The Art of ALP

February 17, 2017 Tech Bulletins
2-17-17-The-Art-of-ALP.pdf (9 downloads)
ABSTRACT:
We have finally completed documentation for Advanced Locating Protocol.  This bulletin is to introduce our new G4 locating software to those who have yet to install a G4 Server with ALP as well as let everyone know detailed documentation has been completed.  This bulletin will not explain how to use ALP or how to fingerprint, you must read the manual for that.  The ALP Manual can be found under the “Technical” tab on the Distributor Downloads portion of the RCare website.  The following link will take you to the Distributor login page (Click Here).
TECH SUPPORT SUMMARY:
 
There are several components to ALP that need to be considered including Wireless Network Configuration and Fingerprinting guidelines, as well as managing customer expectations.
1)      Wireless Network Guidelines:
  • Ideally 3-4 Locators will pick up every single alarm.
  • Too many or too few locators will lower accuracy.  Only 1 locator is never acceptable.
  • This should be tested prior any fingerprinting.
  • Do not neglect bathroom pullcords in pursuit of a perfect wireless network.
  • Locators should be tuned down all the way (all three dip switches in the tuning compartment should be down), by default the receive range is max.
2)      Fingerprinting Guidelines
  • Each room needs a minimum of 5 presses to cover at least the four corners and the center of the room.
  • Each press should try and replicate a real resident press Ex:  Knee high press simulating a fall, Bathroom tub, ect.
  • Fingerprint individual rooms or hallways, not both.
  • Problem areas like outside or near elevators or stairs will require more presses, preferably away from the building, or keep a small “zone” between the building and outside areas, the width of a sidewalk.
  • Facilities may require periodic re-fingerprinting.  RF changes occur without your knowledge, RF tends to drift overtime.
3)      Managing Expectations
ALP reports the top two locations it believes you are at based on your trained fingerprinted values.  It sometimes will report only one winner, this is not because something went wrong, but because it is so sure of the match.  It will report a location within 20 feet 95% of the time. What does this mean?  The room above is within 20 feet, the room across the hall is within 20 feet.  A common area might be within 20 feet of a corner room.  These are considered successful hits, though may cause confusion for end users.  Use common sense.  If you see an incident from room 708 and the resident is always in the room and ALP gives you room 808, there’s a good chance they are in their room.
Outside locations are going to be less accurate than inside the building.  Particularly in parking lots, the metal from the cars simply interferes with RF.  There are several things you can do to improve it:  Fingerprint a reasonable distance from the building instead of building a virtual wall next to the building (as mentioned above).  An outside locator, also placed a reasonable distance from the building when possible will help improve outside location accuracy as well.
 
CONCLUSION:
ALP and fingerprinting can be an art form.  It’s a feature in which precision on the front end will improve its capability.  ALP includes many nuances and knowledge of the document we have just posted online is paramount.  We are continuously making improvements to ALP software to find ways to make it even more accurate, thus you should consult your documentation frequently, especially before any new fingerprint or maintenance.