Bluetooth LE Proximity Reminders via Beacon Intermediaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices are limited in providing contextual information to users, as they cannot effectively identify the proximity of entities or users and their surroundings, nor consider user preferences, leading to a lack of relevant contextual data.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where computing devices use short-range communication protocols like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to establish proximity with other devices or entities, share identifiers, and exchange relevant information based on shared interests or reminders, enabling the delivery of context-specific information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If computing devices use only traditional location methods (GPS coordinates), then they can identify basic location information, but they cannot effectively identify proximity to specific entities or determine shared interests, leading to insufficient contextual information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons as intermediary devices that broadcast identifiers and information about physical locations or entities. These beacons serve as mediators between the computing device and the surrounding environment, enabling the device to detect proximity to specific entities (coffee shops, meeting locations, etc.) without requiring complex direct sensing or processing. The beacon acts as an information carrier that bridges the gap between GPS coordinates and meaningful contextual data about nearby entities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If computing devices establish direct short-range communications to identify proximity, then they can obtain relevant contextual information about nearby entities, but they require additional communication protocols and processing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of proximity detection and entity identification from the main computing device and places it into separate BLE beacons. The beacons handle the broadcasting of identifiers and basic information, while the computing device only needs to perform simple scanning and matching operations. This extraction allows the computing device to gain contextual awareness capabilities without bearing the full burden of implementing complex communication and identification systems.
3Loss of information
If computing devices use GPS coordinates for location identification, then they can provide basic location-based information, but they cannot provide entity-specific contextual information or consider user preferences related to proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by having different BLE beacons deployed at specific physical locations (coffee shops, meeting rooms, businesses) each broadcasting unique identifiers and location-specific information. Instead of using a single global coordinate system, each location has its own localized information signature that the computing device can detect. This allows the system to provide entity-specific contextual information tailored to the immediate vicinity, enhancing measurement precision for proximity detection beyond what GPS coordinates alone can provide.
Data Source
AI summary
In one general aspect, a method can include identifying, by a computing device, a geographic proximity of an entity, establishing, by the computing device, direct short-range communications with the entity, the computing device and the entity being able to communicate with one another using a short-range communication protocol. The method can further include receiving, by the computing device, an indication that the computing device shares an identifier with the entity, and receiving, by the computing device, information relevant to the computing device regarding the entity based on the shared identifier.