BLE Beacon Entry Exit Monitoring Using RSSI Direction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) systems for entry and exit monitoring are unable to determine the direction of user movement and can provide inconclusive evidence of presence due to signal reflection, requiring multiple gateways in larger areas, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A processor-implemented method and system that collects and measures Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) values from multiple receivers to determine entry or exit events by analyzing changes in RSSI values from BLE beacons emitted by client devices, allowing for accurate direction estimation and event detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple BLE gateways are deployed to detect user presence in larger areas, then the coverage area is improved, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring area into multiple zones, each monitored by a single BLE gateway. Each gateway independently monitors its own zone using RSSI values from multiple receivers, eliminating the need for multiple gateways to cover the same area and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining extensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of measurement by using multiple receivers at different spatial positions within each gateway. This spatial dimensionality allows single gateways to accurately determine user presence and movement direction through RSSI comparison, replacing the need for multiple gateways and reducing system complexity.
2Device complexity
If traditional BLE proximity detection is used to monitor user presence, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the measurement precision of user location and movement direction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enhances local measurement quality by deploying multiple receivers at different positions within each BLE gateway. Each receiver captures RSSI values from the user's device, and the system analyzes the spatial distribution of these values to precisely determine user location and movement direction, significantly improving measurement precision while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) as an intermediary measurement parameter. Instead of directly detecting user presence, the system uses RSSI values from multiple receivers as intermediaries to infer user location and movement direction, achieving high measurement precision without increasing system complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If BLE signal reflection is considered as valid presence evidence, then the detection coverage is improved, but the reliability of presence detection deteriorates due to inconclusive location proof
Solution Approach 1:
The system inverts the traditional approach by not relying on signal presence alone, but rather on signal strength variations. Instead of detecting whether a signal is received, the system analyzes how RSSI values change across multiple receivers, using the inverse logic that reflected signals will produce inconsistent RSSI patterns compared to direct line-of-sight signals, thereby improving reliability while maintaining coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring RSSI values from multiple receivers and comparing them over time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish between direct and reflected signals based on RSSI consistency patterns, improving presence detection reliability without reducing detection coverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise detection of entry and exit events with reduced infrastructure needs, improving the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of BLE-based surveillance systems by using multiple receivers to differentiate between entry and exit movements based on RSSI changes.
Implementation Method 1
Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) value of the BLE beacon is measured, via the one or more hardware processors, with respect to the first receiver and the second receiver
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to surveillance, and more particularly to perform entry and exit monitoring of a user. In an embodiment, the system identifies an entry event (during which a user enters a room being surveilled) and/or an exit event (during which a user leaves a room being surveilled), based on a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) based system. This system uses two receivers one positioned outside and the other positioned inside the room being surveilled, to receive BLE beacon transmitted by a user who is in motion. Based on relative change in RSSI values of this beacon with respect to the first and second receivers, the system identifies direction of movement of the user, and in turn, determines one of the entry or exit events.