Master Beacon Addressing for Automated BLE Beacon Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The labor-intensive process of setting unique UUID, first profile identifier, and second profile identifier for each beacon in a multi-beacon environment hinders the adoption of beacon technology.
Innovation Solution
A master beacon is used to automatically detect and superimpose a systematic address scheme on beacons within its BLE range, changing their profile identifiers to create a unique address scheme for each beacon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of unique UUID, first profile identifier, and second profile identifier is performed for each beacon, then each beacon can be uniquely identified, but the setup process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon automatically generates its own unique identifier (UUID) and profile identifiers without requiring manual configuration. When a beacon is powered on, it autonomously creates a UUID if one does not already exist, and the master beacon automatically assigns first and second profile identifiers, eliminating the need for manual setup while ensuring unique identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions automatically during beacon initialization and power-on sequences. The master beacon pre-assigns profile identifiers to beacons within its range before actual deployment, and the beacon itself prepares its UUID in advance during manufacturing or initial power-up, reducing on-site setup time.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of beacon identifiers is performed, then accurate addressing is achieved, but the complexity of the deployment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon autonomously generates its UUID and the master beacon automatically assigns profile identifiers through automated detection and configuration processes. This self-service mechanism maintains precise addressing by ensuring each beacon receives unique identifiers while eliminating manual configuration steps that complicate deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electronic systems. The master beacon uses automated detection mechanisms to identify beacons within range and programmatically assigns identifiers through wireless communication, substituting manual setup procedures with automated electronic configuration that maintains accuracy while simplifying deployment.
3Productivity
If automated addressing is implemented using master beacon detection, then setup time is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master beacon performs multiple functions including detecting beacons within its BLE range, generating or assigning UUIDs, assigning first and second profile identifiers, and managing configuration updates. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single device, improving setup efficiency while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The master beacon acts as an intermediary between the configuration process and individual beacons. It mediates the automatic assignment of identifiers by detecting beacons, generating appropriate UUIDs and profile identifiers, and programming them into the beacons' memory, thereby automating the addressing process without requiring complex direct interaction between each beacon and the configuration system.
4Ease of operation
If automated identifier assignment is performed, then manual intervention is eliminated, but the risk of identifier conflicts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon autonomously generates a UUID using a cryptographically secure random number generator if one does not already exist, ensuring uniqueness without manual intervention. The master beacon then assigns first and second profile identifiers in a coordinated manner, with the beacon storing these identifiers in its non-volatile memory, maintaining reliability while eliminating manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the master beacon detects beacons within its BLE range, verifies their current identifier status, and only assigns new identifiers when appropriate. The beacon provides feedback about its current configuration state, allowing the master beacon to make informed decisions about identifier assignment and avoid conflicts with existing identifiers in the network.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes how a master beacon having a known UUID can be used to capture beacons within its range and superimpose a systematic address scheme on those beacons. The superimposed address scheme can then be used as a proxy for the individual beacons when developing applications that make use of the beacons. A master beacon automatically detects each beacon in a plurality of beacons and, for a set of beacons in the plurality of beacons, automatically changes either the first profile identifier or the second profile identifier for each beacon in the set of beacons. The change is such that the first profile identifier or the second profile identifier is identical for each beacon in the set of beacons and is also associated with the master beacon.