DE112019000922T5 - BLE NETWORK SYSTEMS AND METHODS THAT PROVIDE FOR A ROLE SWAPING OF THE CENTRAL UNIT AND PERIPHERALS ACCORDING TO A SCHEDULE OF A NETWORK - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. This includes the implementation of an end node (EN) as the sole initiator of a connection between a specific EN and other components within the network. Such an initiation can be controlled by the network in order to effect a transmission of the EN functionality between one or more of the other components. The execution of the transmission depends on a network-controlled time control, which determines the functionality of all network components. The network is accordingly able to influence the power consumption of these components in order to optimize the use of their respective power resources.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a partial / continuing sequel to that filed on March 21, 2018 U.S. Application No. 15 / 927,388 , which in turn is a partial / continuing continuation of those filed on June 17, 2017 U.S. Application No. 15 / 626,083 is, with the entire content of the U.S. Application No. 15 / 927,388 and 15 / 626,083 is hereby incorporated by reference.

AREA OF DISCLOSURE

The disclosed embodiments relate to wireless communication and in particular to wireless communication between devices equipped with BLUETOOTH Low Energy (BLE), in which the conventional central and peripheral role of these devices in the BLE is swapped and made applicable to nodes of a BLE-enabled network to improve the network capability of the BLE.

BACKGROUND

Around 2009 the Internet was in a phase of its development where the backbone (router and server) was connected to edge nodes, which consisted mostly of personal computers. At that time, i.a. Kevin Ashton to the next level of development of the Internet, which he referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT). In his article “That 'Internet of Things‘ Thing ”, RFID Journal, July 22, 2009, he describes the Internet from around 2009 as almost entirely dependent on human interaction, i.e. he claims that almost all of the data available on the internet at the time was generated by data collection / creation chains of events, each involving human interaction, e.g. Typing, pressing a record button, taking a digital picture, or scanning a barcode. In the evolution of the Internet, such reliance on human interaction as the link in any chain of data collection and / or data generation has been a bottleneck. To deal with this bottleneck, Ashton suggested adapting the computers connected to the Internet by making them provides data acquisition and / or data generation functions, thereby eliminating human interaction in a substantial part of the data acquisition / generation chains.

In the context of the IoT, a thing can be a natural or man-made object that is assigned a unique ID / address and that is configured with the ability to acquire and / or create data and transmit that data over a network. With regard to the IoT, a thing can e.g. be a person with a heart monitor implant, a farm animal with a biochip transponder, a car with built-in sensors that warn the driver if the tire pressure is too low, on-site emergency devices that support the fire brigade in search and rescue , personal biometric monitors woven into clothing that interact with thermostat systems and lighting systems to continuously and imperceptibly control HVAC and lighting conditions in a room, a refrigerator that is "aware" of its appropriately labeled contents, which can accommodate a wide variety of Plan menus from the food actually present in it as well as warn the user about stale or spoiled food, etc.

In the development of the Internet after 2009 in the direction of IoT, the segment of small, inexpensive, networked processing devices, which are distributed in all sizes in everyday life, has grown strongly. Many of these are configured for everyday use. For the IoT, the edge nodes will essentially consist of such small devices.

Within the small appliance segment, the sub-segment with the greatest growth potential is embedded, energy-saving, wireless devices. Networks of such devices are described as the Wireless Embedded Internet ("WET"), which is a subset of the IoT. In particular, WET comprises embedded devices with limited resources that are typically battery operated and that are typically connected to the Internet via wireless networks with low power consumption and low bandwidth (“LoWPANs”).

The BLUETOOTH Special Interest Group has developed the BLE with a particular focus on IoT devices and applications that do not depend on a continuous connection (s), but rather on an extended battery life. A good example of these devices is a temperature sensor that intermittently provides temperature readings to a collector device, which collects those readings. That is, a continuous connection between the sensor and the collector is not necessary, e.g. to obtain such a temperature measurement at a discrete point in time.

The BLUETOOTH specification, which regulates the operation of BLE devices, relates defined roles to each of the above-mentioned sensors and collectors as peripheral or central sensors.

In accordance with the usual networking operations of the BLE, a peripheral device, such as a sensor above, makes its presence known to every central device, such as a collector above, only by continuously "advertising" its presence. In other words, the peripheral device continuously sends beacon advertising messages for detection by a control center which decides for itself whether a connection should be established with the detected peripheral device. In a BLE environment, such advertising occurs over three advertising channels or frequencies to reduce interference between the signals sent by multiple peripheral devices.

In such a BLE environment, however, there are several barriers to optimal communication between a peripheral device such as an end node (EN), and a central device, e.g. an access point (AP).

An example of such an obstacle is the uncertainty a peripheral device can experience when it actually knows why its broadcast advertisement was not recognized by a central device. In particular, such uncertainty exists due to the peripheral device's inability to know whether a central device is within range that allows its advertising to be received, or additionally whether a central device within range is simply overloaded so that there is not enough time or had capacity to handle the peripheral's advertisements.

Another obstacle preventing an optimal relationship between periphery and center is the overloading of the advertising channels, which leads to collision signals and missed advertisements, each of which causes a lack of connection. These failures are prevalent in scenarios where multiple peripherals are placed together, i.e. in or at a location within a structure such as a building or other venue where peripheral and central functions are required or desired.

Another obstacle to the networking of the BLE is the fundamental complexity caused by the conventional peripheral / central relationship of the BLE. In this regard, a mobile peripheral device that is out of range of a control center, e.g. of a first network access point (AP) to which it was previously connected moves essentially every established relationship that peripheral device has entered into with that first AP. In this case, if the peripheral device moves within range of another, second AP, this second AP cannot immediately know whether a connection should be established with regard to considerations such as network configuration, security and authentication due to the existing relationship between the peripheral device and the first AP. The only basis for informing the second AP whether a connection to the peripheral device should be established is information that it receives from a coordinating application that runs on the BLE network and that provides the APs with information about whether a connection to a peripheral should be made based on its broadcast advertising. However, in the above scenario, before the coordinating application learns of the lost connection with the first AP, a considerable period of time has elapsed before the coordinating application can or is provided connection information to the second AP in order to give it the opportunity to determine that it should establish a connection with the peripheral device. In this way, it is understood that enabling a connection to a peripheral device that moves between multiple APs is not only complex, but that there are other disadvantages, namely increased connection latency and a higher utilization of the backhaul due to the necessary information that must flow to and from the coordinating application.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide one or more optimized network relationships of the BLE that address and overcome the above-mentioned obstacles and disadvantages associated today with the conventional network relationship between central and peripheral BLE discussed above. More specifically, it would be desirable to enable the applicability of such optimized BLE relationships in connection with various application environments, e.g. Healthcare, Improving Fitness, Improving Internet Connectivity, Improving Proximity Sensing, Improving Warning Systems, Improving Construction Site Supervision, Improving Access Control Systems, Improving Automation, and Improving Systems and Methods for Tracking Inventory Items for which the Location is Determined must, be it in a commercial or private environment, as well as for any other application in which a BLE network protocol is used.

In connection with such optimization, it would also be desirable to coordinate the tracking of such assets, for example, since these assets are in transit between multiple locations, for example with respect to a final destination.

In addition, it would also be desirable to perform this tracking as efficiently as possible in order to save energy while the tracking is to take place and to achieve this energy saving also while one or more of the otherwise mentioned application environments are running.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that both the following summary and detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to further illustrate the present embodiments as claimed. Neither the abstract nor the following description are intended to define or limit the scope of the present embodiments to the particular features mentioned in the abstract or in the description. Rather, the scope of the present embodiments is defined by the appended claims.

One aspect of the embodiments includes a BLE communication system for communicating with a network including an access point (AP) configured to connect to the network and transmit a first beacon advertisement message, an AP that is not configured to do so is that it connects to the network and transmits a second beacon advertising message to define a reference point (RP), an end node (EN) configured to receive the first and second beacon advertising messages and initiating a connection with the AP for the transmission of data associated with the EN to the network and the receipt of data from the network, each of the AP, the RP and the EN being configured by the network to be in accordance with either a wake-up state or an idle state, the AP being selected to include a stationary AP or a mobile AP.

Another aspect of the embodiments includes a method of BLE communication that is used in a system having an access point (AP) configured to connect to a network and send a first beacon advertising message, an AP that is not configured to connect to the network and send a second beacon advertising message to define a reference point (RP) and include an end node (EN), the AP being selected to be a stationary AP or comprises a mobile AP, and the EN is configured to initiate a connection with the AP in response to receiving the first beacon advertising message,

Operating each of the selected AP, RP and EN according to a predetermined network timing configured to initiate an alternate mode of operation of the selected AP or the RP, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the disclosed embodiments may include one or more of the features described herein.

