System having radio beacons

Abstract

The invention relates to a system having a totality of radio beacons, wherein each radio beacon is designed to emit a radio-beacon radio signal identifying the relevant radio beacon and is positioned at an individual location within a local distribution of the totality of the radio beacons, and at least one portable receiving device which is designed to be adjustable for receiving the radio-beacon radio signal, and a coordinator device which is designed to define at least one subgroup of radio beacons from the totality of the radio beacons and to coordinate an emission of the radio-beacon radio signals of the radio beacons of the subgroup and to adjust the receiving device for receiving the radio-beacon radio signals of the subgroup of radio beacons.

Description

[0001] TP0554

[0002] title

[0003] System with radio beacons.

[0004] Description

[0005] Technical field

[0006] The invention relates to a system with radio beacons.

[0007] background

[0008] Radio beacons, also called beacons or radio beacons, are radio devices that transmit a radio beacon signal and are widely used today to, for example, determine the distance between a receiving device and the beacon by analyzing the signal. This is used, for instance, within buildings such as shops, where many such beacons can be fixed at specific locations to determine, for example, whether the receiving device is near one of the beacons. The receiving device calculates and analyzes the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) based on the received beacon signal.

[0009] In practice, however, it has been shown that using the calculated RSSI leads to very inaccurate results regarding the distance of interest between the radio beacon and the receiving device. This is because signal reflections from various pieces of equipment can cause so-called multi-path signal propagation, which can lead to an effect at the receiving device known in technical jargon as multipath propagation. This can cause large fluctuations in the calculated RSSI, significantly impairing its reliability for assessing the distance.

[0010] The invention therefore aims to provide a system that avoids the aforementioned problem. Summary of the invention

[0011] This problem is solved by a system according to claim 1. The subject matter of the invention is therefore a system comprising a set of radio beacons, each beacon being configured to transmit a radio beacon radio signal identifying the respective beacon and being positioned at an individual location within a local distribution of the set of radio beacons, and at least one portable receiving device configured to receive the radio beacon radio signal, and a coordinator device configured to define at least one subgroup of radio beacons from the set of radio beacons and to coordinate the transmission of the radio beacon radio signals of the radio beacons of the subgroup and to adjust the receiving device to receive the radio beacon radio signals of the subgroup of radio beacons.

[0012] This problem is further solved by a first computer-implemented method according to claim 18. The subject matter of the invention is therefore also a first computer-implemented method comprising the following steps, namely, computerized generation of subgroup definition data for defining at least one subgroup of radio beacons from a set of radio beacons, wherein each of the radio beacons is configured to transmit a radio beacon radio signal identifying the radio beacon in question and is positioned at an individual location within a local distribution of the set of radio beacons, and computerized generation of coordination data for coordinating a transmission of the radio beacon radio signals of the radio beacons of the subgroup, and computerized generation of setting data for setting a portable receiver for receiving the radio beacon radio signals of the subgroup of radio beacons.

[0013] This problem is further solved by a second computer-implemented method according to claim 20. The subject matter of the invention is therefore also a second computer-implemented method for setting up a portable receiving device, wherein the receiving device is configured to receive radio beacon signals from a subset of radio beacons from a collection of radio beacons, wherein each of the radio beacons is configured to transmit a radio beacon signal identifying the respective radio beacon and is positioned at an individual location within a local distribution of the collection of radio beacons, wherein the second computer-implemented method comprises the step that

[0014] - the portable receiving device is computerized according to the setting data for receiving the radio beacon radio signals of the subgroup of radio beacons.

[0015] A radio beacon, also known as a "beacon" or "radio beacon", is a radio device that transmits the radio beacon signal, whereby the radio beacon signal carries an information component, in particular coded as identification data, which information component serves to identify the radio beacon in question.

[0016] The term "radio beacons" refers to all radio beacons included in the system. These are positioned at different, individual locations. All these locations combined constitute the geographical distribution of the radio beacons.

[0017] A relationship between identification data that makes the respective radio beacon identifiable and the location of the respective radio beacon is stored in a database, so that by receiving the respective radio beacon radio signal, it is possible to deduce the location of the radio beacon in question.

[0018] The coordinating institution is therefore preferably trained for this:

[0019] - To generate subgroup definition data that defines or selects the members of the radio beacons for one or more subgroups, and

[0020] - To generate coordination data that coordinates the transmission of radio beacon signals from the radio beacons in the subgroup, and

[0021] - To generate setting data which configures the receiving device for receiving the radio beacon radio signals of the subgroup.

[0022] The portable receiver is preferably designed to receive the radio beacon signals of the subgroup of radio beacons according to the reception settings defined by the configuration data. Both the first and second computerized methods can be executed on a single entity or distributed across multiple entities.

[0023] Preferably, the first computerized method is carried out at least partially, and particularly preferably completely, by the coordinator facility.

[0024] Preferably, the second computerized method is carried out at least partially, and particularly preferably completely, by the portable receiving device.

[0025] To avoid the problem mentioned at the beginning of this description, it is now advantageous to define a subgroup of radio beacons from the totality of radio beacons, i.e., a group with fewer, preferably much fewer (a few percent or even only per mille), members than the totality of radio beacons, in particular defined by computer, and to coordinate the transmission of the individual radio beacon signals of these radio beacons forming the subgroup, in particular coordinated by computer, such that the receiving device set according to the coordination can receive exactly the radio beacons of the subgroup.Any multi-path signal propagation that may occur, the interpretation of which ultimately suggests a greater distance than is the case for multi-path signal propagation-free signal transmission, i.e., signal propagation not influenced by the effect of multi-path signal propagation, plays only a minor role or no role at all in the interpretation of the distance between the radio beacon in question and the receiving device.This is because multiple beacon signals from the subgroup are available for this interpretation, and the probability of multi-path signal propagation occurring simultaneously and continuously for all signals is negligible. This is because the receiving device is portable and moved around the vicinity of the beacons in the subgroup, constantly changing environmental conditions that affect the propagating beacon signal. Within the multitude of received beacon signals originating from the subgroup, each signal exhibiting multi-path propagation can be easily identified and simply ignored for interpretation. Therefore, the presence detection, which indicates the receiving device's proximity to the beacon group, becomes significantly more reliable and accurate through this grouping of beacons.The grouping, or in other words the definition of the radio beacons included in the group, thus determines the area of ​​interest for presence detection.

[0026] The proposed solutions thus form a solid basis for reliable presence detection and, subsequently, the basis for an accurate assessment of the distance between the receiving device and the spatial arrangement of the subgroup, possibly even the distance between the receiving device and the individual radio beacons of the subgroup, with further technical details and an exemplary application in retail trade being discussed below.

