Wireless infrastructure using Bluetooth
BLE devices form a redundant communication network to ensure continuous data transfer by establishing short-range connections when Internet connectivity fails, addressing reliability issues in Wi-Fi, enabling data transfer via Bluetooth or cellular networks.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THE BOEING CO
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
Internet connections, particularly wireless Internet connections (Wi-Fi), used on vehicles, are not always reliable and can fail due to various events such as vehicle movement, multiple roaming access points, intermittent Internet access, or dead zones, leading to disruptions in data transfer between connected devices.
Utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices to establish short-range connections between devices when Internet connectivity fails, enabling data transfer through a mesh network of BLE devices to a gateway via Bluetooth signals or cellular networks.
Ensures continuous data transfer by establishing redundant communication pathways using BLE devices, maintaining data flow even when Internet connectivity is lost, and facilitating data transfer through alternative means like Wi-Fi, WLAN, or cellular networks.
Smart Images
Figure 2026097749000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001]
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to wireless communication technology, and more particularly to short - range communication between short - range - capable devices when Internet communication is lost.
Background Art
[0002]
[0002] The Internet has become indispensable for performing business - related or personal tasks. For example, many companies and organizations have business practices that require the Internet to transmit data from multiple devices. An example of a business practice that depends on an Internet connection is air cargo operations. In normal operations, multiple devices placed within an airport associated with air cargo operations require an Internet connection at any given time for cargo location, identification, and tracking.
[0003]
[0003] However, Internet connections, particularly wireless Internet connections (i.e., Wi - Fi) used on vehicles, are not always reliable and can fail due to various events such as vehicle movement, multiple roaming access points, intermittent Internet access, or dead zones. When the Internet fails, valuable information may be lost or reception may be delayed. These failures can disrupt the flow of data between connected devices and make it difficult to maintain a connection for data transfer.
[0004]
[0004] Fortunately, alternative methods exist for transmitting data. One such alternative to wireless internet connectivity is Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE). BLE provides wireless data transfer, including uploading and downloading data, similar to WiFi. While both Bluetooth and WiFi are wireless technologies that use radio signals for communication, they differ in purpose and function. BLE is a low-energy option used for short-range connections between devices (compared to Wi-Fi), while Wi-Fi connects devices to a network for internet access. In certain environments where devices are in close proximity to each other, especially when internet connectivity fails, BLE can be a reliable solution for transmitting data. [Overview of the project]
[0005]
[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for transmitting data from a first Bluetooth Low Power (BLE) device. The method includes determining that the first BLE device has failed to connect to the Internet. The method further includes determining that a second BLE device is in the vicinity of the first BLE device. The method further includes transmitting data from the first BLE device to the second BLE device via BLE.
[0006]
[0006] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining whether the second BLE device can connect to the internet before transmitting data from the first BLE device to the second BLE device.
[0007]
[0007] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining that the second BLE device has failed to connect to the internet after receiving data in the second BLE device.
[0008]
[0008] In some embodiments, the method further includes, in response to the second BLE device determining that an internet connection is unavailable, the third BLE device transmitting data via a BLE signal from the second BLE device to the third BLE device, and the third BLE device transmitting data to the gateway, while the third BLE device is within a threshold distance from the second BLE device.
[0009]
[0009] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining that the second BLE device is able to use a cellular network in response to the determination that the second BLE device has failed to connect to the internet.
[0010]
[0010] In some embodiments, the method further includes the first BLE device sending a request message to a second BLE device to request BLE communication with the second BLE device, and the second BLE device receiving an acknowledgment from the second BLE indicating that it can receive BLE signals from the first BLE device.
[0011]
[0011] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending data from the second BLE device to the gateway when it determines that there is no internet interference.
[0012]
[0012] In some embodiments, the first BLE device is located inside the vehicle.
[0013]
[0013] In some embodiments, the second BLE device is a peripheral device located at the airport.
[0014]
[0014] In some embodiments, the first BLE device and the second BLE device are not providing service within the same cellular network.