Figure list

• 1 ist eine Illustration der BLE-Übertragung einer Baken-Werbenachricht zwischen einer BLE-Zentrale und einer BLE-Peripherie, entsprechend der zugehörigen Technik;
• 2 ist eine Veranschaulichung der BLE-Übertragung einer Baken-Werbenachricht zwischen einem BLE-Endknoten (EN) und einem BLE-Zugangspunkt (AP) gemäß den hier offengelegten Ausführungsformen;
• 3 ist eine Illustration eines BLE-fähigen Netzes gemäß 2;
• 4 ist ein Sequenzdiagramm der Proximity-Assoziation einer BLE EN mit einer BLE AP, in Übereinstimmung mit 3;
• 5 ist ein Sequenzdiagramm der Erkennung eines BLE EN eines BLE AP durch ein BLE EN gemäß 3;
• 6 ist ein Sequenzdiagramm der Verbindung der BLE EN mit der BLE AP gemäß 3 und 5.
• 7 ist eine Illustration eines BLE-fähigen Netzwerks, die die Umstände für Interaktionen zwischen einem BLE EN und einem mobilen BLE AP zeigt;
• 8 ist eine Illustration der kollektiven Bewegung von jeweils einer Vielzahl von BLE EN und mindestens einer BLE AP; und
• 9 ist eine graphische Darstellung einer Anzahl von Herzschlagmeldungen, die während der kollektiven Bewegung der Mehrzahl von BLE EN und mindestens eines BLE AP aus 8 von einem oder mehreren der Mehrzahl von BLE EN relativ zu einem am BLE AP bekannten Zielort übertragen werden.
• 10 ist ein Blockdiagramm, das alternative Konfigurationen eines mobilen BLE AP gemäß den hierin enthaltenen Verkörperungen veranschau licht;
• 11 ist ein Sequenzdiagramm, das die Art und Weise der Standortbestimmung einer ersten Konfiguration des mobilen BLE AP gemäß 10 zeigt;
• 12 ist ein Sequenzdiagramm, das die Art und Weise der Standortbestimmung einer zweiten Konfiguration des mobilen BLE AP gemäß 10 zeigt;
• 13 ist eine Tabelle, die eine beispielhafte BLE-Netzwerkkomponentenaktivität nach Szenarien für eine solche Aktivität darstellt; und
• 14 ist ein Sequenzdiagramm für die Umsetzung eines entsprechenden Szenarios aus 13.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to enable those skilled in the art to make and use these and other embodiments apparent to those skilled in the art. The exemplary embodiments contained herein are described in particular in connection with the following drawings

• 1 is an illustration of the BLE transmission of a beacon advertising message between a BLE center and a BLE peripheral, according to the associated technology;
• 2 Figure 3 is an illustration of the BLE transmission of a beacon advertisement message between a BLE End Node (EN) and a BLE Access Point (AP) in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein;
• 3 FIG. 13 is an illustration of a BLE enabled network according to FIG 2 ;
• 4th FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of the proximity association of a BLE EN with a BLE AP, in accordance with FIG 3 ;
• 5 FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram of the BLE EN recognition of a BLE AP in accordance with FIG 3 ;
• 6th FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram of the connection of the BLE EN to the BLE AP of FIG 3 and 5 .
• 7th Figure 13 is an illustration of a BLE enabled network showing the circumstances for interactions between a BLE EN and a mobile BLE AP;
• 8th is an illustration of the collective movement of a plurality of BLE EN and at least one BLE AP; and
• 9 Fig. 13 is a graphical representation of a number of heartbeat messages received during collective movement of the plurality of BLE EN and at least one BLE AP 8th from one or more of the plurality of BLE EN relative to a destination known to the BLE AP.
• 10 Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating alternative configurations of a mobile BLE AP according to the embodiments contained herein;
• 11 FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the location of a first configuration of the mobile BLE AP according to FIG 10 shows;
• 12th FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the location of a second configuration of the mobile BLE AP according to FIG 10 shows;
• 13 Figure 13 is a table depicting exemplary BLE network component activity by scenarios for such activity; and
• 14th Figure 3 is a sequence diagram for implementing a corresponding scenario 13 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described using various exemplary embodiments. This specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate features of the present embodiments. The described embodiment (s) and references in the specification to “an embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc. indicate that the described embodiment (s) may include a particular feature, a may contain a certain structure or characteristic. Such formulations do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a particular feature, structure, or feature described in connection with one embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment, but typically has relevance and applicability to one or more other embodiments .

In the different figures, the same reference numbers may be used for the same elements with the same functions in different drawings. The described embodiments and their detailed construction and elements are only intended to facilitate a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It is apparent, therefore, that the present embodiments can be embodied in a variety of ways and do not require any of the specific features described herein. Known functions or constructions are also not described in detail, since they would obscure the present embodiments in unnecessary detail.

The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is merely intended to illustrate the general principles of the present embodiments, as the scope of the present embodiments is best defined by the appended claims.

It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the blocks in a flowchart, the communications in a sequence diagram, the states in a state diagram, and so on, may come out of the order shown in the figures. That is, the illustrated orders of the blocks / communications / states are not intended as a limitation. Rather, the illustrated blocks / messages / states can be placed in any suitable order, and some of the blocks / messages / states can occur simultaneously.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, are to be construed as having control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or common meanings of the terms defined.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an” as used herein in the specification and in the claims are to be understood as “at least one” unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

As used herein in the specification and claims, the term "and / or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so assembled, i.e. Elements that connect in some cases and separate them in other cases. Multiple items listed with "and / or" should be interpreted in the same way, i.e. “One or more” of the elements connected in this way. Elements other than those specifically identified by the “and / or” clause may optionally be present, regardless of whether they are related to the specifically identified elements or not. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B" when used in conjunction with an open-ended language such as "comprising" may in one embodiment refer to A only (including elements other than B, if applicable) ; in another embodiment only on B (possibly including elements other than A); in a further embodiment both on A and on B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” is to be interpreted as inclusive, ie that there is at least one, but also more than one of a number or list of elements and, optionally, additional includes items not listed. Only terms that are clearly to the contrary, such as “only one or“ exactly one of ”or, when used in the claims,“ consisting of ”, refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein is to be construed as denoting exclusive alternatives (ie "one or the other, but not both") when preceded by exclusivity terms such as "either""Oneof","just one of" or "exactly one of", "consisting essentially of", when used in the claims, has its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the term “at least one” in relation to a list of one or more items should be understood to mean at least one item selected from one or more of the items in the list of Item has been selected, but does not necessarily include at least one of each and every item specifically listed in the List of Items, and does not exclude combinations of items in the List of Items. This definition also allows the optional elements other than those specifically identified elements in the list of elements to which the term “at least one” refers to be present, regardless of whether or not they are related to the specifically identified elements . As a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B” or, equivalently, “at least one of A and / or B”) in one embodiment can refer to at least one, optionally also refer to several, A without B being present (and possibly also elements other than B); in another embodiment to at least one, optionally more than one, B, without the presence of A (and optionally with elements other than A); in another embodiment to at least one, optionally more than one, A, and at least one, optionally more than one, B (and optionally with other elements); etc.

Both in the claims and in the specification above, all transitional formulations such as “comprise”, “include”, “carry”, “have”, “contain”, “include”, “include”, “hold”, “composed of” and the like to be understood in such a way that they are open-ended, ie that they include, but are not limited to. Only the transition clauses “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” are closed and semi-closed transition clauses, respectively, as set forth in the US Patent Office's Manual for Patent Examination Procedures, Section 2111.03.

It is understood that while the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, those elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be referred to as a second element, and likewise a second element could be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In the form used here, the singular forms are intended to be “a / an / an”. and “der / die / das” also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The word "exemplary" is used here to "serve as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In addition, all embodiments described herein should be considered exemplary unless otherwise specified.

The word “network” is used here to refer to one or more conventional or proprietary networks that use an appropriate network data transfer protocol or other specifications and / or guidelines that may be applicable to the transmission of information. Examples of such networks are PSTN, LAN, WAN, WiFi, WiMax, Internet, World Wide Web, Ethernet, other wireless networks and the like.

The term “wireless device” is used here to refer to one or more conventional or proprietary devices that use radio frequency transmission techniques or other techniques that enable the transmission of information. Examples of such wireless devices are cell phones, desktop computers, laptop computers, handheld computers, electronic games, portable digital assistants, MP3 players, DVD players, or the like.

The BLE network enables the detection and connection between devices that usually do not require a permanent connection between them so that an exchange of information in the form of data can take place. However, such devices are dependent on an extended battery life so that the possibility of such a replacement continues to exist reliably. The devices themselves differ in their construction, whether it is a sensor, a mobile phone, a network access point (AP) or another object that is configured in such a way that it enables and / or provides BLE communication (s) and that is either stationary or mobile, such as a BLUETOOTH tag. In connection with BLE networks, such devices are prescribed by the BLUETOOTH core specification 4.0 and may be compatible with IEEE 802.15.1.

Typically, one or more of these devices take on the role of a central one in connection with BLE communication 10 and one peripheral 12th , as in 1 shown. A peripheral device is generally understood as a device that merely broadcasts or advertises its presence to another device, referred to as central, with the intention that this presence is recognized by that central device. The transmission is generally in the form of a beacon advertising message, which is transmitted as a radio frequency (RF) signal. Should a detection occur, it is generally assumed that the control center will decide whether a connection with the periphery should be established. If this determination is in the affirmative, the control center establishes a connection and also prescribes all conditions under which a connection with a peripheral device is to be established. The directional flow of the transmission of the beacon advertisement message containing an RF signal from the peripheral device is in 1 represented by arrows “A”, while the directed flow of the establishment of a connection with the peripheral device through the control center is represented by arrows “B”.

Such a scheme makes the networking of the BLE vulnerable to the many shortcomings discussed above.

In an effort to remedy these shortcomings, the embodiments disclosed herein reverse the directional flows of the beacon advertising message transmission and connection, thereby reversing the roles of a conventional control center and peripheral, and reversing such roles to appropriate nodes in a BLE -capable network applicable.

2 illustrates such a reversal of roles in that each of the exemplary battery powered BLE end nodes (ENs) 14th is responsible for detecting a beacon advertising message sent by an exemplary battery powered BLE access point (AP) 16 in the direction of arrows "A" is transmitted, and beyond, these ENs 14th are solely responsible for evaluating and / or determining whether a BLE connection with the AP 16 should be initiated and / or established, as shown in the direction of the arrows “B”. This means that the AP 16 is in no way responsible for the assessment and / or determination of an aspect or aspects of whether a connection should be established between a corresponding AP 16 and a corresponding EN 14, and while such aspects or aspects are rather solely from of EN 14 are assessed and / or determined, so that EN 14 itself is enabled to initiate and / or establish the above-mentioned connection only if this is considered appropriate by EN 14. As used herein, the term “initiate” means to take all initial steps or to enforce all initial procedures, and the terms “establish” or “establish” mean to take all steps or to enforce all procedures related thereto whether a connection between an AP 16 and an EN 14 should be created and / or maintained, and then to establish and / or maintain such a connection.

