Bluetooth Low Energy Discovery Using Identifier Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) device discovery techniques face challenges due to frequent changes in random static addresses, making it difficult to identify and connect to specific devices efficiently, leading to increased power consumption and unnecessary transmissions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus that utilize identifiers associated with a group of devices, allowing for proximity-based device discovery by matching identifiers received from a remote source with those from proximate devices, thereby reducing the need to connect with and investigate all devices in the vicinity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices use random static addresses for security and privacy, then device identification reliability is improved, but device discovery efficiency deteriorates due to frequent address changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device identification process into two parts: a stable identifier (UUID) that remains constant and a volatile identifier (random static address) that changes frequently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable device identification through the stable UUID while accommodating security requirements through the changing address, resolving the contradiction between identification reliability and discovery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (UUID-to-address mapping stored in non-volatile memory) that connects the stable identifier with the changing random static addresses. This intermediary allows the device to be reliably identified by UUID while supporting frequent address changes for security, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable identification and efficient discovery
2Reliability
If all devices in vicinity are connected and investigated for discovery, then device discovery completeness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing the mapping between UUIDs and random static addresses in non-volatile memory before actual device discovery occurs. This allows the device to quickly determine whether to initiate connection based on pre-fetched identifier matches, avoiding the need to connect with and investigate all devices in the vicinity, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining discovery completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by only initiating full connection procedures for devices whose identifiers match the pre-fetched UUIDs, rather than investigating all devices. This selective approach reduces the number of connection attempts and investigations, significantly lowering power consumption while still ensuring complete discovery of relevant devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for facilitating efficient device discovery. In regards to a method implemented by a master device, a first identifier is received from a remote source. The method also receives one or more wireless device discovery packets comprising a second identifier from a proximate device, wherein the wireless device discovery packet comprises information compliant with a short-range communication technology to advertise presence of the proximate device or information compliant with a short-range communication technology to scan for proximate devices according to proximity-based communication technology. The method then, causes, in an instance in which at least the portion of the first identifier matches at least the portion of the second identifier, a wireless short-range communication connection procedure to be initiated between the apparatus and the proximate device, wherein the wireless short-range communication connection procedure complies with the proximity-based communication technology.