iBeacon, Eddystone, Bluetooth, IoT sensor beacons, apps, platforms
We previously described how social distance beacons differ from ordinary beacons. Devices advertise AND scan rather than just advertise OR scan. The principle is the same with with smartphones using the Apple/Google Exposure Notification API. The problem with smartphones is that their transmit and receive capabilities vary widely. The received signal strength (RSSI) is inconsistent … Continue reading “Social Distancing Bluetooth RSSI Calibration”
In a previous post we explained how the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) can be used to infer distance. Contract tracing apps provided by governments and workplace social distancing solutions use the RSSI to detect close contact. This post explores some factors that affect how well such systems work. With Bluetooth LE the sender repeatedly … Continue reading “Bluetooth RSSI, Social Distancing and Contact Tracing”
Bluetooth LE can be used to infer distance as is being used in contact tracing and social distancing apps. This is performed from the receiving end using what’s called the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI). This is a number, in dBm units produced by the receiving Bluetooth hardware that gives the wireless signal strength. [dBm … Continue reading “Bluetooth LE Distance Determination Using RSSI”
There’s a recent paper by Hongji Cao,Yunjia Wang,Jingxue Bi and Hongxia Qi of China University of Mining and Technology on An Adaptive Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Fingerprint Positioning Method based on Gaussian Process Regression and Relative Distance. The paper looks into how to combine both Bluetooth fingerprint positioning (BFP) and Wi-Fi fingerprint positioning (WFP) to provide for an … Continue reading “Using Bluetooth and WiFi RSSI for Locating”
In our previous post on iBeacon Microlocation Accuracy we explained how distance can be inferred from the received signal strength indicator (RSSI). We also explained how techniques such as trilateration, calibration and angle of arrival (AoA) can be used to improve location accuracy. There’s new research presented at The 17th Annual International Conference on Mobile … Continue reading “Using AI Machine Learning on Bluetooth RSSI to Obtain Location”
RSSI is the signal strength at the Bluetooth receiver. The signal type, for example, iBeacon, Eddystone or sensor beacon is irrelevant. The value of the RSSI can be used to infer distance. The accuracy of the distance measurement depends on many factors such as the type of sending device used, the output power, the capability of … Continue reading “Obtaining Distance from RSSI”
NirSoft has released a new application for Windows called BluetoothLEView. This lightweight tool is a standalone .exe file that does not require installation, making it easy to use on Windows 10 and Windows 11. BluetoothLEView detects and monitors nearby Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) devices, including beacons. It displays detailed information such as the device’s MAC … Continue reading “New BluetoothLEView by NirSoft”
A new study (pdf) explores optimising Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon-based indoor positioning systems using support vector regression (SVR). It addresses the challenge of accurately identifying building occupants’ locations in real time, a critical requirement for applications such as emergency evacuations and asset tracking. Traditional methods, including trilateration and RSSI-based techniques, can face limitations like … Continue reading “Using Support Vector Regression (SVR) with Beacons”
New research focuses on enhancing indoor localisation using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology by addressing challenges in signal instability and noise. The authors propose a system combining the Kalman filter for signal smoothing and deep learning models, specifically Autoencoders and Convolutional Autoencoders, for feature extraction from Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) data. The method uses … Continue reading “Improving Bluetooth Location Accuracy”
Bluetooth Channel Sounding is a new feature introduced in Bluetooth 6.0 that enhances distance ranging capabilities. It builds upon Bluetooth Low Energy’s (LE) established use in device positioning and location services. Channel Sounding enables secure and precise distance measurement between devices, opening possibilities for innovative applications, especially in mobile phones and battery-powered devices. The technology … Continue reading “Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding”