3-6 and the related descriptions below deal with different ways of assigning an EN 14 to an AP 16. This illustrates 3 a BLE-capable network and its communication system, 4th a type of approximate assignment of a BLE EN to a BLE AP, 5 a way of recognizing a BLE AP by a BLE EN and 6th some way of connecting a BLE EN to a BLE AP. It should be understood that an EN 14 does not transmit its position to an AP 16 at any point in time, but that the position of the EN 14 is transmitted through the relative assignment of one or more APs 16 can be determined.

More precisely, 3 illustrates a BLE capable network 18th and its communication system according to the present statements, in which the ENs 14th a received signal strength (RSS) of all of the APs 16 transmitted beacon advertising messages, only the proximity in relation to the APs 16 determine and still only all connections between the ENs 14th and the APs 16 initiate and establish, in response to the evaluation and / or decision, for example with respect to such RSS, information contained in the beacon advertisement and / or other information, as discussed below with respect to FIGS. 4-6. As soon as a connection between an EN 14 and an AP 16 is established, data such as, optionally, identifying information, other than location information, the EN 14 and identifying information, except for the associated AP 16 , of the closest AP 16 and information contained in EN 14, including, for example, sensory information thereof, can be transmitted to the respective AP 16 in order to be able to use a backhaul 20th implemented by a Cellular, WiFi, or Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) configuration to a network or cloud service 22nd for transmission to a terminal 24 of the end user, such as B. a personal computing or other electronic device that is able to transmit the above information to be transmitted. Relevant identification and / or location information of the APs 16 are the network 22nd known. Such a network or cloud service 22nd includes any of the data and connectivity platforms available to users of nodes within the network 18th for example to enable the management and distribution of information that is relevant to the nodes and / or of information that is desired in the management of the nodes. An example of such a platform is CONDUCTOR, available from Link Labs, Inc. of Annapolis, Maryland.

As mentioned, the EN 14 can transmit identifying information to the AP 16 that comes closest to the EN 14. Such an AP 16 can be an AP 16 that is connected to the network 22nd is connectable, or not, as will be explained below. In this context, it should be understood that an AP 16 can be connected if it is backhaul 20th to the network 22nd can be connected, and as not connectable if such a connection cannot be established. For example, AP 16s that cannot be connected, which according to 3 in the web 18th may or may not be present, shown in dashed lines, as well as the transmissions of their beacon advertisement.

Furthermore, it should be understood that the communication between an EN 14 and AP 16 is discussed here in connection with the BLE protocol, but that it is considered that such communication can optionally also take place according to another wireless protocol. It is also to be understood that EN 14 and AP 16 are exemplary of first and second network nodes, respectively, which may be configured similarly to EN 14 and AP 16 to carry out communications in relation to the BLE networking described here and / or in accordance with the other to perform the appropriate wireless protocol discussed above.

In an exemplary case in which a corresponding EN 14 is mobile, the EN 14 is configured with an estimator comprising suitable software and / or hardware for estimating the proximity to a given AP 16 based on RSS, and is also with suitable software and / or hardware configured to perform all operations associated with initiating and / or establishing a connection with an AP 16.

The estimator performs a Bayesian estimate, namely a maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimate for each AP 16 that the mobile phone EN 14 encounters at the time of the encounter, ie at the time of receiving a single or several beacon advertising messages, to consider either a single RSS or, alternatively, several RSSs. In other words, the MAP estimate can be either ( 1 ) a single RSS at the time of receipt of a beacon advertising message from the respective AP 16 or (2) a predetermined number of successive RSSs, e.g. five RSSs, which result from several beacon advertising messages from the respective AP 16, to mitigate RF hopping, consider . In addition, the EN 14 and its estimator can also be configured in such a way that the MAP estimation is carried out at any time during the operation of the EN 14. The estimate is given by the following equation (1), $$p\left(x_t|y_{1:N}\right)=p\left(y_{1:N}|x_{1:N}\right){\displaystyle \int p\left(x_t|x_{t-1}\right)p\left(x_{t-1}|y_{t-1}\right)}d{x}_{t-1}$$

Dabeisteht xi für einen variablen Abstand von einem EN 14 zu einem AP 16, yi für ein RSS einer einzelnen Baken-Werbenachricht oder RSSs mehrerer Baken-Werbenachrichten und N für eine Anzahl von Beobachtungen, d.h. eine Anzahl von empfangenen Baken-Werbenachrichten. In diesem Zusammenhang wird der höchste Wert oder die minimale Varianz der Verteilung als MAP-Schätzung gewählt.In this way, the posterior distribution p (x _t | y _{1 · N} ) p (x _t-1 | y _t-1 ) from the time t-1 to the current time t is made p (x _t | x _t-1 ) It is contemplated that a variance of the previous estimate, p (x _t-1 | y _t-1 ), is increased by a predetermined rate. Accordingly, a new retrospective estimate based on all observations can be obtained by an EN 14 in accordance with equation (2) as follows: $$p\left(y_{1:N}|x_{1:N}\right)={\displaystyle \prod _{i=1}^{N}p\left(y_i|x_i\right)}$$

Here xi stands for a variable distance from an EN 14 to an AP 16, yi for an RSS of a single beacon advertising message or RSSs of several beacon advertising messages and N for a number of observations, ie a number of beacon advertising messages received. In this context, the highest value or the minimum variance of the distribution is chosen as the MAP estimate.

Once the MAP estimate has been obtained, a confidence value is calculated for each AP 16 encountered by the EN 14, which represents an expected value that a corresponding AP 16 is closest to the EN 14, based on the estimated posterior ones Distribution and equation (3) below and insofar as a specified variance of 10 dB in RSS is defined as an optional, acceptable variance for this: $$P\frac{}{10d\mathrm{B.}}=1-2Q\left(\frac{10d\mathrm{B.}}{{\sigma }_{pOsteriOr}}\right).$$

It is therefore to be understood that a different level of variance than the predefined variance could be set, e.g. depends on the device configuration (s) of one or more of AP 16 and EN 14.

The selection of which AP 16 comes closest to EN 14 is determined as the AP 16 that gives the highest confidence value. If, however, a further AP 16 results in a next higher trust value that corresponds to a predetermined tolerance for the trust value, the AP 16 that comes closest to EN 14 is selected from all AP 16 that have a beacon received from EN 14 - Have broadcast a commercial message. In addition, the signal strength of an AP 16 can be adjusted in accordance with an adjustment factor included in the beacon advertisement so that the EN 14 makes the exclusive selection, i.e. any other AP 16 whose beacon advertisement received the EN 14 is excluded from consideration as being closest to the EN 14. It should be understood that the estimator of a particular EN 14 can be configured to take a statistical fingerprint of the AP 16 associations to optimize the interpretation of future association patterns.

4th defines a sequence of the above-mentioned approximation determination that enables the assignment of a corresponding EN 14 to a corresponding AP 16.

This is where the flow begins in the decision block 410 and move on to the decision block 420 , in which an EN 14 receives an RSS from one or more APs 16. After that, in the decision block 430 , the EN 14 measures the RSSs. In the decision block 440 the estimator, configured integrally with the EN 16, computes a MAP estimate for each of the RSSs. Then EN 14 calculates in the decision block 450 a confidence value from each of the estimated posterior distributions. In the decision block 460 the AP 16 that gives the highest trust score is selected as the AP 16 that comes closest to EN 14. The flow then proceeds to decision blocks in response to the selection by the EN 14 470-480 above. In the decision block 470 EN 14 records the selection of the AP 16 according to its identification information, including, for example, its network address or other suitable network identification information. With the decision pad 480 the short-range assignment process ends.

It is also considered that EN 14 can modulate its behavior depending on certain conditions. For example, the EN 14 may vary the frequency with which it performs its MAP estimation based on whether the EN 14 is stationary or in motion. That is, EN 14 can do its estimation more often when it is moving and less often when it is stationary. In addition, EN 14 can be configured to perform a predetermined action depending on whether it is in a predetermined location (e.g. activation of a light emitting device (LED) or an alarm) and / or whether no further AP 16 is detected (e.g. deactivation of a device).

in der σ stellt den Verbindungswert als Absolutwert dar, α stellt einen Gewichtungsfaktor dar, der dem von der EN 14 berechneten Vertrauenswert zugeordnet ist, P stellt den Vertrauenswert dar, β stellt einen Gewichtungsfaktor dar, der der Auslastung des verbundenen Netzes zugeordnet ist, L stellt einen Auslastungswert des verbundenen Netzes dar und ist in der Baken-Werbenachricht enthalten, und γ stellt einen Assoziationsfaktor für einen jeweiligen AP 16 dar, so dass γ gleich Null ist, wenn die EN 14 keine vorherige Verbindung mit dem jeweiligen AP 16 hergestellt hat, und gleich einem vorbestimmten höchsten Wert ist, wenn der jeweilige AP 16 der AP 16 ist, mit dem die EN 14 eine vorhergehende Verbindung hergestellt hat.Additionally and in accordance with the 5-6 the decision as to which AP 16 a mobile EN 14 is to connect to and to which it is allowed to transmit the identification information of the closest AP 16 is determined on the basis of the achievement of a highest connection value calculated by the mobile EN 14. That is, when a mobile EN 14 moves near one or more APs 16, the value of the connection with one of the APs is determined based on several components including the confidence value according to 4th and an associated weighting factor, a network load value and an associated weighting factor as well as an association factor of the sending AP 16, weighted and given by the following equation (4): $$\sigma =\alpha \cdot P+\beta \cdot \mathrm{L.}+\gamma ,$$

in which σ represents the connection value as an absolute value, α represents a weighting factor that is assigned to the trust value calculated by EN 14, P represents the trust value, β represents a weighting factor that is assigned to the utilization of the connected network, L represents represents a utilization value of the connected network and is contained in the beacon advertising message, and γ represents an association factor for a respective AP 16, so that γ is equal to zero if the EN 14 has not previously established a connection with the respective AP 16, and is equal to a predetermined maximum value if the respective AP 16 is the AP 16 with which the EN 14 has established a previous connection.