[0015]
[0015] One embodiment relates to a method for transmitting data from a first BLE device having an internet failure. The method includes detecting a second BLE device that can make a BLE connection. The method further includes transmitting data from the first BLE device to the second BLE device via BLE. The method further includes determining that the second BLE device has an internet connection available. In addition, the method includes transmitting data to a gateway in response to determining that the second BLE device has an internet connection available.
[0016]
[0016] In another embodiment, the first BLE device and the second BLE device are Internet of Things (IOT) devices.
[0017]
[0017] In another embodiment, the second BLE device is part of a node-to-node network connected via BLE signals.
[0018]
[0018] In another embodiment, the method further includes the first BLE device sending a request message to the second BLE device to request BLE communication with the second BLE device, the second BLE device receiving an acknowledgment from the second BLE indicating that it can receive BLE signals from the first BLE device, and the first BLE device sending data to the second BLE device in response to receiving the acknowledgment.
[0019]
[0019] In another embodiment, the first BLE device is located inside the vehicle.
[0020]
[0020] In another embodiment, the second BLE device is a peripheral device located at the airport.
[0021]
[0021] In another embodiment, the first BLE device and the second BLE device are not providing service within the same cellular network.
[0022]
[0022] In yet another aspect, the Disclosure provides a method for transmitting data from a second BLE device. The method includes receiving a request message in the second BLE device from a first BLE device requesting BLE communication. The method further includes the second BLE device transmitting an acknowledgment to the first BLE device indicating that the second BLE device can receive BLE signals from the first BLE device. The method further includes receiving data from the first BLE device via BLE depending on whether the distance between the second BLE device and the first BLE device is less than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes determining that the second BLE device has access to the Internet. In addition, the method includes transmitting data from the second BLE device to a gateway depending on whether it has determined that it has access to the Internet.
[0023]
[0023] In another embodiment, the method further includes determining whether an internet connection is available in the second BLE device before receiving data from the first BLE device via BLE.
[0024] In another embodiment, the method further includes detecting the distance between a third BLE device and a second BLE device in response to the second BLE device being unable to use a cellular network, determining that the distance is below a threshold, transmitting data from the second BLE device to the third BLE device, and transmitting data from the third BLE device to a gateway.
[0025]
[0024] The above-described features, functions, and advantages can be realized individually in various embodiments or in combination in yet another set of embodiments, and these details can be found by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0026] [Figure 1]
[0025] An isometric view of an aircraft equipped with a BLE-compatible device. [Figure 2]
[0026] An isometric view of the cargo loaded on the aircraft. [Figure 3]
[0027] A schematic diagram showing a wireless infrastructure including a BLE-compatible device. [Figure 4]
[0028] A flowchart showing a method for enabling BLE within a wireless infrastructure. [Figure 5]
[0029] A flowchart showing a method for enabling BLE within a wireless infrastructure. [Figure 6]
[0030] A flowchart showing a method for enabling BLE within a wireless infrastructure. [Figure 7]
[0031] A flowchart showing a method for enabling BLE within a wireless infrastructure. [Figure 8]
[0032] A flowchart showing a method for enabling BLE within a wireless infrastructure. [Figure 9]
[0033] A schematic block diagram showing an exemplary BLE-compatible device. [Figure 10]
[0034] A schematic block diagram showing an exemplary gateway.
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0027]
[0035] This disclosure generally pertains to wireless infrastructure that utilizes adjacent BLE devices to enable wireless communication connectivity. When an internet connection to a first BLE device fails, the first device alternatively locates another device with an internet connection and secures a Bluetooth Low Power (BLE) connection with that other device. The BLE connection with the other device prevents the user from losing internet access entirely. This connection between devices enables data to be uploaded or downloaded over internet access (e.g., Wi-Fi, WLAN, LAN, cable, etc.).
[0028]
[0036] BLE-enabled redundant systems have applications in a variety of different contexts. One application is when BLE devices are deployed on a vehicle. Figure 1 shows one specific example where the vehicle is an aircraft 100 configured to transport people and / or cargo.
