ISO/IEC 24730-1:2014

Overview

ISO/IEC 24730-1:2014 specifies the Application Programming Interface (API) for Real‑Time Locating Systems (RTLS). The standard defines a minimal, interoperable boundary that lets application software consume real‑time location data produced by an RTLS infrastructure - specifically the information contained in RTLS tag “blinks.” Its goal is to simplify adoption, encourage vendor interoperability, and support high‑rate message streams for asset tracking and location-aware applications.

Key topics and technical requirements

• API purpose and scope: Defines the interface for applications to collect RTLS tag blink data; the API is the minimum service required for RTLS API compatibility.
• Transport and formats:
  • Text over Socket (mandatory) - a TCP/IP “Text over Socket” stream (SLMF-Sockets) delivering messages separated by .
  • Simple Location Message Format (SLMF) - mandatory comma‑separated, non‑verbose text format for high throughput.
  • Simple Location Message Protocol (SLMP) - protocol name for the API; optional XML format available for higher‑level transports.
  • Optional transports - HTTP, JMS, REST, SOAP; if REST or SOAP are used, XML format is required. SLMF-HTTP is optional.
• Performance target: Designed to easily support high message rates (target example: ~3,000 messages per second) to accommodate dense tag deployments.
• Connection behavior:
  • Persistent TCP/IP connections, keep‑alive messages if silent for long periods.
  • Client applications should attempt periodic reconnects on disconnection.
  • Multiple concurrent client connections supported.
• Device model: API assumes a minimal “collection and forwarding” device - no persistence or historical state required; API exposes tag events, not tag status.
• Message formatting: Messages are human‑readable, comma‑separated fields; CR/LF delimiters facilitate console display and parsing.
• Security: Security mechanisms are intentionally excluded from this part of the standard (left to implementers or other layers).
• Normative references: Includes references to ISO/IEC 15963, XML, SOAP and related identification standards.

Practical applications and users

ISO/IEC 24730-1 is targeted at:

• RTLS vendors and system integrators implementing interoperable APIs for readers, gateways, and RTLS servers.
• Application developers building asset‑tracking, logistics, healthcare location services, indoor navigation, and IoT platforms.
• Systems architects and facility managers who require standard interfaces to integrate RTLS data into business systems, analytics, and databases. Practical uses include real‑time asset tracking, personnel location, equipment monitoring, supply chain visibility, and location‑aware automation.

Related standards

• Other parts of ISO/IEC 24730 (air interfaces): Part 2, Part 21, Part 22, Part 5, Part 61, Part 62 - defining DSSS, CSS and UWB air interface protocols.
• Referenced technologies: XML, SOAP, and unique identification standards (ISO/IEC 15963, EUI identifiers).

Keywords: ISO/IEC 24730-1, RTLS API, SLMP, SLMF, SLMF‑Sockets, TCP/IP, real‑time locating system, tag blinks, RTLS interoperability, RTLS integration