In this way, an EN 14 that moves between different APs 16 can join the network 22nd connectable or non-connectable, an optimal connection between these APs 16 based on the above Determine components that give the highest connection value according to equation 4.

As soon as such a connection is established, as indicated by the exemplary double arrows in 3 indicated, the connected AP 16 can receive from the EN 14 the identification information of another AP 16, which is closest in a case in which it was determined that the connected AP 16 has achieved the highest connection value but not the highest trust value. The other, closest AP 16 can be one of the following: a non-connectable AP 16 or another connectable AP 16 that is in 3 is listed under 26 and to which no connection was established because it did not reach the highest connection value. It should therefore be understood that taking into account the confidence value in equation 4 increases the probability that the closest AP 16 is the one to which EN 14 is connected. However, given the connectivity of one or more APs 16 and other considerations that were used in determining the connection rating according to Equation 4, this scenario is unsafe.

The manner in which the above-mentioned optimal connection on the mobile EN 14 is determined is determined by the sequence of 5-6 demonstrated. 5 provides a sequence for scanning to detect a beacon advertising message transmitted by one or more APs 16 at a time 6th provides a sequence for determining an AP 16 to which the EN 14 should connect based on the connection value σ discussed above, as determined according to equation 4.

The river begins in 5 in the decision block 510 and sits down to the decision block 520 continues, in which EN 14 searches for a corresponding beacon advertising message from one or more APs 16 and recognizes this, their identification and / or location information to the network 22nd are known. EN 14 then processes in the decision block 530 a recognized beacon advertising message to determine a UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) match, the identification data of the AP 16 sending the beacon advertising message being to the network 22nd to be confirmed. From there the flow goes to the decision block 540 to determine and confirm a token match. If there is a match at 540 is confirmed, the sending AP becomes 16 in the decision block 550 added to a list of discovered APs 16 (“discovery list”) for which the decisions in the blocks 530 and 540 have been confirmed. During the operation of the estimator in the decision blocks 520-540 the estimator of EN 14 calculates corresponding confidence values for the recognized APs and records each of the corresponding confidence values for the recognized APs 16 so that the achieved confidence value is assigned to a corresponding recognized AP 16 if such an AP 16 is added to the recognition list, and also its selection of the closest AP 16. Then the decision block 560 determined whether the scanning process has expired. If not, as with negative decisions in the decision blocks 530 and 540 scanning will continue. When the scanning process is over, the process continues as in 6th in order to determine which AP 16 from the list of verifications should connect the EN 14.

The flow then goes from the decision block based on a timeout that has occurred and the detection list 560 to the decision block 610 from 6th further to initialize a list of the APs 16 to which the EN 14 should follow (in order to provide a "connection list"). As soon as this connection list is initialized, an AP 16 with its associated trust value is taken from the verification list in the decision block 620 drawn and then in the decision block 630 determines whether such an AP 16 eg to the network 22nd out 3 can be connected. If the drawn AP 16 is connectable, flow goes to the decision block with respect to that drawn AP 16 640 where a connection value therefor is calculated according to equation (4). The flow then becomes iterative through the decision blocks 620-640 headed up to the decision block 550 provided discovery list is empty. From the respective connection values in the decision block 640 have been calculated, selects EN 14 in the decision block 650 selects the AP 16 with the highest connection value according to equation (4) and connects to this, and proceeds to the end in the decision block 660 once the connection is established.

During this connection, however, identification information, with the exception of location information, of an AP 16 which is closest to the EN 14, but not to the network 22nd can be connected, can be transmitted from the EN 14 to the AP 16 with which the above-mentioned connection was established.

In this way, the above-mentioned approximation determination according to the discussed confidence value serves the dual purpose of both determining which AP 16, whether the AP 16 can be connected or not, comes closest to an EN 14, and creating a basis for the determination which AP 16 should join EN 14. This means that the AP 16 to which the EN 14 is ultimately connected can receive the identification information of a non-connectable AP 16 that is closest to the EN 14, so that a relative Determination of the position of EN 14 with reference to this latter, non-connectable AP 16 can be determined. In this way, the granularity of the above approximation determination is increased so that AP 16 that cannot be connected and not only AP 16 that cannot be connected are each taken into account by the EN 14 estimator in order to make a more precise AP / EN approximation assignment available.

Accordingly, if the mobile EN 14 moves in and out of the area of one or more APs 16, the connection with a corresponding AP 16 can be established based on the above-mentioned trust and connection values, so that the connected AP 16 can also result in a highest trust value, so that it comes closest to EN 14 and represents the optimal connection according to equation (4). In this case, this proximity becomes the user 24 due to the established connection and the lack of other AP 16 identification information on the network 22nd are made known.

Such an EN 14's ability to select and connect to a specified, respective AP 16 eliminates the inadequacies of conventional BLE networking by giving a mobile EN 14 the necessary autonomy to initiate and / or establish a connection with an AP 16 in response alone on their own assessment and decision-making in relation to aspects that contribute to the above-mentioned proximity association, the connection value and / or other information related to EN 14. For example, this other information may optionally include one or more parameters related to the operation of EN 14.

In eliminating the above deficiencies, it becomes clear that the embodiments discussed here eliminate the conventionally overwhelming number of peripherals-transmitted advertisements in the conventional BLE network. That is, the current embodiments significantly reduce the number of advertisements that appear at any given point in time through the role reversal of the BLE discussed here, in which several end nodes receive the advertisement in the form of beacon advertisement from one or more access points instead of transmitting it.

Once connected, the EN 14 can then transmit its own identification information, with the exception of the location information, and the identification information of the nearest AP 16. In this way, if information from an AP 16 that does not come from the connected AP 16 is not transmitted, it is assumed that the connected AP 16 is closest to EN 14. Simultaneously with the transmission of the above information, the EN 14 can also transmit one or more of the information contained in it, including sensory information, access information, notification information, alarm information and any other status and / or content information thereof that is applicable to its particular configuration . For example, it is envisaged that EN 14 may convey any of the above types of information in such a way that it is applicable to such environments, including a work place or other type of commercial environment where trade is a purpose, residence and a medical facility or any other facility where tracking of people or objects is necessary and / or desired.

The following examples describe examples for the assignment of a specific end node (EN) 14 to a specific access point (AP) 16. In addition, such examples are given in the context of the BLE-activated network 18th from 3 and set forth with the exemplary understanding that an EN 14, which can be defined as a BLE-Tag and / or BLE-Tag attached to or associated with a particular object, seeks connection with a BLE-AP 16 that is configured to give information of the tag through backhaul 20th and network 22nd to an end user 24 reports. In this regard, it is contemplated that EN 14 and AP 16 can be embodied as any stationary and / or mobile nodes of a suitable wireless network and that they can operate on a BLE protocol or some other protocol in which such nodes are respectively first and second nodes according to one of the 4th , 5 and / or 6 can work. In this regard, it should also be understood that a corresponding EN 14 can be configured in such a way that its trust and connection values can be calculated simultaneously or at different times. It can be assumed that the EN 14 each of the processes of 4-6 can perform at any time, regardless of whether the EN 14 is mobile or stationary. Thus, the EN 14 is configured to optimize at least one speed with which a connection can be established, at least with regard to the proximity of such a connection as well as the efficiency of such a connection as determined on the basis of the components of equation (4 ) is understood.

In a first case, it is envisaged that such a label will be attached to an object, such as a hospital bed, of which one would like to know where it is at any point in time when it is moving in a hospital environment. So it is assumed that the hospital bed with the attached to it Trailer is temporary throughout the hospital, moving from floor to floor and room to room depending on when a patient is about to undergo a particular procedure. At any given point in time as the bed moves from one location to the next, its whereabouts can be followed by monitoring with the BLE communication system disclosed herein.

More specifically, since the hospital bed can move on a particular floor, it was considered that it will move between a number of APs whose location is known to the hospital network. During this movement, the tag attached to the bed will scan for advertising messages transmitted by the various APs. Upon receiving the transmitted signals, the tag is configured to perform the MAP estimation discussed above and calculate a highest confidence level for the AP that is in close proximity at any given time and that may or may not be connected to the hospital network . The tag is further configured to connect to a particular connectable AP with the highest connection value, as shown by the exemplary double arrows that span an exemplary EN 14 and AP 16 of FIG 3 so that the identification and other information of the AP in close proximity at a given point in time can be transmitted to the end user. This allows the bed and attached sign to continue moving while the process of determining the proximity of the sign to both connectable and non-connectable APs continues until the optional time the bed and attached sign are are stationary, so that the identification information of a further, different AP does not have to be reported.

In particular and in continuation of the example scenario above, the attached tag is alternatively and optionally configured in such a way that it carries out a scan of broadcast APs and evaluates their UUID and token information in order to identify these APs for inclusion in a discovery list resulting from the scan qualify from which a connection is established with a particular AP in order to transmit the identity of the tag, the identity information of the AP to which the tag is closest and / or information contained in the tag to an end user. Once this discovery list is compiled and scanning is complete, embodiments of the present disclosure provide for the tag to be configured to initialize a connection list of APs from among the APs compiled on the discovery list. Once initialized, it is further contemplated that the tag make a determination as to whether an AP has backhaul 20th with the network 22nd can be connected to transmit information of the tag to an end user who wants to know the location of the hospital bed. Each connectable AP is then evaluated for its associated connection value in accordance with equation (4) above.

Specifically, it is the connection value for each AP that is considered to be on the network 22nd connectable is determined based on components that include a confidence value representing a level of expectation that a respective AP is closest to the day and an associated weighting factor, a network load value and an associated weighting factor, and an association factor of the AP. With regard to the association factor, it is considered that such a factor has a value of zero if the tag is not associated with the AP under evaluation and has a highest value if the tag had its most recent association with that AP. In this way, those connectable APs for which a connection value was evaluated by the tag result in an AP with the highest connection value. As such, the tag will then select that AP as the AP with which to initiate and set up a connection that enables the transmission of relevant information of the tag, including the identity information of the AP to which the tag is closest, to the end user.