[0029]
[0037] In some embodiments, one or more vehicle BLE-enabled devices 101 (vehicle BLE devices) are located on the vehicle. Various vehicle BLE devices 101 can have various configurations. In some embodiments, the vehicle BLE device 101 is specific to a person, such as a passenger or crew member in the vehicle. Several examples of these types of vehicle BLE devices 101 include, but are not limited to, laptop computers, tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches. In some embodiments, the vehicle BLE device 101 is integrated into the vehicle 100. An example of this type of vehicle BLE device 101 is an Internet of Things (IoT) device configured to enable communication with the vehicle 100.
[0030]
[0038] In some embodiments, the BLE device 101 is attached to cargo 200 being transported by an aircraft 100. The BLE device 101 is configured to track the cargo 200 during transport. Figure 2 shows an example of cargo 200 equipped with the BLE device 101. In this example, the cargo 200 consists of individual, relatively small containers arranged on a pallet. Each individual package is equipped with the BLE device 101. In several other embodiments, the cargo 200 is a larger unit load device (ULD) used to load baggage, cargo, and mail onto wide-body and certain narrow-body aircraft. In some embodiments, the vehicle BLE device 101 is attached to the ULD.
[0031]
[0039] While on the aircraft 100, the vehicle BLE device 101 connects to the internet via a gateway. Figure 3 shows one embodiment in which one or more BLE devices 101 are communicably connected via a gateway 350 to one or more existing systems 360 that enable internet access. The gateway 350 may be, for example, a central cloud or server.
[0032]
[0040] Problems arise when the BLE device 101 mounted on the vehicle 100 cannot access the internet via the gateway 350. Non-limited failures can occur, including a variety of events, such as the BLE device 101 being unable to connect to the gateway 350. Non-limited failures can occur in a variety of situations, including when the vehicle 100 moves to a dead spot, the internet service provider goes down, hardware problems affect the router or cable, outdated software, and congestion. Another failure occurs when the signal strength in the vehicle BLE device 101 falls below a predetermined threshold. Signal strength determines the latency, quality, and reliability of data transfer. For example, a weak signal may result in delayed signals, missing data, or no data transfer at all. Therefore, a predetermined threshold signal strength can be used as a cutoff for signal transmission. In some embodiments, the signal strength may be in the range of approximately -30 dBm to -110 dBm. The closer the number is to 0, the stronger the cell signal. A Wi-Fi signal strength of -30 dBm is considered a perfect signal. A Wi-Fi signal strength of -90dBm is considered indicative of a disconnection. A good signal is between -50dBm and -67dBm. A signal of -50dBm is considered excellent. In some implementations, -67dBm is the minimum reliable signal reading. Anything less than -67dBm will cause problems. In some implementations, the threshold is set to -70dBm.
[0033]
[0041] When the internet signal fails and the vehicle BLE device 101 wants to send data to the gateway 350, the vehicle BLE device 101 requests assistance from an adjacent ground BLE device 301. When the vehicle BLE device 101 detects the ground BLE device 301, data is sent from the vehicle BLE device 101 to the ground BLE device 301. The ground BLE device 301 then sends the data to the gateway 350 via an internet or WLAN connection available to the ground BLE device 301. If the ground BLE device 301 does not have a connection, the ground BLE device 301 sends the data to another ground BLE device 301 via a BLE connection. This process continues until a ground BLE device 301 is able to send data to the gateway 350.
[0034]
[0042] As shown in Figure 3, at least one ground BLE device 301 is located outside and near the vehicle 100 to enable BLE connectivity. Another ground BLE device 301 is located near the first ground BLE device 301 to enable communication for data transfer if the first ground BLE device 301 lacks connectivity to the gateway 350. The ground BLE devices 301 are interconnected via BLE. Thereafter, they generate a mesh or network of nodes that form a node-to-node network 310.
[0035]
[0043] Communication between various BLE devices 101 and 301 requires the devices to be in close proximity to each other. BLE is often used for short-range applications, and signals can range from 0 to 25 meters to over 1 kilometer, depending on several factors including the environment, power, and sensitivity of the BLE devices, as well as the type of BLE technology used. In some embodiments, to facilitate communication, a BLE device searches to connect with multiple other devices within a predetermined threshold range. For example, in ground operations at an airport, the threshold may be set to less than 130m.
