 3 GB RAM
NIC One 10/100/1000 Mbps card for RTLS network traffic