A UWB-based 2D Real Time Localization (RTL)
platform is described and characterized, which allows very fast
experimental evaluation of new antenna solutions and new
localization algorithms in terms of its impact on overall
localization system performance. It avoids the usual two-phase
approach of data acquisition and subsequent data postprocessing.
As the target strolls in the scenario, the system
automatically computes and stores in real time the target range
to the different sensors, angular orientation, location, and
absolute errors with respect to actual target position obtained
from a parallel optical tracking system. All the real-time
information is shown graphically in a large screen, superimposed
on a top-view real-time optical image of the scenario. These
features make the platform attractive also for system
demonstrations for students.