[0027] By coordinating the radio beacons within the subgroup and adjusting the receiver accordingly, the area in which the radio beacon signals of the group of beacons can be received is defined, and it is further ensured that only the radio beacon signals of the subgroup are received and that this reception is essentially free from interference or influence by other radio beacon signals from potentially transmitting beacons in other subgroups. This significantly improves the robustness of the distance estimation between the receiver and the subgroup, and possibly also the distance estimation to the individual radio beacons within the subgroup.

[0028] Further, particularly advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention will result from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0029] By definition, the receiving device is a portable receiving device that can be carried directly by a person, for example on their body, or attached to an object accompanying the person, such as a shopping cart or a cargo sled, and is thus at least indirectly moved along with the person, because the person is moving the object with them.

[0030] To enable the determination of the location of the detection device, going beyond a distance estimate, it has proven particularly advantageous for the coordinating institution to know the individual locations of the radio beacons or to have access to position data from which the respective individual location can be derived. In the first case, i.e., when the coordinating institution knows the individual locations of the radio beacons, the position data can be stored in a database of the coordinating institution. In the second case, the coordinating institution can have access to an externally located database.

[0031] However, the position data is also intended to enable the coordinating institution to geographically define the subgroup of radio beacons. It has proven advantageous for the coordinating institution—using the position data—to be trained to define the subgroup of radio beacons in such a way that the radio beacons of the subgroup are located within a geographically delimited area within the overall geographical distribution of the radio beacons.

[0032] If the system is used in a business premises, the geographically limited area can be restricted to, for example, a piece of furniture such as a shopping basket, a fruit stand, a delicatessen stand, or a shelf or a section of shelf, etc.

[0033] In a minimal configuration, only two beacons can form a subgroup. However, it has proven particularly advantageous to have three to ten, or even twenty, beacons forming a subgroup. This allows not only for the reliable detection of the presence of the detection device in the vicinity of the subgroup or its beacons, but also for a more precise prediction of the detection device's trajectory as it moves within the subgroup's area. If the system is used in a business premises, several hundred, thousands, or even tens of thousands of beacons can be installed throughout the space. To achieve good and precise location resolution, only a small fraction of these beacons are logically grouped into the subgroup for presence detection.

[0034] Furthermore, the radio beacons within the subgroup can assume almost any spatial or local configuration. The radio beacons within the subgroup do not have to be located in pairs directly adjacent to each other. They can therefore be arranged at greater distances from one another. Radio beacons not included in the subgroup can even occur within its spatial extent.

[0035] However, it has proven particularly advantageous that the coordinator system—using positional data—is designed to define the subgroup of radio beacons in such a way that at least two beacons within the subgroup are always located in close proximity. This ensures that the subgroup is geographically separated from the rest of the radio beacons in the overall system and, in particular, that it is not configured to overlap with them. This measure contributes to the precise determination of the proximity of the moving detection device to the location of the subgroup and the precise determination of the detection device's trajectory relative to the location of the subgroup. In other words, the granularity of the detection is refined, leading to a more precise result.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the system, the radio beacons are located on at least one piece of equipment, in particular a shopping basket or a fruit stand or a delicatessen stand or a shelf or a shelf section, etc., and the coordinator device is designed to define the subgroup such that at least one spatial distribution of the radio beacons of the subgroup is as follows:

[0037] - along the piece of furniture, in particular a shelf of the shelf;

[0038] - spanning several adjacent pieces of furniture, in particular shelves of the shelf;

[0039] - in a cross shape on the furnishing;

[0040] - diagonally across the furnishing;

[0041] - curved around the furnishing.

[0042] This allows not only the presence of the detection device in the vicinity of the object of interest (shopping basket, fruit stand, delicatessen stand, shelf, shelf section, etc.) to be determined, but also, depending on the interests involved, the position of the detection device in relation to the object of interest or the movement of the detection device along the object of interest in relation to the respective radio beacon in the dimension or dimensions of interest.

[0043] In recent years, the use of electronic display devices mounted on shelves has become established in individual stockpiling as well as in warehousing and logistics. Therefore, it has proven particularly advantageous if the radio beacon forms part of the electronic display device and the electronic display device:

[0044] - comprising a radio module and an electronically coupled screen for displaying product and / or price information, wherein display data representing the product and / or price information can be received by means of the radio module and transmitted to the screen, and

[0045] - wherein the radio beacon is electronically coupled to the radio module and the radio beacon is designed in such a way that the transmission of the radio beacon radio signal can be coordinated by means of radio communication via the radio module.

[0046] The electronic display device could, for example, be an "Electronic Shelf Label" (ESL) equipped with an energy-saving screen, such as an electrophoretic display. Such ESLs are known, for example, from PCT / EP2014 / 053376. Alternatively, the electronic display device could be a display device known from PCT / EP2017 / 078844, referred to as a video shelf rail, which features a video screen extending along the front of a shelf. Finally, the electronic display device could be an electronic shelf rail known from PCT / EP2021 / 055916, into which electronic displays can be individually inserted.

[0047] Electronic coupling refers to a hardware and software configuration that allows data communication, and possibly also electrical supply, such as an electronic bus system well known in computer technology.

[0048] Integrating the radio beacon – e.g., as a radio beacon module or similar – into the electronic display device offers the advantage that existing infrastructure in retail or warehouses, designed and intended for wired or radio-based communication with electronic display devices, can also be used for communication with the radio modules of the display devices in order to group the radio beacons in the subgroup and to coordinate the transmission of the radio beacon radio signals.Therefore, a complex parallel installation of infrastructure reserved solely for radio beacons is unnecessary because the existing infrastructure is also used for radio beacon-based measures, but only for grouping and coordination purposes, not for presence detection. Presence detection is performed on the receiving device side or using an existing radio-based communication infrastructure specifically designed for the receiving device. In summary, the communication availability of the electronic display devices within their communication infrastructure is not affected because only a relatively small amount of data is required for grouping and coordination in the short term.

[0049] To enable coordinated transmission within the subgroup, i.e., to ensure that the transmitted radio signals of the subgroup do not interfere with each other or even render their individual reception impossible, it has proven advantageous that the coordinator device – as mentioned – is designed to generate and transmit the coordination data to the radio beacons of the subgroup, with the coordination data being intended for coordinating the transmission of the radio beacon signals of the radio beacons of the subgroup, and

[0050] - where each radio beacon is designed to be controllable by the coordination data.

[0051] The coordination data can define at least one of the following transmission parameters for the transmission of the radio beacon signals of the radio beacons of the subgroup, namely:

[0052] - a radio beacon radio channel,

[0053] - a point in time and / or a period and / or a time grid, - a transmission power,

[0054] - a time course of the transmission power.

[0055] These transmission parameters define the radio beacon channel to be used for all radio beacons in the subgroup. The time and / or period for transmitting its radio beacon signal is individually set for each radio beacon to ensure that the individual radio beacon signals can be reliably transmitted on the selected radio beacon channel.

