Beacon Packet Formatting for Multi-Standard Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beacon communication systems are incompatible due to different standards for formatting beacon packets, making it difficult for beacons operating in one standard to communicate with receiving devices configured for a different standard.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a communications interface with a beacon and a controller that receives an initialization request, obtains configuration data for a specified beacon type, and formats beacon packets accordingly to broadcast them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beacons operate with fixed standard formatting, then device simplicity is maintained, but compatibility with receiving devices using different standards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon device dynamically changes its packet formatting based on the detected receiving device type. The controller adapts the beacon packet structure in real-time according to the communication protocol identified from the receiving device, allowing a single device to serve multiple standards without requiring multiple fixed-configured devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the formatting parameters of beacon packets based on the target receiving device. By modifying packet structure, data fields, and communication protocols according to the detected device type, the system achieves compatibility across different standards while maintaining a unified hardware platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beacon standards are supported, then compatibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon device is designed as a universal platform capable of operating with multiple communication standards (iBeacon, Eddystone, AltBeacon). Instead of requiring separate hardware for each standard, a single device with adaptive formatting capabilities performs multiple functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses software-based protocol implementation rather than hardware-specific implementations. By copying the packet formatting logic across different protocol standards within the same device, the system achieves multi-standard support without duplicating physical hardware components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If beacon packets are formatted for specific standards, then communication reliability with matching devices improves, but versatility across different standards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms to detect the receiving device type and adjusts the beacon packet formatting accordingly. By continuously monitoring the communication interface and identifying the protocol being used, the device can adapt its output format to ensure reliable communication with the specific receiving device while maintaining the ability to communicate with other device types.
Data Source
AI summary
An example device includes: a communications interface including a beacon; and a controller interconnected with the communications interface, the controller configured to: receive, via the communications interface, an initialization request including a beacon type; in response to the initialization request: obtain configuration data for the beacon type; and format a beacon packet according to the configuration data for the beacon type; and control the beacon to broadcast the beacon packet.