Bluetooth LE Proximity Estimation Using Multi-Format RSSI Weighting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring distance between an image forming apparatus and a mobile terminal using Bluetooth LE radio signals face accuracy issues when multiple formats are received, as the radio signal of a predetermined format cannot be obtained while another format is being output, leading to decreased measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that receive and estimate proximity levels using radio field intensities of advertising packets from multiple Bluetooth LE formats, allowing for distance measurement with sensitivity comparable to single-format scenarios by employing weighting and time-interval-based approaches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image forming apparatus time-divisionally outputs radio signals for multiple formats, then the apparatus can support multiple formats, but the radio signal of a predetermined format cannot be obtained while another format is being output, leading to decreased measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple Bluetooth LE format signals (iBeacon and Eddystone) into a unified distance measurement approach. Instead of selecting only one format, the system receives and processes advertising packets from both formats simultaneously, merging their RSSI values to calculate a single proximity level. This resolves the contradiction by allowing multi-format support while maintaining measurement accuracy through signal integration rather than time-divisional output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal distance measurement mechanism that works across multiple Bluetooth LE formats. The system defines a format-independent processing approach where advertising packets from different formats are handled through a common workflow: receiving packets, extracting RSSI values, and calculating proximity levels. This universal approach enables the apparatus to support multiple formats without sacrificing measurement precision, as the core measurement logic remains consistent across formats.
2Device complexity
If only a predetermined format is used for distance measurement, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but the radio signal of that format may not be available when another format is output, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of format selection from fixed to dynamic. Instead of committing to a single predetermined format, the system dynamically adapts to receive and process whichever format is currently being transmitted. The apparatus monitors advertising packets from multiple formats and selectively processes them based on availability. This parameter change allows the system to maintain simplicity in the measurement process while improving reliability by ensuring signal availability through multi-format monitoring.
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 accurate distance measurement between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal even when multiple Bluetooth LE formats are received, maintaining sensitivity similar to single-format scenarios, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
Because a radio field intensity in the wireless communication in such a case typically has a characteristic of attenuating in inverse proportion to the square of distance, it is possible to obtain the distance between the mobile terminal and the image forming apparatus based on the radio field intensity received by the mobile terminal.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus communicates receives wirelessly and directly, from a device, advertising packets of a plurality of different formats that comply with a predetermined communication standard and are transmitted from the device, and estimates a proximity level between the device having transmitted the advertising packets and the information processing apparatus by sampling the radio field intensities of the advertising packets of the plurality of different formats. The advertising packets include a first advertising packet of a first format and a second advertising packet of a second format, wherein a number of sampling of the radio field intensities of the first advertising packet is less than that of the radio field intensities of the second advertising packet per unit of time. A sampled radio field intensity of the first advertising packet influences the estimate more than a sampled radio field intensity of the second advertising packet.