In considering the above embodiments, it is assumed that the AP 16, as shown in FIG 3 and 7th shown, with respect to their location are stationary, so that a location of an EN 14 due to its proximity and / or connection to a particular stationary AP 16, whose location is the network 22nd is known as fixed, which is assigned to EN 14. Accordingly, in the context of determining a location of an EN 14 in relation to a final destination TD at which the EN 14 is expected to arrive, the following discussion is concerned with how to determine the incremental location of a corresponding EN 14 while this EN 14 is on the way to such a final destination TD.

In this context, consider the and its accompanying description, the provision of a BLE-enabled communication system in which the location of one or more ENs 14 is determined with respect to a varying / variable location of an AP 30. That is, the AP 30, which can be determined to be closest to one or more ENs 14 and to which one or more ENs 14 can be connected, is mobile. In this way and in accordance with a mobile AP 30 that has a highest trust score in accordance with the Equations (1) - (3) and a highest link value obtained in accordance with equation (4) as explained above, there is synchronicity of the location determination between each of the one or more ENs 14 and the mobile AP 30. As explained above, such a location determination is achieved by assigning a location of a mobile AP 30 to an EN 14 in relation to a final destination TD, so that, for example, the whereabouts of a specific EN 14 at points along a route in the direction of the final destination can be incrementally known. Alternatively, the location of an EN 14 can be determined by assigning one or more random locations of the mobile AP 30.

With reference to 7th becomes a BLE-capable network 28 made available to the network of 3 is similar, but contains mesh 28 further exemplary battery-operated mobile APs 30, two of which are shown in such a way that only one mobile AP 30 or a plurality of additional mobile APs 30 can be installed in other exemplary embodiments. Each mobile AP 30 is configured to have its own wireless backhaul 32 by means of suitable hardware and / or software for the transmission of information from and to the network 22nd and which can include, for example, a Global System for Mobiles (GSM) or Long-Term Evolution (LTE), including Cat-M1 or NB-IoT.

In addition and during each mobile AP 30 broadcasts its beacon advertising message in a manner similar to that of a corresponding AP 16 3 , the above-mentioned beacon advertisement is sent from the network 22nd provided, ie configured to include one or more parameters indicating that a corresponding AP 30 is mobile. In other words, a mobile AP 30 is set to indicate that its location is not fixed or stationary. This is in contrast to beacon advertising messages sent by stationary APs 16 of the network 28 sent by the network 28 can be configured to indicate that these APs 16 are stationary.

In addition, such a mobile AP 30 can also use the network 22nd or otherwise, for example by initial internal programming, to include a final destination location TD.

With regard to the regulations by an EN 14 of which the mobile device AP 30 is the closest, the network is functioning 28 different from the network according to equations (1) - (3) 3 . In particular the network 28 imparts a bias in favor of the stationary APs 16. That is, after receiving a beacon advertising message from at least one stationary AP 16, an EN 14 makes its approximation determination based solely on the messages from one or more stationary APs 16, so that messages from all mobile AP 30, which may be within range of EN 14, are not taken into account in order to receive related advertising. In this way, an end user can communicate with the network 22nd Receive a location of an EN 14, ie the assigned location of a specific stationary AP 16 at which this location is part of the network 22nd is already known as a fixed location.

An EN 14 of the network 28 however, it will connect to the grid 22nd evaluate in accordance with equation 4 by considering both the stationary APs 16 and the mobile APs 30 as potential connection points. In other words, as soon as an EN 14 has determined its connection according to equation 4 and has connected either to a stationary AP 16 that is within range of EN 14 or a mobile AP 30 that is within range of EN 14 , the identification information, ie the MAC address (Media Access Control) of the closest AP 16 or AP 30, as determined by the EN 14 according to equations (1) - (3), is sent from the EN 14 via the specific connection to the network 22nd transmitted and then from the network 22nd assigned as a location of EN 14. As previously discussed, an EN 14 determines its proximity from (1) only stationary APs 16 if a mobile AP 30 is also within range of EN 14, or (2) only mobile APs 30 if no stationary AP 16 is within range the EN 14 is located.

The variable positioning of a mobile AP 30 is determined with the aid of the hardware configured on the AP 30 itself. This hardware can consist of one or more conventional GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) receivers, a conventional WiFi receiver, and a conventional cellular modem. As will be explained below, the position coordinates of the mobile AP 30, such as latitude and longitude, are used for the purpose of assigning these coordinates by the network 22nd to an EN 14 who has determined that the mobile AP 30 is closest and / or should be connected to.

When a mobile AP 30th configured with a GPS receiver is determined by a mobile AP 30th Longitude and latitude such as a smartphone or other computing device running GOOGLE MAPS or some other well-known global positioning application.

When configured with a WiFi receiver, a mobile AP 30th for one or more wireless local area networks (WLANs), such as B. an or multiple WiFi networks, Received Signal Strength Indicators (RSSIs) for detected networks, Service Set IDs (SSIDs), which represent a name of a particular WiFi network, and Basic Service Set IDs (BSSIs), which contain the MAC address of access points within the the detected network. With this information, especially the BSSIs for detected networks, the mobile AP 30th then able to send recognized addresses to network 22nd to submit. network 22nd then coordinates access to positioning databases for WiFi networks, including, for example, the databases managed by GOOGLE. Through this coordination and the comparison of these addresses, a relative location of the mobile AP 30th , which includes latitude and longitude for the detected addresses, and determined by the network 22nd any mobile AP 30th for which an EN 14 has carried out its approximation and connection provisions.

When configured with a cellular modem, the Cellular ID (CID) of the base transceiver station (BTS) that the mobile AP 30th communicates, the network 22nd upstream. This is where the network takes hold 22nd to a mapping of the BTS, as it is managed by a mobile operator with rights to the BTS, such as VERIZON, AT&T or similar network operators. With this mapping, a relative location of the mobile AP 30th , which includes the latitude and longitude of the communicating BTS, and learned from the network 22nd any mobile AP 30th for which an EN 14 has carried out its approximation and connection provisions.

When the network 22nd with any combination of mobile AP 30th Positioning hardware including the GPS receiver, WiFi receiver and cellular modem configured as described above is the network 22nd configured so that it is the relative location of the mobile AP 30th calculated and determined within a given tolerance of the latitude and longitude coordinates of the position. Such a determination can be made, for example, in a case where the network 22nd the location of a mobile AP 30th determined using a combination of, for example, GPS coordinates and derived WiFi coordinates, although other combinations are contemplated.

In terms of communication between an EN 14 and a mobile AP 30, the network is 22nd configured in such a way that it reports an EN 14 via a mobile AP 30 in order to provide certain EN 14 settings. These settings include aspects of a heartbeat message, ie one from EN 14 to the network 22nd sent message that the network 22nd informed about the communication status of EN 14. As examples, such aspects can include one or more of a battery configuration, a heartbeat message interval that defines a period of time between transmissions of heartbeat messages, "scans per fix" that defines a number of scans that are required for each proximity location of a nearest stationary AP 16 or mobile AP 30 are to be carried out, and include all update information relating to one of the aforementioned aspects. A transmitted heartbeat message contains the MAC address of the closest stationary AP 16 or mobile AP 30.

The heartbeat reporting interval for a stationary EN 14 that is on the network 18th from 3 is in operation does not have to be as short as, for example, an EN 14 that is in the network 28 from 7th is in operation. This is the case because of the relative location of an EN 14 of the network 18th is known because of its connection to a stationary AP 16, the location of which is kept in network storage. In other words, a relative location assigned to an EN 14 based on a fixed location of a stationary AP 16 is essentially immutable.

In contrast, a relative location is an EN 14 of the network 28 variable, since, as discussed, such a location is dependent on an exact location of a mobile AP 30th can be determined, which is determined according to EN 14 as the closest and / or to which a connection should be established.

The network is accordingly 22nd configured to have a heartbeat message interval of a mobile AP 30th is provided differently, so that the above-mentioned interval is much shorter than that of a stationary AP 16. This is particularly useful as a network 22nd this enables you to quickly find out about a relative location of an EN 14, which is derived from an assigned location of a mobile AP 30th results. In this way, metrics associated with such a location by an end user can be assessed on an as-needed basis or in real time as appropriate by the network 22nd specific deployment. Such metrics may include, for example, and in a case where the EN 14 is associated with a package that needs to be tracked, a calculation of penalties for an overdue arrival time.

With reference to 8th becomes an exemplary container 34 with an aggregation of ENs 14 communicable (as indicated by the indicated arrows) with at least one mobile AP 30, each of which is configured to be connected to the network 22nd can be provided. Container 34 may comprise any type of holding device including, for example, a box, carton or any other device capable of holding objects securely in place and allowing them to be removed. As shown, is container 34 on a moving platform 36 attached, which can be aligned in the direction of the destination TD. The moving platform 36 can include any type of structure that is capable of holding containers 34 such as a bed or the flooring of a delivery vehicle, the tines of a forklift, such as those found in a warehouse or in a seaport with multiple loading docks. The direction of the destination destination TD can include any mappable direction, so that the location of Container 34 and its content in relation to that destination with the aid of that for a mobile AP 30th available GPS, WiFi and cell configurations can be determined.

Although only a container 34 is shown, it is contemplated that the moving platform 36 several similarly configured containers 34 can carry. Likewise, one or more of the containers can have multiple mobile APs 30th contain.

