BLE Terminal Device Positioning via RSSI Change Rule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Bluetooth-based indoor positioning systems are complex and costly to maintain, require dedicated servers for data processing, are inflexible, and cannot locate objects during searches, leading to inefficiencies and high hardware costs.
Innovation Solution
A BLE-based positioning method that uses a terminal device to scan for and connect with a BLE slave device, parse RSSI values to determine the device's location, and provide directional prompts to quickly find the device without the need for iBeacons or Bluetooth APs, reducing hardware costs and data processing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Bluetooth transmission and communication network is constructed using multiple Bluetooth APs, then positioning functionality is achieved, but the system becomes complex to construct and maintain with high hardware costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the complex Bluetooth AP network infrastructure and implements it using only standard BLE devices that everyone already has. The terminal device itself performs positioning by scanning and calculating distances to BLE slave devices, eliminating the need for dedicated Bluetooth APs and servers.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device performs self-positioning by autonomously scanning for BLE slave devices, calculating distances based on RSSI values, and determining its location without requiring external servers or complex infrastructure. The device serves its own positioning needs using built-in capabilities.
2Reliability
If a dedicated server is deployed to process Bluetooth AP data, then positioning calculations can be performed, but data network delays and bandwidth problems occur while system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dedicated server component entirely from the positioning system. Positioning calculations are extracted from the server and performed locally on the terminal device, eliminating data network delays and bandwidth constraints associated with server-based processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device performs positioning calculations autonomously using local processing capabilities. It scans for BLE devices, parses RSSI values, calculates distances, and determines position without requiring external server intervention, thus eliminating network delays.
3Reliability
If iBeacon or Bluetooth AP infrastructure is deployed, then positioning can be performed, but hardware costs increase and the system lacks flexibility for upgrades and modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the positioning system universal by using standard BLE devices that can serve multiple purposes. Any smartphone or device with BLE capability can function as a positioning system, eliminating the need for specialized iBeacon hardware or Bluetooth AP infrastructure. The system can adapt to different scenarios without hardware changes.
4Reliability
If traditional positioning systems are used, then mobile device location can be determined, but lost or hidden objects cannot be positioned during object search
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends positioning capability from just mobile devices to any BLE slave device. By placing BLE modules on objects, the system can locate both mobile devices and stationary objects alike. The terminal device scans for and positions relative to any BLE slave device, enabling object search and recovery applications.
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 rapid location of BLE slave devices with reduced time and hardware costs by eliminating the need for complex data processing architectures and iBeacon or Bluetooth AP deployments, improving flexibility and search capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
distance between a Bluetooth sticker and a terminal can be measured using received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communications and discloses a Bluetooth low energy (BLE)-based positioning method and apparatus. In the present disclosure, the BLE-based positioning method is applied to a terminal device, and includes: calculating a change rule of the RSSI value when a received signal strength indication(RSSI)value obtained by parsing a received signal of a target BLE slave device is less than a predetermined threshold; and generating prompt information used for prompting a moving direction of the terminal device according to the change rule of the RSSI value until the RSSI value is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold. The present disclosure further discloses a BLE-based positioning apparatus. Compared with the existing technology, by means of the present disclosure, the location of the target BLE slave device can be quickly found, and the time taken to find the target BLE slave device is greatly reduced. In addition, the target BLE slave device can be quickly positioned without deploying an iBeacon or a Bluetooth AP indoors, so that a complex data processing architecture is not required, and hardware costs are reduced.