[0056] The transmission power can be set collectively for all radio beacons or individually for each beacon within a subgroup. Setting the transmission power also defines the reception range of the radio beacon signals.

[0057] The transmission power profile can also be defined individually or collectively for the radio beacon members of the subgroup. The transmission power can, for example, be sawtooth-shaped, pulsed, or stepped, etc. By using a defined transmission power and / or profile, receivers can make relatively precise statements regarding the distance to the radio beacons within the subgroup or the position relative to them. Varying the transmission power can also be used to modulate the reception radius within which the respective radio beacon signal can be received, for example, to switch from reception at a distance around the subgroup to reception only in the vicinity of the subgroup, or vice versa.This can also be used to implement a two-stage presence detection process, whereby a relatively high first transmission power for sending the beacon radio signals enables long-range presence detection, and a comparatively low second transmission power for sending the beacon radio signals enables more precise presence detection only in the immediate vicinity of the subgroup.

[0058] In other words, the specification that the radio beacons are designed to be controllable by the coordination data means that the transmitting electronics of the respective radio beacon are programmable and that the radio beacon carries out its transmission operation according to the transmission parameters stored during programming.

[0059] Regarding the transmission power, it should be noted that it should preferably be set to ensure reliable presence detection within a range of 0.5 to 3 meters. This allows the receiver, when used in a business premises, to determine and track its movement relative to the subgroup with sufficient accuracy within the relevant area, and also to estimate its actual position relative to the subgroup's beacons with sufficient precision.

[0060] The receiving device can generally be preset to a specific radio beacon channel, and it would therefore suffice that setting the receiving device to receive the radio signals of the subgroup requires only a start signal transmitted from the coordinator unit to the receiving device. However, if the previously discussed transmission parameters are to be used variably, it has also proven advantageous for the coordinator unit—as mentioned—to be configured to generate and transmit the setting data to the receiving device, with the setting data being intended for configuring the receiving device to receive the radio signals of the radio beacon subgroup.

[0061] - where the receiving device is adjustable through the setting data.

[0062] In this context, it has proven advantageous that, according to the second computer-implemented method, the setting data is generated by a coordinator unit and transmitted to the receiving device. The portable receiving device is thus preferably configured automatically according to the setting data provided by the coordinator unit. As discussed, this allows for the variable use of the transmission parameters.

[0063] The transmission of configuration data can be implemented according to requirements or operational scenarios. The receiving device can be configured for wireless or wired reception of configuration data. For wireless transmission, radio electronics are used that are capable of transmitting according to one of the common wireless technologies, such as Zigsee, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. For wired transmission, interface electronics are used that are, for example, compatible with the USB standard. If the configuration data is only transmitted via cable, the receiving device would always have to be taken to a station and plugged in there to configure it for the currently deployed subgroup of beacons or to configure a sequence of the subgroups in use.If, however, the transmission of the setting data is radio-based, the receiving device can be set to the relevant subgroup of radio beacons at any time during its operation, i.e., while in motion, based on the radio signals currently being received. The receiving device designed for radio-based transmission of setting data is therefore significantly more flexible and efficient.

[0064] Regarding their significance, the contents of the setting data essentially correspond to those of the coordination data. It has proven advantageous that the setting data defines at least one of the following setting parameters for configuring the receiving device to receive the radio beacon signals of the subgroup's radio beacons, namely:

[0065] - a radio beacon radio channel designated for transmission,

[0066] - a scheduled time and / or period and / or time frame for dispatch,

[0067] - a transmission power intended for broadcasting

[0068] - a transmission power profile intended for broadcasting.

[0069] In other words, the specification that the receiving device is designed to be adjustable via the setting data means that the receiving electronics of the receiving device are programmable and that the receiving device performs its receiving operation according to the setting parameters.

[0070] It should also be noted that each radio beacon transmits its individual identifier, which serves to uniquely identify it, by means of its radio beacon radio signal.

[0071] Primary processing of the received beacon radio signals takes place in the receiving device, specifically with its receiving electronics, in a known, conventional manner. For example, the field strength of the individual beacon radio signals or the value of the R.SSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator, given in dBm - decibel milliwatts) can be determined and stored as a basis for further processing.

[0072] For further processing of the value obtained from the primary processing of the respective radio beacon signal, it can be temporarily stored in a data structure in a data memory of the receiving device until this temporary storage is no longer needed. In this data structure, the values ​​determined sequentially for each radio beacon can be stored. This can be done for all radio beacons in the subgroup, resulting in a matrix of values ​​stored as a single data structure that can then be disseminated.

[0073] When RSSI is used, a high value (e.g., close to zero) indicates a strong received signal, suggesting presence detection near the radio beacon in question, whereas a low value (e.g., more negative than the high value) indicates a weak received signal, suggesting presence detection at a greater distance from the radio beacon. This system allows for the implementation of the measures discussed below.

[0074] As mentioned, the described measures for determining the distance between the receiving device and the subgroup of radio beacons can be used as a unit if, for example, the received radio beacon signals from the beacons of the subgroup are evaluated collectively. This provides a reliable indication of presence in the vicinity of the subgroup, but only a result indicating the average distance to the subgroup.

[0075] However, it has proven particularly advantageous that, according to an initial design of the receiving device, the receiving device is designed to

[0076] - to identify, within the received radio signals of the subgroup of that radio beacon radio signal, the signal indicating the shortest distance between the receiving device and the radio beacon from which the identified radio beacon radio signal originates, and - to generate result data indicating the radio beacon with the shortest distance to the receiving device, and

[0077] - to transmit the results data via radio to the coordinator facility. According to this training method, the identification of the radio beacon nearest to the receiving device within the subgroup is therefore carried out locally, directly in the portable or mobile receiving device.

[0078] It has therefore also proven advantageous that the second computer-implemented method includes the following steps:

[0079] - Computerized identification of the beacon signal indicating the shortest distance between the receiving device and the beacon from which the identified beacon signal originates, and

[0080] - Computerized generation of result data indicating the radio beacon with the shortest distance to the receiving device.

[0081] Alternatively, according to a second training method, it may be provided that the receiving device is trained to transmit a data representation of the received radio signals of the subgroup of radio beacons to the coordinator facility via radio, and wherein

[0082] - the coordinator facility is trained to identify, in the received radio beacon radio signals represented by the data representation, the radio beacon radio signal of the subset of radio beacons that indicates the smallest distance of the receiving device to the radio beacon from which the identified radio beacon radio signal originates, and wherein

[0083] - The coordinating facility is trained to generate result data indicating the radio beacon closest to the receiving device. According to this training method, the identification of the radio beacon within the subgroup closest to the receiving device is therefore carried out centrally and outside of the receiving device.