[0036]
[0044] The number and types of ground BLE devices 301 can vary. In some embodiments, the ground BLE devices 301 include peripheral devices placed on the ground at an airport. Several examples of peripheral devices include, but are not limited to, laptop computers, tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches. In some embodiments, these are used by people working in the vicinity of vehicle 100. In one embodiment of an aircraft, these may include, but are not limited to, cargo handlers, gate agents, and food service providers. In some embodiments, the ground BLE devices 301 are placed inside other vehicles in the vicinity of vehicle 100. Again, using the context of an aircraft, several examples include, but are not limited to, other aircraft, refueling vehicles, and cargo transport vehicles. Another embodiment includes devices inside a building in the vicinity of vehicle 100, such as within an airport terminal. In various embodiments, the ground BLE devices 301 may be statically placed relative to vehicle 100 or they may be movable relative to vehicle 100.
[0037]
[0045] The ground BLE device 301 transmits data to the gateway 350 in various ways. One way is to transmit the data wirelessly, such as via Wi-Fi, over an internet connection or cellular connection. Several other examples include hardwired connections.
[0038]
[0046] The existing system 360 refers to airline back-office software that may include various applications and databases configured using (one or more) application programming interfaces (APIs). For example, the existing system 360 may include, for example, a cloud module designed to manage and process data streams from a BLE network 310. Data streamed from BLE devices 101 and 301 may be stored in the database.
[0039]
[0047] The API facilitates seamless integration and communication between the database and various consumer-facing applications, enabling real-time aggregation, analysis, and distribution of data. A publishing / subscription mechanism may also exist where BLE devices 101 and 301 publish data on specific topics, and subscribers (which may be applications, services, or other cloud components) receive updates based on their subscriptions.
[0040]
[0048] Figure 4 shows a method (400) for transmitting data. In some embodiments, this method is triggered when a vehicle BLE device 101 wants to transmit data but fails to connect to the internet. The vehicle BLE device 101 aims to transmit data to the gateway 350 in an alternative way. The vehicle BLE device 101 detects nearby adjacent ground BLE devices 301 (block 401) that can be used to pass the data along the gateway 350.
[0041]
[0049] When at least one adjacent ground BLE device 301 is found, the vehicle BLE device 101 determines whether the distance to the ground BLE device 301 is within a threshold (block 402). If this distance is less than the threshold, the ground BLE device 301 is determined to be within range, and the vehicle BLE device 101 uses BLE to transfer data to the ground BLE device 301 (block 403).
[0042]
[0050] After receiving the data, the terrestrial BLE device 301 determines whether it can connect to the gateway 350. The terrestrial BLE device 301 determines whether the internet is available to transfer the data (block 404). If the internet is available, the data is sent to the gateway 350 via the internet connection (block 405). In some embodiments, the internet connection is a WiFi connection. If the internet connection is not available, the terrestrial BLE device 301 determines whether a cellular network (e.g., a 5G or 4G network) is available (block 406). If a cellular network is available, the data is transferred to the gateway (block 407). If a cellular network is not available, the terrestrial BLE device 301 searches for a second terrestrial BLE device 301 in the node-to-node network 310 to transfer the data. If a second terrestrial BLE device 301 (e.g., a second device) is found, the data is transferred to the second terrestrial BLE device 301 (block 408). Next, the second ground BLE device 301 performs a similar process of transmitting data to the gateway 350.
[0043]
[0051] In some embodiments, before the vehicle BLE device 101 transmits data to the ground BLE device 301, the ground BLE device 301 determines whether it can transmit data over the internet. If there is no internet connection on the ground BLE device 301, the ground BLE device 301 notifies the vehicle BLE device 101, and this data is not transmitted to the ground BLE device 301. Instead, the vehicle BLE device 101 finds an alternative ground BLE device 301 that has an internet connection to transmit the data.
[0044]
[0052] In some embodiments, the vehicle BLE device 101 determines whether the ground BLE device 301 has an internet connection. The vehicle BLE device 101 queries the ground BLE device 301 to determine the internet connection status of the ground BLE device 301 (e.g., whether it is connected or not). In some embodiments, the vehicle BLE device 101 transmits data only after the ground BLE device 301 has confirmed that it has an internet connection.
