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”
It’s often the case you need to know if a beacon is working and advertising the correct information. It’s also sometimes necessary to differentiate between beacons, based on their signal strength, so you know you are setting up the correct beacon. Other times, you might want to know a beacon’s MAC address. The best scanning … Continue reading “Testing if a Beacon is Working”
A new study uses an indoor localisation system that integrates Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) with an Internet of Things (IoT) framework to improve accuracy in tracking individuals, particularly those with cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. The system employs an auto-adjusting algorithm that dynamically optimises received signal strength indicator (RSSI) coefficients based on real-time … Continue reading “Auto-Adjusting Location Algorithm”
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”