[0084] It has therefore proven advantageous that the second computer-implemented method comprises the following steps: - computerized generation of the data representation of the received radio signals of the subset of radio beacons

[0085] - wherein the data representation represents the received radio beacon radio signals of the subset of radio beacons in such a way that the radio beacon radio signal indicating the smallest distance of the receiving device to the radio beacon from which the identified radio beacon radio signal originates can be identified.

[0086] In this context, it has proven advantageous that the first computerized procedure

[0087] - computerized from the data representation representing the received radio beacon signals of the subset of radio beacons, the radio beacon signal of which is computerized to identify the signal that indicates the smallest distance of the receiving device to the radio beacon from which the identified radio beacon signal originates, and wherein

[0088] - Result data is generated computer-generated, indicating the radio beacon with the shortest distance to the receiving device.

[0089] To implement the measures discussed above, the receiving device, in addition to its receiving electronics, includes processing electronics. These processing electronics contain a programmable or fixed-programmed processor, such as a microcontroller with integrated memory and input / output connectors. This processor digitally transmits the signals and / or data received by the receiving electronics, interprets the processing results according to the programming, and generates and outputs the resulting data. For the purpose of outputting the resulting data or representing the data, the receiving device also includes transmitting electronics connected to the processing electronics.

[0090] Both previously discussed training methods are primarily used in retail or warehousing in connection with a conventional process known in these sectors as "picking" or "putting." In this conventional process, staff are assigned a task via computer, such as retrieving a specific product or placing it on a shelf. Once completed, this activity must be manually acknowledged, for example, using a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), so that its completion can be recorded in a digital workflow provided by the computer.

[0091] In order to fully digitize and ultimately automate this conventional process – apart from the manual removal or placement of the product by staff – it has proven advantageous for the coordinator facility to be trained to

[0092] - to digitally store an activity list containing at least one activity to be carried out in a characteristic environment of one of the individual locations of the radio beacons, hereinafter referred to as activity beacons, and

[0093] - to establish a link between the activity and the radio beacon in question, and

[0094] - to define the subgroup of radio beacons in such a way that the activity radio beacon is a component of the subgroup.

[0095] In this context, it has therefore also proven advantageous that the first computer-implemented method includes the following steps:

[0096] - a computerized generation and / or storage of the activity list, in which at least one activity is listed that is to be carried out in the characteristic environment of one of the individual locations of the radio beacons, i.e. the activity radio beacon, and

[0097] - Generating and / or adapting the subgroup definition data such that the activity beacon is a component of the subgroup.

[0098] An activity list could be, for example, a customer's shopping list that staff work through on the customer's behalf. It could also be, for example, a list of products that need to be restocked at their respective shelf locations.

[0099] This activity list can be obtained through transmission by a customer, e.g. from their smartphone to a data processing facility of the store, or through input via a web interface, or it can be generated by the coordinator facility or another data processing instance that monitors or manages the inventory.

[0100] If the activity involves, for example, refilling milk bottles on the milk shelf, then the activity beacon is the one positioned in the immediate vicinity of the shelf space reserved for the milk bottles. This product-specific assignment of the activity beacon to the product in question, as already mentioned, indicates that the number of beacons in a retail store can be extremely high, such as several thousand or even tens of thousands, corresponding to the number of different products sold in the store. Therefore, integrating the beacons into electronic display devices has proven extremely advantageous, because every product in a modern store is now advertised with its own dedicated electronic display.

[0101] In such a modern store, it is also common practice for the electronic pricing of finished products to be recorded in a so-called planogram or realogram. This planogram is represented by a digitally stored data structure and indicates the planned position of the product in the store, preferably with a three-dimensional location. The position of the beacons can also be stored in such a data structure, allowing the nearest beacon to be automatically selected as the activity beacon for the relevant activity. When the aforementioned electronic display devices are used, they are typically positioned adjacent to the products for which they are used to display product and / or price information. Their position in the store is therefore known.The position can therefore be predicted or precisely determined through technical measures such as automatic recognition using cameras, etc., and possibly also recorded in the planogram or realogram. If the radio beacons are also integrated into the individual electronic displays, their position within the store is also precisely determined by the accurate localization of the electronic display devices.

[0102] Since each radio beacon—as mentioned—has its own unique identifier (identification data) that makes it unambiguously identifiable, and this identifier is also transmitted via the radio beacon's signal, it has proven useful to make these identifiers accessible either individually or in conjunction with the relevant electronic display device using the aforementioned data structure, or to make them available via a further data structure. It should also be noted that the electronic display devices are likewise identifiable by a unique identifier, which is also stored using the data structure.

[0103] Starting with the activity, which is product-related, the data structure discussed can now be used to select the corresponding activity beacon for the product in question, either as an individual beacon or as a beacon integrated into the electronic display device, thus establishing a link between the activity and the activity beacon. This link can be stored in the data structure or separately, e.g., in the activity list.

[0104] The selected activity beacon is defined as a component of the subgroup in order to make precise statements regarding the current distance between the receiving device and the activity beacon, and optionally also regarding the phase of the receiving device approaching the activity beacon and / or the phase of the receiving device moving away from the activity beacon. Preferably, the subgroup is defined such that non-activity-related beacons within the subgroup embed or surround the activity beacon.

[0105] If the result data is generated continuously, for example at short intervals of a few seconds, the movement of the receiving device in relation to the subgroup can be precisely determined, because at any given time one of the radio beacons in the subgroup will be closest to the receiving device. From one acquisition time to the next, the RSSI values ​​of the individual received radio beacon signals change, and this is evaluated over time.

[0106] It has proven particularly advantageous that the coordinator facility is trained to digitally record the completion of the activity when a distance threshold between the receiving device and the activity beacon has been breached.

[0107] The fact that a plausible distance, corresponding to a person's height or arm length, is not reached between the receiving device and the activity beacon can be interpreted as a trigger for the automatic scheduling of the activity's completion. This is because, in this signal-technical scenario, it can be assumed that the person has found their way to the immediate vicinity of the beacon where the activity is to be carried out. Alternatively, the trigger could be defined such that the distance between the receiving device and the activity beacon has passed through a minimum or minimum range that is plausible with regard to a person's height or arm length.

[0108] To plausibly assess the actual completion of the activity, also with regard to the time typically required, it can be stipulated that the aforementioned distance criterion (falling below the distance threshold or passing through the minimum range) must be present for a period of time plausible for the activity, or that the distance criterion must occur multiple times within a period of time plausibly estimated for the activity to be completed. Only if this additional temporal aspect of the signal strength-dependent condition is met would an automatic recording of the activity's completion be permissible and implemented.

[0109] If multiple activities are to be performed according to the activity list, the overall process described above is executed multiple times, corresponding to the number of activities. Location-specific subgroups, adapted to the current activity, are defined sequentially and dissolved after each activity is completed. The subgroup, or its composition, or in other words, its existence, is therefore subject to temporal change or dynamics, representing the activities to be performed. If required, the transmission parameters for the sequence of subgroups can be maintained, so that they only need to be configured once per activity list for the receiving device associated with the activity list. Otherwise, the receiving device must be configured with the current transmission parameters each time.