[0045]
[0053] Figure 5 shows a method 500 for transmitting data from the vehicle BLE device 101. The vehicle BLE device 101 identifies an internet connection failure (block 501). An internet connection may fail for several different reasons, for example, if there is a poor quality Wi-Fi signal, the internet service provider is down, hardware problems affect the router or cable, the software is outdated, and congestion is occurring.
[0046]
[0054] After a failure, the vehicle BLE device 101 determines that the ground BLE device 301 is nearby (block 502). When the ground BLE device 301 is within a threshold distance, the ground BLE device 301 is nearby, and this allows the vehicle BLE device 101 to transmit data to the ground BLE device 301 via BLE. In some embodiments, this distance is determined by the vehicle BLE device 101 using GPS coordinates or other localization features to identify the two locations. In some embodiments, the threshold is based on a predetermined BLE signal quality between devices 101 and 301. For example, the BLE signal quality may exceed a predetermined strength or a specific signal quality.
[0047]
[0055] In some embodiments, a vehicle BLE device 101 detects two or more ground BLE devices 301. The vehicle BLE device 101 identifies the best option, such as using the ground BLE device 301 with the shortest threshold distance or the highest BLE signal quality among the detected devices.
[0048]
[0056] In some embodiments, before transmitting data via a BLE signal, the vehicle BLE device 101 sends a request message to the ground BLE device 301 requesting BLE communication with a second BLE device 301. Once the vehicle BLE device 101 receives an acknowledgment from the ground BLE device 301 indicating that device 301 can receive BLE signals from the vehicle BLE device 101, it transmits the data.
[0049]
[0057] After identifying the ground BLE device 301, the vehicle BLE device 101 transmits data to the ground BLE device 301 via BLE signals (block 503).
[0050]
[0058] After receiving the data, the ground BLE device 301, if it determines that there is no internet interference, sends the data to the gateway 350. The connection mode can change; for example, it could be Wi-Fi or a cable internet connection.
[0051]
[0059] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the ground BLE device 301 can transmit data to the gateway 350. In several other embodiments, one or more further transfers to several other ground BLE devices 301 are required to ultimately transmit the data to the gateway 350. This transfer continues until the data is received by a ground BLE device 301 with an internet connection that can transmit the data to the gateway 350.
[0052]
[0060] In some embodiments, two or more terrestrial BLE devices 301 within a node-to-node network 310 are not served within the same cellular network. In this case, multiple cellular networks may be checked to determine the possibility of internet connectivity with multiple devices within the node-to-node network 310.
[0053]
[0061] Figure 6 shows the method (600) of the ground BLE device 301. The ground BLE device 301 receives a request message from the vehicle BLE device 101 requesting BLE communication (block 601). The ground BLE device 301 sends an acknowledgment to the vehicle BLE device 101 indicating that the ground BLE device 301 can receive BLE signals (block 602). Depending on whether the distance between devices 301 and 101 is less than a predetermined threshold, the ground BLE device 301 receives data from the vehicle BLE device 101 via BLE (block 603).
[0054]
[0062] The ground BLE device 301 determines that an internet connection is available (block 604). The internet connection is available on the same or a different network as the network associated with the vehicle BLE device 101. In response to determining that an internet connection is available, the ground BLE device 301 transmits data to the gateway 350 (block 605). In some embodiments, the gateway 350 is connected to the node-to-node network 310 via one or more networks associated with one or more nodes in the node-to-node network 310.
[0055]
[0063] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating how data is transferred within a wireless infrastructure. A ground BLE device 301 receives data from another BLE device via BLE (block 701). The data may be from a vehicle BLE device 101 or another ground BLE device 301. Once data is transmitted, the ground BLE device 301 determines whether the internet is available (block 702). If the ground BLE device 301 has internet access, it transmits the data to the gateway 350 via the internet connection (block 703). If the ground BLE device 301 does not have internet access, it determines whether a cellular network is available (block 704). If a cellular network is available, the ground BLE device 301 transmits the data to the gateway 350 via the cellular network (block 705). If a cellular network is unavailable, the ground BLE device 301 searches for another ground BLE device 301 (block 706). If detected, the data is transmitted via BLE to the detected ground BLE device 301 (block 707).