Each of the ENs 14th and the mobile APs 30th can be provided with respect to the destination TD so that the location of each of these ENs 14th and mobile APs 30th can be accurately determined at a desired rate and time. That is, the mobile AP 30th is configured with the destination, and the ENs 14th are each configured with a heartbeat reporting interval and a refresh rate for the reception of beacon advertisements from one or more mobile APs 30th to recognize. That is, the heartbeat reporting interval can be adjusted according to the discussion below in relation to 9 configured. More precisely, the heartbeat reporting interval from the network 22nd can be configured to decrease as the distance from the destination TD decreases.

9 includes a graph depicting an exemplary scenario for a number of heartbeat messaging related to a destination TD of a mobile AP 30th and the associated ENs 14th represents. It shows that this number of transmissions is greatest when the mobile AP 30th and the associated EN 14 are closest to the destination. This is of course due to a decreasing heartbeat reporting interval resulting from the approach of the mobile AP 30th to the destination TD results.

While the relative proximity of the mobile AP 30th is given in the form of distance, ie in miles, it should be understood that other measurable parameters, such as time units, can be replaced. Although the location has previously been used as a benchmark for determining a setting of the heartbeat reporting interval relative to the movement of the mobile AP 30th discussed, it should also be understood that other criteria, such as temperature or other sensory perceptibility, with which an EN 14 can be equipped, can also serve as the basis for the above setting. If, for example, an EN 14 is equipped with a sensory perceptibility, e.g. for the temperature, the EN 14 can be connected to the network 22nd can be provided in order to adapt their heartbeat interval when a certain temperature or a certain temperature range occurs. In addition, the setting of the heartbeat message interval can also be a function of one or more flags set by the mobile AP 30th transmitted beacon advertising message, so that the EN 14 transmits its heartbeat message accordingly.

The following examples describe examples of the assignment of an EN 14 to a specific mobile AP 30th and are therefore specifically related to the network 28 the 7-9 Applicable to enable the transfer of information to an EN 14 and to determine its location during transport between multiple locations.

A first use case comprises a situation in which an inventory of selected articles contained in a shipping pallet is to be determined. In making such a determination, it is important to know the location of the various items on the pallet. The designs presented here accordingly see the attachment of an EN 14 to the objects and the inclusion of a mobile AP 30th on the pallet, with the mobile AP 30th can be defined according to either configuration A or configuration B as described above. As the pallet moves between multiple locations and towards a destination TD, an end user can be informed of the location of any pallet item in response to heartbeat messages transmitted by the associated EN 14. As already discussed, such heartbeat messages necessarily contain the MAC address of the mobile AP 30th , and as a result of such inclusion, the location of the associated EN 14 is determined by the assignment of the location of the mobile AP 30th known.

A second application according to the disclosed embodiments provides for tracking the location of goods which are to be towed from place to place and ultimately to a buyer of the goods. Let us take as an example the intended delivery of gas-filled tanks containing gases such as oxygen or nitrogen. In this example, it would be beneficial for both the seller and the buyer to know both the location and condition of the tanks and their contents during the delivery process. To know this too To convey and facilitate, in the present embodiments the attachment of an EN 14 to each tank is considered, whereby the EN 14 is enabled to assess parameters of a particular tank, including, for example, the amount of contents contained, the pressure and / or the temperature of the content. In addition, the present embodiments also contemplate installing a mobile AP 30 in the truck with the tanks, as well as another mobile AP 30 embodied by the driver's smartphone, which is configured to contain an application using its GPS, WiFi and cellular capabilities. In this way, and in accordance with equations (1) - (4), which relate to the determination of the closest mobile AP 30 and the connection to the mobile AP 30 that achieves the highest connection value, both the location of a particular tank as well as information about the above parameters can be learned. This applies even if there are incremental movements of the mobile AP 30 from the truck to the destination. The location and the corresponding information can be learned, for example, via the driver's smartphone when unloading a particular tank from the truck and delivering it to the destination. This is the case because the associated EN 14 is likely to be distorted in the direction of connection with the driver's smartphone if the distance from the tank to be unloaded to the destination is expected to be short, ie only a few meters.

In a third application, it is considered that in the above example the mobile AP 30 contained in the truck does not have a connection to the network 22nd includes. As a result, such a mobile AP 30 would only serve as a reference point that can be reported to the driver's smartphone by a specific EN 14. In this way, the location of the truck, the driver and the tanks carried by the truck could be known at the same time. In any of the above use cases, and in others that may be applicable in accordance with the disclosed embodiments, failure to receive a heartbeat message is deemed to indicate that it is out of range of one or more mobile APs 30th moved. Therefore, the last reported location of an EN 14 can be considered its final location.

With respect to the embodiments described above, one or more of the EN 14 and a mobile AP 30th can be configured for the detection of temperature, light, sound, pressure, humidity, density, humidity, acceleration, voltage, current, material content level and pressure, movement, proximity, magnetism, rotation, orientation, speed and / or deviation from the original state.

As mentioned above, a corresponding mobile AP comprises 30 of the network 28 a wireless backhaul 32 that connects to the network 22nd enables. In addition, as also mentioned above, such a mobile AP 30 can comprise one or more GPS receivers and a WiFi receiver. With reference to 10 Configuration A illustrates a mobile AP 30, in each of which a communication module, ie a modem, a GPS receiver and a WiFi receiver, are contained, so that a location of the mobile AP 30, as described above, is possible. Alternatively, configuration B illustrates a decentralization of configuration A. Configuration B includes a battery operated BLE communication module / modem 37 and separate battery operated BLE GPS and WiFi modules 38 and 40 , each of these modules being configured to be communicative with the communication module 37 is coupled as indicated by the arrows in 10 shown. That is, the modules 38 and 40 are configured in such a way that, after their relevant information has been determined, they are sent to the communication module 37 for forwarding to the network 22nd transfer .

In this way, the alternative configurations A and B offer flexibility as to which of them is more suitable for use in a particular situation where it is desirable to know a location and / or information from an EN 14 indicating the location of the mobile AP 30th is to be assigned. For example, it may be the case that due to physical limitations, configuration A would not be suitable due to size, etc., while configuration B would be appropriate.

The way in which the mobile AP 30th receives its location according to configuration A or configuration B differs with regard to the assignment of the position coordinates. 11 and 12th show in this regard the steps to be carried out for configurations A and B for such an assignment and the assignment of a location of the mobile AP 30th to an EN 14.

With reference to 11 begins the assignment of position coordinates to a mobile AP 30th according to configuration A in the decision block 1110 and move on to the decision block 1120 where position coordinates for the mobile AP 30th determined either by GPS and / or WiFi detection and transferred to the network 22nd be transmitted . In the decision block 1130 starts the mobile AP 30th with the transmission of beacon advertising messages for detection by one or more ENs 14th . In the decision block 1140 receives the mobile AP 30th Heartbeat messages from one or more of the ENs 14th . When transmitting from the mobile AP 30th to the network 22nd a corresponding heartbeat message contains the MAC address of the mobile AP 30th .

Thus is the network 22nd in the decision block 1150 then equipped to match the location of the mobile AP 30th the sending EN 14, while the process is then in the decision block 1160 ends. In this way, a location can become EN 14 by assigning the location of the mobile AP 30th be determined, with such a location the mobile AP 30th defined as the one through which the EN 14 connects to the network 22nd as well as the one that is perhaps closest to EN 14.

With reference to 12th is a method for determining the location of a mobile AP 30th according to configuration B and subsequent location determination of an EN 14. The process begins with the decision block 1210 and move on to the decision block 1220 , where network 22nd first a MAC address of the GPS module 38 and / or the WiFi module 40 with the communication module 37 connects. That means the assignment of the modules 38 and 40 is provisionally carried out so that the grouping of modules 37 , 38 and 40 the network 22nd is known. In the decision block 1230 advertises the communication module 37 for either or both of the GPS and WiFi modules 38 and 40 . Whether the GPS module 38 or the WiFi module 40 being able to detect a broadcast advertisement depends on a setting, ie a flag or other distinguishing parameter, contained in the advertisement and conveys that the advertisement is only from one or both of the GPS and WiFi modules 38 and 40 should be received. At the decision block 1240 and upon receipt of the beacon advertisement, the GPS and / or WiFi modules 38 , 40 configured to transmit their respective GPS or WiFi information to communication module 37 in accordance with equations (1) - (4) and in the form of heartbeat messages for them to receive from communication module 37 to the network 22nd to get redirected . After that, in the decision block 1250 and before the end of the process in the decision block 1260 , determines the network 22nd a location of the mobile AP 30 of configuration B to make this location available for assignment to an attached EN 14 in response to the transmission of its heartbeat messages. As such, the location of the mobile AP 30 defines the mobile AP 30 as the one through which the EN 14 is connected to the network 22nd as well as the one that is perhaps closest to EN 14.

The network is accordingly 22nd able to correctly pair communication, GPS and WiFi modules 37 , 38 and 40 ensure so that one or more GPS modules 38 and WiFi modules 40 their respective information about each communication module 37 that with the network 22nd can be connected, can report. In this way, the location of a connected EN 14 can, despite the number and pattern of GPS and WiFi connections between different communication modules 37 to be learned.

The optimization of networking procedures and processes, as described above, is a key aspect of maintaining and improving the functionality of network components. This applies in particular in connection with BLE devices that are battery-operated and that are therefore dependent on minimized energy consumption in order to be able to continue to optimally fulfill their network tasks.

In this regard, the provision of component functionality that is centrally coordinated by the network offers many advantages when such components perform tasks such as e.g. take over asset tracking and forwarding of requested information. These benefits include the ability to maximize component battery life and the associated increased time that a component can function.

In that regard, the network is 22nd configured to schedule the operation of its components, including one or more of its connectable and non-connectable stationary APs 16 , mobile APs 30th and ENs 14th , so that they can carry out their network functionality, as described above, according to a coordinated schedule. More precisely, the scheduling is configured to be for all stationary APs 16, all mobile APs 30th or all ENs 14th and their respective subgroups provide both active, ie awakened, and sleep modes / states on the basis of a common network22 system time to which these components can be periodically re-synchronized in order to compensate for individual clock deviations. In their active mode, the above-mentioned components carry out their respective functionalities as described above, while in the idle mode these functionalities are suspended for the corresponding duration, as in the network 22nd provided. Such active and rest modes can be configured in such a way that they occur during one of the following periods, also in real time, or during a discrete planning period, for example in the course of a predetermined interval or a predetermined number of hours, or during the Maintenance of some or all of the network components or during a combination of the foregoing.