[0110] Since the wave propagation of the radio beacon signal will be essentially spherical or lobe-shaped without technical measures at the radio beacon's transmitting device, it has proven helpful, in order to avoid misinterpretations of the acquisition data, for the coordinator device to be configured to define a first subgroup of radio beacons exhibiting the activity beacon and a second subgroup of radio beacons as a control group, free of activity beacons, and to adjust the receiving device so that the radio beacon signals of both subgroups are receivable by the receiving device, and wherein

[0111] - the coordinating institution is trained in such a way as to validate the result data generated on the basis of the first subgroup by the result data generated on the basis of the second subgroup.

[0112] Advantageously, the control group is spatially defined in such a way that it can be clearly determined whether the receiving device is actually located at the relevant location or within the relevant area for the activity, so that the activity can actually be carried out, or whether the receiving device is located in a location or area where the activity is not feasible. Such a location, where the activity is not feasible, could be, for example, the back of a shelf, at the front of which the activity would have to be carried out, because the person who is supposed to perform the activity is moving along the back of the shelf in an aisle adjacent to the front.Without the control group, a situation could arise where presence detection indicates that the receiving device is in the relevant area of ​​the activity beacon, but the activity could not actually be carried out at the person's actual location. The results generated with the help of the control group thus reveal whether the results generated with the subgroup indicate a phantom position regarding the execution of the activity, and therefore whether acknowledgment of the activity is necessary.

[0113] Furthermore, to achieve this effect more reliably, it has proven particularly advantageous that the two subgroups are arranged without penetration, especially spatially separated from each other.

[0114] Finally, it should be noted that different subgroups of radio beacons can be active simultaneously. These different subgroups can use the same radio channel if they are spatially far enough apart so that their radio signals do not interfere with each other. However, if the subgroups are so close together that the maximum range of their radio signals overlaps, these subgroups must operate on different radio beacon channels whose frequency bands, including their sidebands, are sufficiently far apart to avoid interference.

[0115] Radio beacons belonging to the entire network that are not required in the subgroup(s) may be deactivated or used for radio communication purposes other than operation within the respective subgroup(s). If they are used for these other purposes, it is advantageous that their transmitting electronics are configured so that they do not interfere with the radio beacon signals of the active subgroup(s). Therefore, aspects such as selecting the appropriate radio channel and / or adjusting the transmit power must again be considered.

[0116] It should be mentioned that the invention also relates to a first computer program [product] which includes instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to execute the first computerized method.

[0117] The invention also relates to a first computer-readable storage medium on which the first computer program [product] is stored.

[0118] The invention also relates to a first data carrier signal that transmits the first computer program [product].

[0119] It should be mentioned that the invention also relates to a second computer program [product] which includes instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to execute the second computerized method.

[0120] The invention also relates to a second computer-readable storage medium on which the second computer program [product] is stored.

[0121] The invention also relates to a second data carrier signal which transmits the second computer program [product].

[0122] It should be noted that the system is preferably designed to execute the first and / or second computerized procedure.

[0123] It should be mentioned generally that the electronic devices discussed (servers, display devices, access points, receivers, etc.) contain electronics. These electronics can be discrete, integrated, or a combination of both. Microcomputers, microcontrollers, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), possibly in combination with analog or digital electronic peripherals, may also be used. Many of the devices' functionalities are implemented—possibly in conjunction with hardware components—using software running on a processor within the electronics. Devices designed for radio communication typically include an antenna configuration for transmitting and receiving radio signals as part of a transceiver module.The electronic devices can also have an internal power supply, which can be implemented, for example, with a replaceable or rechargeable battery. Where practical, the devices can also be powered via a wired connection, either through an external power supply unit or via Power over LAN.

[0124] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the figures discussed below.

[0125] Character description

[0126] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures and exemplary embodiments, to which, however, the invention is not limited. In the various figures, identical components are provided with identical reference numerals. They show schematically:

[0127] Fig. 1 shows a system with electronic display devices, a portable receiving device, and a server for processing activities in sales and / or storage premises of, for example, a retailer;

[0128] Fig. 2 showing a block diagram of the display device

[0129] Radio beacons for transmitting radio beacon signals;

[0130] Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of the portable receiver including a beacon receiver module for receiving beacon radio signals; Fig. 4 shows a visualization of a data stored using the server.

[0131] Data structures representing a planogram and an activity list with the activities; Fig. 5 a visualization of by the receiving device during its

[0132] Movement through the premises determined RSSI values ​​of a subgroup of the totality of radio beacons belonging to the activity in question.

[0133] Description of the exemplary implementations

[0134] Figure 1 shows an electronic system 1 that provides a fully digitized representation of a process for restocking or removing products, generally referred to as an activity. In this process, personnel ultimately only need to perform the manual task of moving the products within the sales and / or storage areas of, for example, a retailer. Manual confirmation of the completion of an activity by the personnel is rendered unnecessary or obsolete by the measures described below.

[0135] System 1 includes a coordinating unit, Server 2. Server 2 is connected via a wired communication network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), to a first Access Point 3 and a second Access Point 4, each establishing a separate wireless communication network. System 2 also includes electronic display devices 5 to 28, which are attached to three shelves 29 to 31 at the front of shelves 32 to 40, where products are or are to be positioned corresponding to their location. Display devices 5 to 28 show product-related information, such as product and / or price information, for each of these products.

[0136] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows a person 41, who carries a so-called "Personal Digital Assistant", abbreviated PDA, as a receiving device 42. With the help of the PDA 42, which can be, for example, a smartphone, tablet computer, or other proprietary device, the person receives the task to be performed. This can be done visually or audibly.

[0137] Person 41 moves along a first movement path 43 towards the middle shelf 30 in order to place the product designated for activity position 45 at an activity position 45 that corresponds to the position of the display device 17. Along the first movement path 43, person 41 continuously reduces their distance to the display device 17 and the adjacent display devices 12 to 14, 16 and 17, as well as 20 to 22.

[0138] When the activity is completed, person 41 is therefore standing directly in front of activity position 45 at a minimal distance from activity position 45.

[0139] After completing the activity, i.e., placing the product at activity position 45, person 41 moves away from the middle shelf 30 along the second movement path 44. Along the second movement path 44, person 41 continuously increases their distance to the display device 17 and the aforementioned adjacent display devices 16 and 18, etc.

[0140] Since person 41 moves the receiving device 42 with them, the statements made in the preceding paragraphs regarding movement and distance also apply analogously to the receiving device 42.