[0056]
[0064] Figure 8 shows a method 800 for transmitting data from a vehicle BLE device 101 that has lost its internet connection. The vehicle BLE device 101 detects a ground BLE device 301 that can establish a BLE connection (block 801). The detection of the ground BLE device 301 can be triggered proactively or retrospectively. For example, the vehicle BLE device 101 periodically searches for the ground BLE device 301, regardless of whether the vehicle BLE device 101 has an internet connection or not. In several other embodiments, the vehicle BLE device 101 does not search for the ground BLE device 301 until it loses its internet connection.
[0057]
[0065] After detecting the ground BLE device 301, the vehicle BLE device 101 determines that the distance is less than a predetermined threshold (block 802). The vehicle BLE device 101 transmits data to the ground BLE device 301 via BLE (block 803). The ground BLE device 301 determines whether it has an internet connection (block 804). If it has an internet connection, the ground BLE device 301 transmits data to the gateway 350 (block 805). If the ground BLE device 301 fails to establish an internet connection, the ground BLE device 301 determines whether a cellular network is available (block 806). If a cellular network is available, the data is transmitted from the second BLE device 301 to the gateway 350 via the cellular network (block 807). If a cellular network is unavailable, the ground BLE device 301 searches for a third BLE device 301 within a threshold distance from the second BLE device 301 (block 808). When a third BLE device is found, the ground BLE device 301 uses BLE to transfer the data obtained from the vehicle BLE device to the third BLE device 301 (block 809).
[0058]
[0066] In some embodiments, the terrestrial BLE device 301 first determines whether an internet connection is available to transfer data (e.g., block 804). If an internet connection is not available, the method checks for a cellular connection (e.g., block 806). In several other embodiments, the sequence is reversed, with the cellular network being identified first, followed by the internet connection if necessary.
[0059]
[0067] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary BLE device 901. The vehicle BLE device 101 and the ground BLE device 301 are multiple examples of the BLE device 901. The BLE-enabled device 901 can be any electronic device including a BLE module 980. The BLE module 980 is a compact electronic device equipped with BLE technology that enables the transfer of data via BLE signals. The BLE module 980 acts as an interface with other BLE devices, enabling BLE data transmission, collection, processing, and transfer among multiple BLE devices 901.
[0060]
[0068] The BLE device 901 includes a processing circuit 910, a memory circuit 930, and an interface circuit 950. The processing circuit 910 is communicatively coupled to the memory circuit 930 and the interface circuit 950, for example, via one or more buses 920. The processing circuit 910 includes one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, hardware circuits, individual logic circuits, hardware registers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the processing circuit 910 is programmable hardware capable of executing stored software programs 940, such as a machine-readable computer program 940 in the memory circuit 930.
[0061]
[0069] The memory circuit 930 includes non-transient, machine-readable media, including, but not limited to, solid media (e.g., SRAM, DRAM, DDRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, flash memory, solid-state drives, etc.), removable storage devices (e.g., Secure Digital (SD) cards, miniSD cards, microSD cards, Memory Sticks, thumb drives, USB flash drives, ROM cartridges, universal media disks), fixed drives (e.g., magnetic hard disk drives), etc., either as a whole or in various combinations, regardless of whether they are volatile or non-volatile. The memory 930 can store one or more software programs 940.
[0062]
[0070] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 950 is a controller hub configured to control the input and output (I / O) data paths of the BLE device 901. Such I / O data paths may include data paths for exchanging signals over a communication network and data paths for exchanging signals with electronic devices or users. For example, the interface circuit 950 includes transceivers configured to send and receive communication signals over one or more of a wireless network, an Ethernet network, or an optical network. In some embodiments, the interface circuit 950 includes (or is communicably connected to) one or more of a graphics adapter, a DisplayPort, a video bus, a touchscreen, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a DisplayPort, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and a light-emitting diode (LED) display for presenting visual information to the user. In some embodiments, the interface circuit 950 includes one or more of a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, stylus, touchpad, trackball, pointing stick, joystick), a touchscreen, a microphone for voice input, an optical sensor for gesture light recognition, and a keyboard for character input.
