Beacon Inquiry Messages with Embedded Location Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Context-Aware (CA) mobile devices face delays in establishing connections with low-power, short-range base stations due to the frequency-hopping nature of Bluetooth systems, which is inefficient for quick data gathering and location-specific information delivery, especially in environments like shopping malls.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an additional data field in inquiry messages broadcast by beacons, carrying location information, which allows CA devices to receive and process this information without needing to synchronize with the beacon, thereby reducing connection establishment time and maintaining protocol compatibility with non-CA devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If Bluetooth frequency-hopping inquiry process is used to establish connection with beacons, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but connection establishment time is excessive and data delivery is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon device pre-embeds location information and service data directly into the inquiry message packet structure. This preliminary preparation allows the portable device to obtain location data immediately upon receiving the inquiry message, without waiting for separate data transmission phases, thereby reducing connection establishment time and improving data delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the location information delivery function with the existing Bluetooth inquiry message structure. By merging location data, service identifiers, and beacon information into a single inquiry packet, the system eliminates the need for separate data transmission steps, thus reducing time loss and improving overall productivity
2Loss of information
If additional data field is added to inquiry messages for location information, then location-specific data delivery is enabled, but message structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inquiry message packet structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it carries Bluetooth protocol information for device discovery, embeds location data for context-aware services, and includes service identifiers for targeted data delivery. This multi-functional design enables location information delivery without requiring separate specialized message structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the existing Bluetooth inquiry message parameters by adding specific fields for location information while maintaining the original packet format and transmission protocol. This parameter extension approach enables enhanced functionality without fundamentally changing the message structure, thus minimizing complexity increase
3Speed
If Beacons broadcast inquiry messages with additional location data field, then location information is delivered faster, but non-CA devices may encounter protocol incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements optional field inclusion in inquiry messages, where location-specific data fields are added only when context-aware services are available. This partial action approach ensures that CA devices receive enhanced location information while non-CA devices can ignore the additional fields and process only the standard Bluetooth inquiry message components, maintaining protocol compatibility across device types
Solution Approach 2:
The inquiry message acts as an intermediary structure that bridges between standard Bluetooth protocol requirements and enhanced location-aware service needs. By embedding location data within the familiar inquiry message framework, the system enables fast data exchange for CA devices while maintaining compatibility with non-CA devices that process only the standard protocol portions
Data Source
AI summary
A communications system comprises at least one beacon device capable of wireless message transmission and at least one portable device capable of receiving such a message transmission. The beacon is arranged to broadcast a series of inquiry messages each in the form of a plurality of predetermined data fields arranged according to a first communications protocol, such as Bluetooth. For the delivery of additional data via broadcast, and in particular data including location information, the beacon adds to each inquiry message prior to transmission an additional data field carrying broadcast data, with the portable device receiving the transmitted inquiry messages including the location data and reading the broadcast data from the additional data field.