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”
There’s new research evaluating the performance of a Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) positioning and direction-finding system under conditions that closely mimic real-world usage. The aim of the study was to enhance a BLE-based hybrid algorithm, which integrates both positioning and direction-finding capabilities. The researchers focused on evaluating the system in realistic conditions, which included using multiple … Continue reading “Real-World Performance Evaluation of a Hybrid Bluetooth Low-Energy Positioning and Direction-Finding System”
New research (pdf) looks into the development of an application that tracks user indoor movement logs using Bluetooth beacons. The main focus is on creating a system that is easy to install and use without requiring expertise in beacon installation or positioning analysis. This application is designed for personal home use and simplifies the process … Continue reading “Creating User Indoor Movement Logs”
There’s a new paper (pdf) on a low-cost wayfinder system using Bluetooth’s Angle-of-Arrival (AoA) technology. This system is designed to help visually impaired individuals navigate public spaces, such as airports or shopping centres. The innovation lies in moving the antenna array required for angle measurement onto the user’s device, simplifying the beacon infrastructure. Each beacon … Continue reading “Low-Cost AoA Wayfinding”
A short-range beacon is useful in scenarios where precise proximity detection is crucial. For instance, in retail environments, it can trigger notifications when a customer is near a till or near a specific product. In museums, it can provide detailed information about an exhibit when a visitor is directly in front of it. Short-range beacons … Continue reading “What is the Beacon With the Shortest Range?”
