Online data clustering algorithms in an RTLS system

This paper proposes and evaluates solutions for an online clustering problem and gives a mathematical model for it. The problem at hand occurs often in the fusion of data streams for example in real time locating systems. The goal is to gather as much incoming information from several sources as possible but also minimize the delay before the next processing step can be executed. The key characteristic is that the data is available in a bursty fashion, in the special case of an RTLS according to the locating cycles. After an introduction of the background a general mathematical model for the problem is given, and then two basic algorithms referred to as NWT and CWT are analyzed by the method of competitive analysis. Each turning out to deliver an optimal solution under different constraints. Then an experimental evaluation follows based on a simulation involving the CWT and the algorithm referred to as VWT. The later is giving a configuration free solution for the problem.