Industrial Location-Based Services

Modern industrial automation control systems are growing to be large-scaled, complex and information-luxuriant, so that selecting and displaying proper information to operators is becoming more and more difficult. Asset management in such large control systems is also a tough challenge. Location-based Services (LBS) is thought to be an effective approach to filter information to operators, and enhance asset management. LBS can also help to increase an operation's security, safety and efficiency. However there are challenges for industrial LBS applications. In this paper, a three-layered architecture (positioning, middleware, and application layers) is referenced to model industrial LBS technologies and applications. Location algorithms and standards are introduced. Potential industrial LBS applications and challenges are discussed. Methods for integration between location systems and control systems are analyzed.