Relay Devices Extend BLE Peripheral Access Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited radio range of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) networks restricts the accessibility of peripheral devices by master devices, making it difficult to collect data from devices located outside their vicinity within a local network.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two relay devices that simulate the presence of peripheral devices within the radio coverage area of master devices, allowing master devices to access values managed by peripheral devices through a radio connection, without modifying the peripheral devices, and using relay devices connected to the local network via Ethernet or PLC for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the radio range of BLE network is limited to ten meters, then energy consumption is reduced and device simplicity is maintained, but accessibility of peripheral devices by master devices is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relay devices as intermediaries between master devices and peripheral devices. The relay device receives data from a peripheral device within its radio range and retransmits it to master devices that are outside the original radio range, thereby extending the effective communication distance without modifying the peripheral device or increasing its power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication function by separating the roles of master devices, peripheral devices, and relay devices. The relay device acts as an independent segment that bridges the gap between devices within radio range and devices outside radio range, allowing the system to achieve extended coverage while maintaining the low-power characteristics of the original BLE devices.
2Ease of operation
If relay devices are introduced to extend radio range, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a standard BLE device for data collection and as an extension node for reaching distant master devices. This universal design allows the same hardware to perform multiple roles, reducing the need for specialized complex infrastructure while achieving extended coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay device autonomously performs the function of extending radio range by receiving data from peripheral devices and independently retransmitting it to master devices. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex centralized management or additional infrastructure, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the extended functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2c
Figure 2a
AI summary
The invention relates to a technique for access by a master device (22) to a value. The invention relates to a technique for access by a master device (22) to a value taken by a characteristic managed by a peripheral device (23). A first relay device (21) situated in a zone of radio coverage of the master device receives a command for simulation of the peripheral device, this peripheral device being situated in a zone of radio coverage to a second relay device (24). The first relay device then establishes a radio connection with the master device, by simulating the presence of the peripheral device in the zone of radio coverage of the master device. The first relay device receives from the master device a request to read a value taken by a characteristic managed by the peripheral device, transmits the request and receives in return the value from the second relay device, said second relay device having obtained it by interrogating the peripheral device. It can then dispatch it to the master device.