[0141] The first access point 3 is designed to provide wireless connectivity to the display devices 5 to 28 and enables the server 2 to communicate with the display devices 5 to 28, i.e., to transmit individual display information to each display device 5 to 28. This can be done using a proprietary radio protocol, such as that known from PCT / EP2014 / 053376, or a standardized communication protocol such as ZigBee or Bluetooth, or similar. The display devices 5 to 28 and their electronics are configured accordingly.

[0142] The second access point 4 is designed to provide wireless connectivity to the receiving device 42 and enables the server 2 to communicate with the receiving device 42. A standardized communication protocol, such as WiFi (also known as "Wireless Local Area Network", or WLAN), can be used for this purpose.

[0143] The two access points 3 and 4 are configured for radio communication in different frequency bands to avoid interfering with each other.

[0144] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the display device 5, which is representative of all display devices 5 to 28. The display device 5 comprises a first radio module 45, an electrophoretic screen 46, and a radio beacon 47.

[0145] The first radio beacon 47, the screen 46, and the radio module 45 are conventionally connected to a first bus system for internal data communication. The first radio module 45, or rather its electronics, is configured for radio communication with the first access point 3. This enables it to receive display information from the access point and transmit it to the screen 46 via the bus system, and to receive coordination data for the radio beacon 47 and transmit it to the radio beacon 47. The radio beacon 47 is configured to transmit a radio beacon signal that carries identification data representing its unique radio beacon code.

[0146] Using the coordination data, the radio beacon channel to be used, as well as the sequence of transmission times for the individual radio beacon signal, can be set in this case, using a fixed, preset transmission power. The radio beacon's electronics are designed to set the aforementioned transmission parameters based on the coordination data and apply them for transmission.

[0147] For data processing purposes, a single microcontroller can be provided in the display device 5, or a separate microcontroller can be provided for each functional group (the first radio beacon 47, the screen 46, the radio module 45). A first battery module 48 provides an autonomous power supply for the display device 5.

[0148] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the receiver 42. The receiver 42 has a second radio module 48, a touchscreen 49 and a radio beacon receiver module 50.

[0149] The second radio module 48, the touchscreen 49, and the beacon receiver module 50 are conventionally connected to a second bus system for internal data communication. The second radio module 48, or rather its electronics, is configured for radio communication with the second access point 4. Its purpose is twofold: firstly, to receive the activities to be performed by the user and transmit them via the bus system to the touchscreen 49, where they are visualized for the user; and secondly, to receive configuration data for the beacon receiver module 50 and transmit this data to the beacon receiver module 50. The beacon receiver module 50 is configured to receive the beacon radio signal according to the configuration data, i.e., in this case, to adjust its electronics to receive the beacon radio channel and to receive the beacon radio signal within the correct time window.The configuration data essentially represents the transmission parameters, allowing the radio beacon receiver module 50 to be set to these parameters and specifically receive the relevant radio beacon signals. During reception, the radio beacon code transmitted with the signal is extracted, the RSSI value is determined, and these two data points are digitally stored for further processing and analysis.

[0150] For data processing purposes, a single microcontroller can be provided in the receiver 42, or a separate microcontroller can be provided for each functional group (the second radio module 48, the touchscreen 49, the radio beacon receiver module 50). A second battery module 51 provides an autonomous power supply for the receiver 42.

[0151] The following section, using Figure 4, discusses a first data structure, DS1, which represents a planogram containing all products in the retailer's sales area. For clarity, however, only four products, PI to P4, are discussed as examples. The reference to the complete diagram of all products is indicated by the dots Px. The first data structure, DS1, is stored using a data store on server 2 and visualized in tabular form. The following relationships are stored in this first data structure, DS1:

[0152] - the relationship between the products PI to P4 (see also Figure 1) and the presentation locations PO1 to PO4 assigned to these products PI to P4, which may be three-dimensional coordinates in space, such as in the store, or shelf positions, etc.;

[0153] - the relationship between the products PI to P4 and the display devices 15 to 18 assigned to these products PI to P4, wherein the display devices 15 to 18 are uniquely identifiable by a code, which is symbolized by the entry of the respective reference numeral (15, 16, 17, 18) in the first data structure DS1, and

[0154] - the relationship between the products PI to P4 and the radio beacon 47 integrated into the respective display device 15 to 18, which is also identifiable by a unique radio beacon code BC1 to BC4, which is transmitted using the respective radio beacon radio signal.

[0155] Figure 4 also visualizes a second data structure, DS2, which is likewise stored using the data storage of server 2 and is also visualized in tabular form. This second data structure, DS2, represents an activity list, AL, in which a number of activities, A to A6, are listed, with each of the activities A to A6 relating to a specific product, Pk to Pp. The first activity, A, specifically relates to the third product, P3, which is the basis for the subsequent discussion of the function of system 1. All other activities, A2 to A6, can relate to any other products, PI to Pp, and are processed analogously to the discussion of the third product, P3.

[0156] In system 2 operation, the activity list AL is transmitted to the receiver 42 via the second access point 4. For example, assume that all radio beacons 47 are inactive, i.e., they are not transmitting any radio signals. As soon as they become active, i.e., transmit their radio signals, they do so with a preset transmission power chosen so that their signals are receivable within a radius of approximately four meters, in order to achieve spatially accurate presence detection near the radio beacons 47.

[0157] In a first procedure step I, shown as a block, server 2 first identifies the third product P3 belonging to a first activity Al in the second data structure DS 2, and in a second procedure step II, shown as an arrow, accesses the first data structure Dl with knowledge of the third product P3, in order to determine in a third procedure step III, shown as a block, an activity radio beacon assigned to the first activity Al, which in this case is the radio beacon 47 contained in the display device 17, which is identified by the radio beacon code BC3.In a fourth process step IV, designated as a block, the server 2 now defines the radio beacons 47 positioned in the immediate vicinity of the third product P3, including the activity radio beacon, i.e., the radio beacons 47 installed in the display devices 15 to 18, as a subgroup U of the totality of the radio beacons 47 installed in all display devices 5 to 28.

[0158] Since the server 2 is informed by the planogram about the specific positioning (presentation locations PO1 to PO4) of the individual display devices 5 to 28, the server 2 selects, in this specific case, the display devices 15 to 18 attached to the middle shelf 30 on the second shelf level 36 to form the subgroup U of the radio beacons 47. This selection is based on the knowledge that the display devices 15 to 18 are often located relatively close to each other on one and the same shelf (here shelf level 36) and therefore form a dense grid of the radio beacons 47 contained within them, which is extremely suitable for localization tasks.

[0159] In a further process step, server 2 then programs the radio beacons 47 of the display devices 15 to 18 via communication with the first access point 3 to transmit their radio beacon signal in a specific radio beacon channel, including the sequence of time intervals for each individual transmission of the radio beacon signals. The radio beacons 47 of the display devices 15 to 18, thus programmed, then transmit their radio beacon signals sequentially and continuously according to their assigned sequence of time intervals, carrying the respective radio beacon code BC1 to BC4.