[0063]
[0071] The interface circuit 950 can be implemented as a single physical component or as multiple physical components arranged adjacently or separately, any of which can be coupled to or capable of communicating with others via the processing circuit 910. In one embodiment, the interface circuit 950 includes an output circuit (e.g., a transmitter 960 configured to transmit communication signals over a communication network) and an input circuit (e.g., a receiver 970 configured to receive communication signals over a communication network). Similarly, the output circuit may include a display, while the input circuit may include a keyboard, touchscreen, or card reader. Numerous other embodiments, modifications and arrangements described above, and their equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0064]
[0072] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary gateway 350. The gateway 350 includes a processing circuit 1110, a memory circuit 1130, and an interface circuit 1150. The processing circuit 1110 is communicatively coupled to the memory circuit 1130 and the interface circuit 1150, for example, via one or more buses 1120. The processing circuit 1110 includes one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, hardware circuits, individual logic circuits, hardware registers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the processing circuit 1110 is programmable hardware capable of executing stored software programs 1140, such as a machine-readable computer program 1140 in the memory circuit 1130.
[0065]
[0073] The memory circuit 1130 includes non-transient, machine-readable media, including, but not limited to, solid media (e.g., SRAM, DRAM, DDRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, flash memory, solid-state drives, etc.), removable storage devices (e.g., Secure Digital (SD) cards, miniSD cards, microSD cards, Memory Sticks, thumb drives, USB flash drives, ROM cartridges, universal media disks), fixed drives (e.g., magnetic hard disk drives), etc., either as a whole or in various combinations, regardless of whether they are volatile or non-volatile. The memory 1130 can store one or more software programs 1140.
[0066]
[0074] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 1150 is a controller hub configured to control the input and output (I / O) data paths of the gateway 350. Such I / O data paths may include data paths for exchanging signals over a communication network and data paths for exchanging signals with electronic devices or users. For example, the interface circuit 1150 includes transceivers configured to send and receive communication signals over one or more of a wireless network, Ethernet network, or optical network. In some embodiments, the interface circuit 1150 includes (or is communicably connected to) one or more of a graphics adapter, DisplayPort, video bus, touchscreen, graphics processing unit (GPU), DisplayPort, liquid crystal (LCD), and light-emitting diode (LED) display for presenting visual information to the user. In some embodiments, the interface circuit 1150 includes one or more of a pointing device (e.g., mouse, stylus, touchpad, trackball, pointing stick, joystick), touchscreen, microphone for voice input, optical sensor for gesture light recognition, and keyboard for character input.
[0067]
[0075] The interface circuit 1150 can be implemented as a single physical component or as multiple physical components arranged adjacently or separately, any of which can be coupled to or capable of communicating with others via the processing circuit 1110. In one embodiment, the interface circuit 1150 includes an output circuit (e.g., a transmitter 1160 configured to transmit communication signals over a communication network) and an input circuit (e.g., a receiver 1170 configured to receive communication signals over a communication network). Similarly, the output circuit may include a display, while the input circuit may include a keyboard, touchscreen, or card reader. Numerous other embodiments, modifications and arrangements described above, and their equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0068]
[0076] The vehicle BLE device 101, gateway 350, and existing system 360 are connected to upload or download via internet access (e.g., Wi-Fi, WLAN, etc.). The node-to-node network 310 may connect to one or more aircraft 100 at one time or simultaneously. Each ground BLE device 301 may connect to the same or different wireless network.
[0069]
[0077] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of aircraft 100. Numerous other examples of aircraft 100 include, but are not limited to, manned aircraft, unmanned aircraft, manned spacecraft, unmanned spacecraft, manned rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned rotary-wing aircraft, satellites, rockets, missiles, manned ground vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles, and combinations thereof. The systems and methods are also applicable in other contexts, including, but not limited to, other vehicles such as ships, vessels, trucks, and automobiles.