In addition, the network 22nd configured on the basis of the termination in such a way that it provides alternative, ie other than, functionality for the respective components mentioned above, as will be discussed below.

In this way, the confluence of differently provided scheduling and corresponding component functionality is shown according to a series of activity scenarios that are shown in 13 are shown in detail. It contains at least three scenarios, including scenario 1 ( S1 ), Scenario 2 ( S2 ) and scenario 3 ( S3 ), in terms of those on the network 22nd provided times for active and sleep modes between stationary APs 16 and mobile APs 30th that can be connected to the network 22, stationary APs 16 that are not connected to the network 22nd connectable, ie reference points (RPs) 17, and EN 14 are shown. In this regard, it is assumed that each of the APs 16 and 30, RPs 17 and ENs 14 initially according to the system time of the network 22nd can be configured to be active or asleep in relation to a specific scenario. APs 16 and 30 and ENs 14 are contemplated receiving and deploying network provisioning through their regular network communications as described herein. RPs 17, on the other hand, should each receive a network provision that their operation according to S1 - S3 made possible by the initial programming as EN 14. That is, a RP 17 is made in accordance with S1 , S2 or S3 to work, initially configured to work as an EN 14 to access that of an AP 16 or 30th and / or listen to an RP 17 broadcast network. After detection, the RP 17 can then connect to the network via an AP 16 or 30 22nd connect to retrieve mailbox messages with their configuration data. After the request, the RP 17 can then function according to this configuration data in relation to a specific scenario.

In S1 the APs 16 and 30, the RPs 17 and the ENs 14 work according to the network 22nd provided timing in active mode so they are as related to above 3 and 7th described work. That is, the ENs 14 actively detect beacon advertisements transmitted by the APs 16 and 30 and the RPs 17 to determine their closest access point and which one to which, in accordance with equations (1) - (4) Connection for forwarding information to and receiving information from the network 22nd should be initiated. As soon as the regularly scheduled tasks are completed, each of these components is configured to go into a hibernation or sleep state until the next wake-up time defined by the schedule provided. In particular, the ENs 14 can check their mailbox messages when connected through an AP 16 or AP 30, and also in accordance with those on the network 22nd forwarded information act afterwards from the network 22nd be analyzed to determine necessary adjustments that are sent back to the ENs over an existing connection. For example, in a situation in which an EN 14 forwards sensor data such as a temperature reading, an EN 14, if so configured, can respond to the receipt of messages from the network 22nd raise or otherwise indicate an alarm to do so as a result of an evaluation by the network 22nd that this is appropriate to do. In addition, when an EN 14 is connected to the network, it can receive adjustments for a further parameter and conditions that affect these parameters, including, for example, heartbeat interval and latency. Also an AP 16 or 30th may receive its own adjustment for one or more of its parameters and conditions that affect those parameters. Such parameters can be for one or more of the APs 16 or 30th an RSSI offset (dBm), a location offset (dB), a transmission power level (dBm) or a latency or an advertising rate or a combination thereof, the location offset being an adjustment of the RSSI of an AP 16 or 30th represents to influence its selection according to equations (1) - (3) as being closest.

S2 is considering how in 13 shown, a case in which the network based timing causes the APs 16 and 30th are respectively active while the ENs 14 and RPs 17 are sleeping. Since in this case no connection can be initiated by a corresponding EN 14 due to its idle state and since a corresponding RP 17 is not able to communicate with the network 22nd to connect are the AP 16 and 30th configured to be time-division multiplexed as central units 10 according to 1 work . That is, APs 16 and 30 can continue to function to receive beacon advertisements from peripherals other than ENs 14th work, ie peripherals 12th according to 1 . As a result of such reception, the APs 16 and 16 receive 30th the MAC addresses of the sending peripheral devices 12th and perform a measurement of the RSSI. That way the network can 22nd then receive the MAC addresses and RSSI measurements and a relative position of the sending peripherals 12th based on their beacon advertising messages. In addition, the APs 16 and 30th If configured with a spectrum analysis function, they will also analyze other RF signals that are detectable and the network 22nd Report.

With reference to 13 Are defined S3 a third scenario for the scheduling of the provisioned network. In this scenario, all or some of the APs 16 and 30th and all or subsets of the RPs 17th can be configured to operate synchronously in active mode while the ENs 14th sleep. Such a synchronous operation enables the use of alternative operating modes, as described below.

In particular, the lack of a connection between the RP and the network 22nd in this scenario as well as in S2 initiates the RP 17th to work initially as EN 14 to their initial grid supply 22nd for the given scenario over an available connection.

So a first alternative mode of operation means that each of the RPs 17th is configured to function as EN 14 in response to receiving the above-mentioned deployment. This is how an RP 17th then with an AP 16 or an AP 30th connect to the network 22nd check for mailbox messages and receive configuration messages appropriate to operate in accordance with S1 or S2 trigger.

In addition, a second operating mode means after S3 that all or subsets of the APs 16 and 30th and RPs 17th successively switch their functionality to that of an EN 14. In this example, an RP 17th first their operating mode to that of an EN 14 and then an AP 16 or 30th switch to that of an EN 14. As such, an RP 17th able to receive its mailbox messages and evaluate its approximation and connection determinations according to equations (1) - (4).

In particular, offers S3 the ability to get RSSI measurements based on beacon advertising messages sent by APs 16 and / or 30th and RPs 17 are transmitted that are not related to the operation according to S3 have switched, ie according to their functionality S1 work while on the sequential switch according to S3 waiting. In a case in which, for example, the RPs 17 have switched to operation according to EN 14, RSSI measurements can be obtained by the RP 17 for beacon advertising messages sent by the APs 16 and / or 30th that have beacons pointing to the from S3 wait for prescribed sequential switchover. In this way, an RP 17 operating as EN 14 is able to transmit a heartbeat message containing the MAC address of the APs 16 and / or 30th that are considered closest to the MAC address of the AP 16 and / or 30th to which it is connected contains the RSSI measurement for the received beacon advertisement (s) as well as its own RP transmit power level and RSSI offset. In another example, in a case where the APs 16 and / or 30th switched to operation as EN 14, which was the case when the RPs 17 were finally connected to the network 22nd happens, these APs can 16 and / or 30th Obtain RSSI measurements for beacon advertising messages transmitted by the RPs 17 based on the from S3 wait for prescribed sequential switchover. Thus, an AP 16 or 30 operating as an EN 14 will be able to use its backhaul 20th or. 32 the MAC address of the RP 17 or RPs 17 that transmitted the received beacon advertising message (s), the RSSI measurement for the received message (s), and its own AP transmit power level and RSSI - Transfer offset. This is how an AP 16 or works 30th by time division multiplex as well as EN 14 S3 as well as according to its S1 functionality for the transmission to and reception of information from the network 22nd .

Accordingly, the network 22nd by adapting a voting function to this network 22nd then via a connected AP 16 or 30th an adaptation of one or more parameters of the same and of the conditions that influence these parameters, as well as those of the RPs 17, if they are supplied via an AP 16 or 30th are connected. Such parameters can apply to one or more of the RPS 17th and APs 16 or 30th an RSSI offset (dBm), a spatial offset (dB), a transmit power level (dBm), or a latency or advertising rate, or a combination thereof, the spatial offset being an adjustment of the RSSI of an RP 17th or AP 16 or 30th represents to influence its selection according to equations (1) - (3) as being closest.

That way it offers S3 the possibility of an overall mapping of the transmission activities and the associated parameters for all or the respective of the APs 16 and 30th and RPs 17th to achieve and maintain. Based on this mapping, the accuracy of the location determination and the overall performance of the system are improved due to the ability to control battery consumption, e.g. by optimizing the transmission power.

In each of the areas S1 to S3 it should be noted that the operation of one or more ENs 14th and the operating modes of other components known as ENs 14th work through the network 22nd can be set so that longer sleep periods are performed after the detection of no or the same access point. With a view to this detection, such ENs 14th also be provided to adjust the rate at which heartbeat messages are sent in response to the detection of certain parameters contained in a transmitted beacon advertisement, including, for example, a predetermined RSSI for which the ENs 14th configured for detection. Similarly, access points such as mobile APs 30th from the network 22nd may be provided to transmit their beacon advertising messages in response to their positioning at or near a predetermined position with increasing frequency.

Accordingly, each of the above scenarios serves to optimize the utilization of the network components by coordinating the effective use of the battery consumption, while at the same time different operating modes of the components are used to make adjustments that influence this consumption.

With reference to 14th becomes a process for running the with S1 to S3 connected network components shown in the decision block 1410 begins and to the decision block 1420 leads. There determined network 22nd the operational scenario of network component activity between S1 to S3 . In accordance with this provision, each of the applicable network components will be configured to operate in either an active mode or a sleep mode, whether through network provisioning or initial setup. In the decision block 1430 implement the network components and the network 22nd a specified network component functionality according to the determined scenario. Several scenarios can be implemented cyclically. Once the network 22nd has determined that the application environment relevant to the one or more scenarios is fulfilled, the process ends at the decision block 1440 .

It is assumed that one or more of the APs 16 and 30th , RPs 17th and ENs 14th according to S1 , S2 and S3 or a combination of S1 , S2 and S3 or a combination of S3 can interact and are configured to perform the above detections of temperature, light, sound, pressure, humidity, density, humidity, acceleration, voltage, current, material content level and pressure, movement, proximity, magnetism, rotation, orientation, speed and / or deviation from the original condition.

