BLE Device Filtering Using RSSI and Connection Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device filtering methods rely solely on white listing and black listing, which require pre-update address information and do not effectively utilize extraneous information such as signal strength or data payload for efficient device filtering.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses received signal strength indication (RSSI) and time from previous connections, in addition to or instead of white/black listing, to determine whether to respond to or connect with BLE devices, thereby filtering out devices based on distance and connection timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If white listing and black listing methods are used for device filtering, then device identity management is established, but power consumption increases and filtering efficiency decreases in crowded environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing RSSI-based distance estimation and time-since-connection checks before processing full device filtering. This preliminary filtering eliminates obviously unwanted devices early in the process, reducing the need for power-intensive white/black list operations and lowering overall power consumption while maintaining filtering accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the filtering parameters from solely relying on pre-stored device addresses (white/black lists) to incorporating dynamic parameters such as RSSI (received signal strength indication) for distance estimation and time-since-connection metrics. This parameter expansion enables more efficient filtering in crowded environments by allowing devices to respond selectively based on current environmental conditions rather than static lists.
2Reliability
If white listing and black listing methods are used for device filtering, then device identity management is established, but filtering efficiency decreases in crowded environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary filtering using RSSI and time-since-connection criteria before executing comprehensive white/black list checks. This preliminary action quickly eliminates devices that are clearly outside the desired range or connection window, reducing the computational burden of subsequent filtering operations and improving overall filtering efficiency in crowded environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enriches the filtering criteria by incorporating dynamic parameters (RSSI for distance, time-since-connection) alongside traditional address-based white/black listing. This multi-parameter approach enables more intelligent and efficient device selection, allowing the system to quickly identify and respond to relevant devices while ignoring irrelevant ones, thereby improving filtering efficiency without sacrificing accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices respond to all advertising packets, then communication coverage is maximized, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the response behavior context-dependent rather than uniform. Devices evaluate local conditions such as RSSI (indicating distance) and time-since-connection before deciding whether to respond. This allows devices to maintain communication coverage with nearby, relevant devices while conserving power by not responding to distant or irrelevant advertising packets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by having devices respond to only a subset of advertising packets rather than all of them. By using RSSI and time-since-connection as filtering criteria, devices selectively respond to packets from devices that meet specific conditions (e.g., within a certain distance range or recently connected), thereby maintaining necessary communication coverage while reducing power consumption from unnecessary responses.
4Productivity
If extraneous information such as signal strength is utilized for device filtering, then filtering efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filtering process into distinct stages: first, a quick preliminary filter using RSSI and time-since-connection to eliminate obviously unwanted devices; second, a more comprehensive filter using white/black lists for remaining candidates. This segmentation allows the system to use simple, efficient criteria where possible while reserving more complex filtering mechanisms for cases where they are truly needed, thereby improving overall filtering efficiency without unnecessarily increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic filtering criteria (RSSI-based distance estimation, time-since-connection metrics) that adapt to current environmental conditions rather than relying solely on static white/black lists. This dynamic approach improves filtering efficiency by enabling real-time decision-making based on current signal conditions and connection history, while the modular implementation keeps device complexity manageable through reusable, standardized filtering components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, an apparatus and a computer program product are used for device filtering. A packet is received from a device, after which it is determined whether the device is allowed to be responded to, wherein the determination comprises at least one of the following: determining a received signal strength indication from the packet; or determining a time from previous connection of the device; or determining the data in a payload of the packet.