[0070]
[0078] The present invention may, of course, be carried out in ways different from those specifically described herein, without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. This embodiment should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-limiting, and all modifications that fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be encompassed within the claims.
Claims
1. A method for transmitting data from a first Bluetooth Low Power (BLE) device, The first BLE device (101) determines that it has failed to connect to the internet (501), Determining that the second BLE device (301) is in the vicinity of the first BLE device (101) (502), and A method comprising transmitting the data via BLE from the first BLE device (101) to the second BLE device (301) (503).
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining whether the second BLE device (301) can connect to the internet before transmitting the data from the first BLE device (101) to the second BLE device (301).
3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining that the second BLE device (301) has failed to connect to the internet after receiving the data.
4. In response to the second BLE device (301) determining that it cannot use an internet connection, the third BLE device (301) transmits the data from the second BLE device (301) to the third BLE device (301) via a BLE signal while the third BLE device (301) is within a threshold distance from the second BLE device (301), and The method according to claim 3, further comprising transmitting the data from the third BLE device (301) to the gateway (350).
5. The method according to claim 3, further comprising determining that the second BLE device (301) can use a cellular network in response to the second BLE device (301) determining that it has failed to connect to the internet.
6. The first BLE device (101) sends a request message to the second BLE device (301) to request BLE communication with the second BLE device (301), and The method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving an acknowledgment from the second BLE (301) indicating that the second BLE device (301) can receive BLE signals from the first BLE device (101).
7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising transmitting the data from the second BLE device (301) to the gateway (350) when it is determined that there is no internet outage.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first BLE device (101) is located in a vehicle (100).
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the second BLE device (301) is a peripheral device located at an airport.
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first BLE device (101) and the second BLE device (301) are not provided with service within the same cellular network.
11. A method for transmitting data from a first Bluetooth Low Power (BLE) device that has an internet connection failure, Detecting a second BLE device (301) that can establish a BLE connection (401), To transmit data from the first BLE device (101) to the second BLE device (301) via BLE (403), The second BLE device (301) determines that it can use an internet connection (404), and A method comprising transmitting the data from the second BLE device (301) to the gateway (350) (405) in response to the second BLE device (301) determining that it can use the internet connection.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first BLE device (101) and the second BLE device (301) are Internet of Things (IOT) devices.
13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the second BLE device (301) is part of a node-to-node network (310) connected via BLE signals.
14. The first BLE device (101) sends a request message to the second BLE device (301) to request BLE communication with the second BLE device (301). The second BLE device (301) receives an acknowledgment from the first BLE device (101) indicating that it can receive BLE signals from the second BLE (301), and The method according to claim 11, further comprising transmitting the data from the first BLE device (101) to the second BLE device (301) in response to receiving the acknowledgment.
15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first BLE device (101) is located inside a vehicle (100).
16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the second BLE device (301) is a peripheral device located at an airport.
17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first BLE device (101) and the second BLE device (301) are not provided with service within the same cellular network.
18. A method for transmitting data from a second Bluetooth Low Power (BLE) device, The second BLE device (301) receives a request message (601) from the first BLE device (101) that is requesting BLE communication. The second BLE device (301) transmits an acknowledgment to the first BLE device (101) (602) indicating that the second BLE device (301) can receive BLE signals from the first BLE device (101). Depending on whether the distance between the second BLE device (301) and the first BLE device (101) is less than a predetermined threshold, data is received from the first BLE device (101) via BLE (603). The second BLE device (301) determines that it can use an internet connection (604), and A method comprising (605) transmitting the data from the second BLE device (301) to the gateway (350) in response to determining that the internet connection is available.
19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising determining in the second BLE device (301) that the internet connection is available before receiving the data from the first BLE device (101) via BLE.
20. In response to the fact that the second BLE device (301) cannot use the cellular network, the distance between the third BLE device (301) and the second BLE device (301) is detected. Determining that the aforementioned distance is less than the threshold, Transmitting the data from the second BLE device (301) to the third BLE device (301), and The method according to claim 19, further comprising transmitting the data from the third BLE device (301) to the gateway (350).