Bluetooth Low Energy Proximity Connection via Signal Strength Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, require user intervention for connection establishment, which can be confusing and impractical, and alternative methods like Near Field Communication (NFC) add unnecessary hardware costs and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first device transmits a message with a signal strength threshold to a second device, which only responds if the received signal strength exceeds this threshold, allowing automatic connection establishment without additional hardware, using existing protocols like Bluetooth Low Energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If NFC technology is used to establish connection automatically, then user intervention is eliminated, but additional hardware (separate antenna and driving circuitry) is required which increases cost and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the existing radio frequency communication channel to carry proximity indication information, effectively copying the function of NFC into the existing Bluetooth Low Energy protocol without requiring separate NFC hardware. The radio frequency signal strength serves as a proxy for proximity detection, eliminating the need for dedicated NFC antennas and circuitry.
2Reliability
If manual user intervention is required for connection establishment, then connection security is ensured, but the process becomes confusing and fiddly for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic proximity-based connection establishment without requiring user intervention. The devices autonomously determine proximity through radio signal strength measurement and automatically initiate connection when the threshold is met, making the system self-serve the connection establishment function while maintaining security through signal strength verification.
3Extent of automation
If automatic connection establishment is implemented, then user intervention is reduced, but connection may be established when not intended by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces signal strength threshold as a parameter to control automatic connection. By setting an appropriate threshold value, the system automatically determines whether to establish connection based on the measured radio signal strength, providing a controllable parameter that balances automation with connection accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of digital radio communication between a first device 8 and a second device 2, e.g. operating under Bluetooth Low Energy (TM), is disclosed. Each device 8, 2 comprises a radio transmitter 10, 4 and a radio receiver 12, 6. The method comprises: the first device 8 transmitting a first message 22 to said second 2 device comprising a data value; the second device 8 receiving said first message 22 and determining whether said data value is present; the second device 8 determining a received signal strength associated with said message; the second device comparing said received signal strength to a threshold if it determines that said data value is present; and the second device transmitting a second message 32 to the first device 8 if said received signal strength exceeds said threshold but not transmitting said second message 32 if said received signal strength is below said threshold.