[0160] In a further process step, server 2, via communication with the second access point 4, programs the radio beacon receiver module 50 of receiver 42 to receive the radio beacon radio signals of subgroup U, whereby the radio beacon receiver module 50 is essentially set to the specific radio beacon radio channel that is also used by the radio beacons of the subgroup. To clearly verify the reception of the radio beacon radio signals of subgroup U against foreign radio signals, the radio beacon codes BC1 to BC4 of subgroup radio beacons 47 can also be communicated to receiver 42.

[0161] In a further process step, server 2 starts in a

[0162] Communication via the second access point 4 involves the processing of the first activity Al (e.g., taking a piece of the third product P3 from the third product position PO3) on the receiving device 42, which is communicated to person 41 via the touchscreen 49. Person 41 then moves along the first movement path 43 towards the activity position 45, performs the pending activity there, and then moves away from the activity position 45 along the second movement path 44. This results in the RSSI values ​​in dBm, as visualized in Figure 5, being determined in the radio beacon receiving module 50 at the receiving device 42.

[0163] Figure 5 shows the RSSI values ​​of the radio beacon signals originating from the respective display devices 15 to 18 for four different waypoints WP1 to WP4. From this overall view, the change in the RSSI values ​​along the movement of person 41 can be observed. At the first waypoint WP1, only the radio beacon signals from display devices 15 and 16 are very weakly receivable. The radio beacon signals from the display devices are not receivable at all at waypoint WP1. At the second waypoint WP2, all radio beacon signals of subgroup U are receivable, with the radio beacon signals from display devices 15 and 16 being receivable with approximately equal strength, and the radio beacon signals from display devices 17 and 18 finally being received, albeit relatively weakly.At waypoint WP3, the radio beacon signal of the active radio beacon (radio beacon 47 of indicator device 17) is dominantly receivable, whereas the other radio beacon signals are weaker. At waypoint WP4, the radio beacon signal of indicator device 15 is no longer receivable, and the radio beacon signals of the other 47 radio beacons of indicator devices 16, 17, and 18 are already significantly weakened.

[0164] For each waypoint WP1 to WP4, i.e., in a continuous sequence along the movement paths 43 and 44, the receiver 42 determines the radio beacon 47 whose radio signal is best received. For this purpose, the best available RSSI value (the least negative value) is used and temporarily stored together with the corresponding radio beacon code BC1 to BC4. This data pair is then transmitted as result data via the second access point 4 to server 2, where it is further processed.

[0165] The radio communication via the second access point 4 does not interfere with any radio communication taking place via the first access point 3 for setting the product and / or price information to be displayed with the display devices 5 to 28. This communication is often handled using a strict time-slot communication procedure to ensure the longest possible battery life for the display devices 5 to 28. During this process, the display devices 5 to 28 remain in an extremely energy-saving sleep state for extended periods and only switch to a state with increased power consumption that is available to the first access point 3 for relatively short periods. In this radio-available state, the settings for the radio beacon 47 can also be received.However, according to its programming by server 2, the radio activity of radio beacon 47 is independent of the alternating radio availability or unavailability of the display device 5 to 28 for radio communication with the first access point 3. Since the transmission power and thus the range of the radio beacon's radio signal is relatively low, even prolonged radio activity of radio beacon 47 only slightly affects the battery life of the display device 5 to 28.

[0166] In a further process step, Server 2 checks the RSSI value for the radio beacon signal originating from the activity beacon (i.e., the beacon of the display device 17) within the transmitted result data. The change in the RSSI value along waypoints WP1 to WP4 is marked with a frame 51 in Figure 5. As soon as the best RSSI value, i.e., the one closest to zero, is reached for this radio beacon signal, which is marked by a circle 52 in Figure 5, Server 2 assumes that person 41 was close enough to activity position 45 to actually complete the activity there. This is digitally recorded in the activity list AL, which is what is meant by acknowledging the respective activity AL.The radio signals originating from the other radio beacons 47 of subgroup U, i.e., their RSSI values, can be used individually or collectively to validate the currently available RSSI value of the activity radio beacon (the radio beacon of the display device 17), i.e., to check whether the RSSI value determined for the activity radio beacon is plausible. Misinterpretations can thus be ruled out.

[0167] Once Server 2 has acknowledged the first activity Al as completed, Server 2 can, in a further step, induce the radio beacons 47 of subgroup U to cease their radio activity, which in turn is done by means of communication programming the radio beacons 47 via the first access point 3.

[0168] Thus, the process executed by Server 2 for the first activity Al ends.

[0169] Subsequently, the process discussed in relation to the first activity Al is repeated for all further activities A2 to A6 listed in the activity list AL, until all further activities A2 to A6 have been completed.

[0170] The respective acknowledgment of the current activity Al to A6 can be communicated to the person by means of the touchscreen 49 or an acoustic output device of the receiving device 42 or a tactile event generated by the receiving device 42.

[0171] Regarding server 2, it should be noted that it has at least one programmable processor and one data storage device, and that the processor is programmed to carry out the described measures or procedural steps.

[0172] It should also be noted that server 2 or the functionality assigned to it can also be implemented as a cloud-based software solution, which is connected to the two access points 3 and 4 via the Internet.

[0173] Finally, it should be noted once again that the figures described in detail above are only exemplary embodiments, which can be modified in various ways by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For the sake of completeness, it should also be noted that the use of the indefinite articles "a" or "an" does not preclude the possibility that the features in question may be present multiple times.

Claims

Claims 1. System (1), comprising - a group of radio beacons (47), each radio beacon (47) being configured to transmit a radio beacon radio signal identifying the radio beacon (47) in question and being positioned at an individual location within a local distribution of the group of radio beacons (47), and - at least one portable receiving device (42) which is adjustable to receive the radio beacon radio signal, and - a coordinator device (2) which is designed to define at least one subgroup (U) of the radio beacons (47) from the totality of the radio beacons (47) and to coordinate the transmission of the radio beacon radio signals of the radio beacons (47) of the subgroup (U) and to adjust the receiving device (42) for receiving the radio beacon radio signals of the subgroup (U) of the radio beacons (47).

2. System (1) according to claim 1, - wherein the coordinator facility (2) knows the individual locations of the radio beacons (47) or has access to position data from which the respective individual location can be determined.

3. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coordinator device (2) is configured to define the subgroup (U) of the radio beacons (47) such that the radio beacons (47) of the subgroup (U) are located within a geographically delimited area within the local distribution of the totality of the radio beacons (47).

4. System (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coordinator device (2) is configured to define the subgroup (U) of the radio beacons (47) such that at least two Radio beacons (47) of subgroup (U) are arranged in close proximity.

5. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radio beacons (47) are located on at least one piece of equipment, in particular a shopping basket or a fruit stand or a delicatessen stand or a shelf (30) or a shelf section, etc., and the coordinator device (2) is configured to define the subgroup (U) such that at least one spatial distribution of the radio beacons (47) of the subgroup (U) is as follows: - along the furnishing, in particular a shelf (36) of the shelf (30); - spanning several adjacent furnishings, in particular shelves (35, 36, 37) of the shelf (30); - in a cross shape on the furnishing; - diagonally across the piece of furniture; - curved around the furnishing.

6. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radio beacon (47) forms part of an electronic display device (5 to 28) and the electronic display device (5 to 28): - comprising a radio module (45) and an electronically coupled screen (46) for displaying product and / or price information, wherein display data representing the product and / or price information can be received by means of the radio module (45) and transmitted to the screen (46), - wherein the radio beacon (47) is electronically coupled to the radio module (45) and the radio beacon (47) is designed such that the transmission of the radio beacon radio signal can be coordinated by means of radio communication via the radio module (45).

7. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the coordinator facility (2) is used to generate and deliver Coordination data is provided to the radio beacons (47) of the subgroup (U), wherein the coordination data is intended to coordinate the transmission of the radio beacon radio signals of the radio beacons (47) of the subgroup (U), and - wherein each radio beacon (47) is designed to be controllable by the coordination data.

8. System (1) according to claim 7, wherein the coordination data define at least one of the following transmission parameters for the transmission of the radio beacon radio signals of the radio beacons (47) of subgroup (U), namely: - a radio beacon radio channel, - a point in time and / or a period of time and / or a time frame, - a transmission power, - a time course of the transmission power.

9. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the coordinator device (2) is configured to generate and transmit setting data to the receiving device (42), wherein the setting data are provided for setting the receiving device (42) to receive the radio beacon radio signals of the subgroup (U) of the radio beacons, and - where the receiving device is adjustable through the setting data.

10. System (1) according to claim 9, wherein the receiving device (42) is designed to be radio-based or wired for receiving setting data.

11. System (1) according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the setting data define at least one of the following setting parameters for setting the receiving device (42) to receive the radio beacon radio signals of the radio beacons (47) of subgroup (U), namely: - a radio beacon radio channel designated for transmission, - a time and / or period and / or time frame designated for transmission, - a transmission power intended for broadcasting - a transmission power profile intended for broadcasting.

12. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving device (42) is configured to - to identify in the received radio signals of the subgroup of that radio beacon radio signal which indicates the smallest distance of the receiving device (42) to that radio beacon (47) from which the identified radio beacon radio signal originates, and - to generate result data indicating the radio beacon (47) with the shortest distance to the receiving device (42), and - to transmit the result data by radio to the coordinator facility (2).

13. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, wherein - the receiving device (42) is configured to transmit a data representation of the received radio signals of the subgroup (U) of the radio beacons (47) by radio to the coordinator device (2) and wherein - the coordinator device (2) is configured to identify, in the received radio beacon radio signals of the subgroup (U) of the radio beacons (2) represented by the data representation, that radio beacon radio signal which indicates the smallest distance of the receiving device (42) to that radio beacon (47) from which the identified radio beacon radio signal originates, and wherein - the coordinator unit (2) is trained to generate result data indicating the radio beacon (47) with the smallest distance to the receiving unit (42).

14. System (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coordinator device (2) is configured to - to digitally store an activity list (AL) in which at least one activity (Al to A6) is listed that occurs in a characteristic environment of one of the individual locations of the radio beacons (47), hereinafter referred to as activity beacons, to exercise, and - to establish a link between the activity (Al to A6) and the relevant activity radio beacon, and - to define the subgroup (U) of radio beacons (47) such that the activity radio beacon is a component of the subgroup (U).

15. System (1) according to claim 14, wherein the coordinator device (2) is configured to digitally record the completion of the activity when a distance threshold between the receiving device (42) and the activity beacon has been breached.

16. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 12 to 13, wherein - the coordinator device (2) is configured to define a first subgroup (U) of the radio beacons (47) that has the activity radio beacon and a second subgroup of the radio beacons (47) that is free of activity radio beacons, and to adjust the receiving device (42) such that the radio beacon radio signals of both subgroups can be received by the receiving device (47), and wherein - the coordinator facility (2) is designed to validate the result data generated on the basis of the first subgroup (U) by the result data generated on the basis of the second subgroup.

17. System (1) according to claim 15, wherein the two subgroups are arranged without penetration, in particular spatially spaced apart from each other.

18. First computer-implemented method comprising the steps: - computerized generation of subgroup definition data to define at least one subgroup (U) of radio beacons (47) from a set of radio beacons (47), wherein each of the radio beacons (47) is configured to transmit a radio beacon radio signal identifying the radio beacon (47) in question and is positioned at an individual location within a local distribution of the set of radio beacons (47), - computerized generation of coordination data for coordinating a transmission of the radio beacon radio signals of the radio beacons (47) of the subgroup (U), - computerized generation of setting data for setting a portable receiver (42) for receiving the radio beacon radio signals of the subgroup (U) of the radio beacons (47).

19. First computer-implemented method according to claim 18, comprising the steps: - computerized generation and / or storage of an activity list (AL), in which at least one activity (Al to A6) is listed to be carried out in a characteristic environment of one of the individual locations of the radio beacons (47), hereinafter referred to as activity beacons, and - Generating and / or adapting the subgroup definition data such that the activity radio beacon is a component of the subgroup (U).

20. Second computer-implemented method for setting up a portable receiving device (42), wherein the receiving device (42) is configured to receive radio beacon signals from a subset (U) of radio beacons (47) from a collection of radio beacons (47), wherein each of the radio beacons (47) is configured to transmit a radio beacon signal identifying the radio beacon (47) in question and is positioned at an individual location within a local distribution of the collection of radio beacons (47), wherein the second computer-implemented method comprises the step that - the portable receiving device (42) is computerized according to setting data for receiving the radio beacon radio signals of the subgroup (U) of the radio beacons (47).

21. Second computer-implemented method according to claim 20, wherein the setting data is generated by a coordinator unit (2) and transmitted to the receiving device (42).

22. Second computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 20 to 21, wherein the method comprises the steps: - computerized identification of the radio beacon signal that indicates the smallest distance between the receiving device (42) and the radio beacon (47) from which the identified radio beacon signal originates, and - computerized generation of result data indicating the radio beacon (47) with the smallest distance to the receiving device (42).

23. Second computer-implemented method according to one of claims 20 to 21, wherein the method comprises the steps of: - computerized generation of a data representation of the received radio signals of the subgroup (U) of the radio beacons - wherein the data representation represents the received radio beacon radio signals of the subgroup (U) of the radio beacons (2) in such a way that the radio beacon radio signal can be identified which indicates the smallest distance of the receiving device (42) to the radio beacon (47) from which the identified radio beacon radio signal originates.

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