Using the example of motion detection, it is desirable to increase the accuracy of an approximation determination that is carried out by an EN 14 according to equations (1) - (3), if such a determination is distorted by equally spaced RF transmissions of beacon advertising messages could. More specifically, obtaining such increased accuracy is advantageous in a case where the skew is related to those RF transmissions passing through solid barriers, such as a partition between adjacent structurally defined areas, ie, adjacent rooms in a building, and when it it is desirable to know how closely EN 14 is related to one of these areas. So an RP 17th or AP 16 configured so that it contains an infrared sensor, e.g. a passive infrared sensor (PIR sensor), and in its sent beacon advertising message an indication of one or more types of movement for which the PIR sensor is configured to it recognizes, processes and includes in its broadcast beacon advertising message. These types of motion may include those that can be characterized for their comparative speed based on categories, such as: Walking motion, non-walking or fast motion, and idling activity, although other types of motion may be detected and displayed. An example of at least one of these other types of movement can be that which is characterized, for example, by a change in direction. Accordingly, an EN 14 can be configured to detect its own type of movement at a comparatively high speed, for example by installing an accelerometer, while other types of movement can be detected by installing a suitable mechanism. So the EN 14 can be configured to use its closest RP 17th or AP 16 is determined in accordance with equations (1) - (3) based on the determination of a matching state of motion between that of the EN 14 and that of the RP 17th or AP 16 through the EN 14. In other words, RSSs from an RP 17th or AP 16, whose recorded state of motion does not match the state of motion of EN 14, would not be taken into account in the evaluations implemented by EN 14 when executing equations (1) - (3). In this way, the determination of a corresponding movement state is a prerequisite for the approximation determination, which is carried out by EN 14, and thus ensures its accuracy in the representation of the RF distortion.

Alternatively, and to prevent the RF distortion discussed above, an RP 17th or AP 16 can be equipped with an infrared or ultrasonic transmitter in order to send an infrared signal in addition to its beacon advertising message. Accordingly, an EN 14 could be equipped with an infrared or ultrasonic detector. That way, and if only the use of infrared is considered (since ultrasound would work similarly) the RP 17th or AP 16 configured for active infrared transmission and EN 14 for active detection. In this case, the RP 17th or AP 16 transmitted signal with the MAC address or another unique identifier for the RP 17th or AP 16 coded for which the EN 14 is configured for detection. After the decoding and the error-free detection of the infrared signal by the EN 14 (as verified by a checksum), the EN 14 switches off every approximation determination by the EN 14 so that the transmitting RP 17th or AP 16 would be identified (by its associated MAC address or other identifier) as being closest. In cases where an error is indicated, the EN 14 would revert to its approximation according to equations (1) - (3).

In addition, each of the APs described here can 16 and RPs 17th be configured to include directional and circularly polarized antennas to better focus your transmissions and reduce the polarization loss that sometimes occurs with vertically polarized antennas. In this way, EN 14 approximation determinations can be achieved with increased accuracy.

In this way, it is believed that the embodiments disclosed herein optimize the efficiency of a BLE-enabled network by at least reducing the power consumption of network resources. It is also assumed that the embodiments disclosed here make it possible to determine the relative position of an end node with regard to its proximity to an access point, regardless of whether this access point can be connected or not.

The present embodiments are not limited to the particular embodiments shown in the drawings and described in detail above. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments could be developed. The present embodiments include any possible combination of the various features of each of the disclosed embodiments. One or more of the elements described herein with respect to various embodiments may be implemented in a more separate or integrated manner than expressly described, or in certain cases even removed or rendered unusable, as in accordance with useful for a particular application. While the present embodiments have been described with reference to specific illustrative embodiments, modifications and variations of the present embodiments can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present embodiments as set forth in the following claims.

While the present embodiments have been described in the context of the embodiments specifically discussed herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present embodiments come in the form of a computer-usable medium (in a variety of forms) containing computer-executable instructions and that the present embodiments are equally applicable regardless of the particular type of computer-usable medium used to perform the distribution. An exemplary computer usable medium is coupled to a computer such that the computer can read information therefrom, including computer executable instructions, and (optionally) write information thereon. Alternatively, the computer usable medium can be an integral part of the computer. When the computer-executable instructions are loaded into and executed by the computer, the computer becomes a device for practicing the embodiments. For example, when the computer-executable instructions are loaded into and executed by a general purpose computer, the general purpose computer is thereby configured into a special purpose computer. Examples of suitable computer usable media are: volatile memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory); non-volatile, hard-coded or programmable media such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) or erasable, electrically programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs); writable and / or rewritable media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc .; and transmission media, e.g. digital and / or analog communication links such as those based on electrical current conductors, optical fibers and / or electromagnetic radiation.

Although the present embodiments have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, variations, extensions, nuances, gradations, minor forms, alterations, revisions, improvements, and deletions are made to the embodiments disclosed herein can without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments in their broadest form.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• US 15927388 [0001]
• US 15626083 [0001]

Claims (30)

A BLE communication system for communicating with a network, comprising an access point (AP) configured to connect to the network and transmit a first beacon advertisement; an AP not configured to connect to the network and transmit a second beacon advertising message to define a reference point (RP); an end node (EN) configured to receive the first and second beacon advertising messages and a connection with the AP for transmitting data associated with the EN to the network and receiving data from the network initiated, in which in response to the fact that the connection with the AP is initiated by the EN and the data associated with the EN comprises at least identification information of the EN and identification information of one or more of the AP and the RP, the AP is caused to transmit the at least identification information of the EN and transmit the identification information of one or more of the AP and the RP to the network, the EN determines whether the connection with the AP should be initiated in response to the evaluation of the first beacon advertising message at the time of the transmission of the first beacon advertising message, in each case at least (a) whether a proximity of the AP to the EN a closest proximity and (b) a load on the network to which the AP is connected and each of the AP, RP and EN is configured by the network to operate either in an awake state or in an idle state, the AP so selected that it includes a stationary AP or a mobile AP. The BLE communication system according to Claim 1 wherein the selected AP, EN and RP are configured to be operational in their associated wake or sleep state based on a predetermined network time. The BLE communication system according to Claim 2 where the predetermined network timing comprises real time or a predetermined time interval or a combination thereof. The BLE communication system according to Claim 3 wherein, in response to the EN and RP being operational in an associated idle state, the selected AP is further configured to receive a third beacon advertisement message and to forward information associated with the third beacon advertisement message to the Network transmits. The BLE communication system according to Claim 4 wherein the third beacon advertisement message is transmitted by an EN configured to transmit the third beacon advertisement message for receipt by the selected AP. The BLE communication system according to Claim 3 wherein, in response to the EN being operational in an associated idle state, the RP is configured to receive the first beacon advertisement and to connect to the selected AP for transmission of data associated with the RP initiates the network and the receipt of data to be assigned to the RP from the network. The BLE communication system according to Claim 6 , wherein the data connected to the RP and the data to be connected to the RP comprise sensor data or a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or a spatial offset or a level of transmission power or an advertising rate or a latency condition or a combination thereof. The BLE communication system according to Claim 3 wherein: in response to the EN being operational in an associated idle state, the RP and the selected AP are configured to sequentially connect to the network for the transmission of data associated with the RP and the selected AP, respectively and initiate the receipt of data to be assigned to the RP or the selected AP from the network. The BLE communication system according to Claim 8 wherein the sequential initiation of the connection to the network is initiated by the RP. The BLE communication system according to Claim 9 , where the RP initiates the connection to the network through the selected AP. The BLE communication system according to Claim 10 wherein the selected AP is configured to initiate connection to the network in response to the RP terminating its initiated connection. The BLE communication system according to Claim 11 , wherein: the data associated with the RP and the selected AP includes sensor data or a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or a spatial offset or transmit power level or advertising rate or latency condition, or a combination thereof. The BLE communication system according to Claim 12 wherein: in response to the network receiving the data associated with the RP and the selected AP, the AP is configured to transmit the first beacon advertisement in accordance with receipt of a network-set RSSI for the first beacon advertisement, and the RP is configured to transmit the second beacon advertisement in response to receipt of a network-set RSSI for the second beacon advertisement. The BLE communication system according to Claim 13 wherein: the RP and the selected AP have directional and circularly polarized antennas. The BLE communication system according to Claim 1 , wherein the EN is configured to approximate the RP and the selected AP based on a match of a type of motion state of the EN with a type of motion state detected by the RP or a match of the type of the Motion state of the EN is determined with a type of motion state detected by the selected AP. A method of BLE communication comprising: in a system having an access point (AP) configured to connect to a network and send a first beacon advertising message, an AP configured not to connect to the network and a second Beacon advertising message to define a reference point (RP) and an end node (EN), the AP being selected to include a stationary AP or a mobile AP and the EN configured to respond to initiates a connection to the selected AP upon receipt of the first beacon advertising message, and Operating each of the selected AP, RP and EN according to a predetermined network timing that is configured to trigger an alternate mode of operation of the selected AP or RP or a combination thereof, in which in response to the connection with the selected AP, which is initiated by the EN, the AP is caused to transmit to the network at least identifying information of the EN and identifying information of one or more of the selected AP and the RP, the EN determines whether the connection with the selected AP is to be initiated in response to the evaluation of the first beacon advertising message at the time of the transmission of the first beacon advertising message in each case at least (a) whether a proximity of the selected AP to the EN a closest proximity and (b) a load on the network to which the selected AP is connected. The procedure of BLE communication according to Claim 16 wherein: the predetermined network timing comprises real time or a predetermined time interval or a combination thereof. The procedure of BLE communication according to Claim 17 wherein: in response to the predetermined time corresponding to a sleep state for the EN and the RP, the alternate mode of operation of the selected AP further comprises the configuration of receiving a third beacon advertisement message and information associated with the third beacon advertisement message are to be transmitted to the network. The procedure of BLE communication according to Claim 18 wherein: the third beacon advertising message is transmitted by an EN configured to transmit the third beacon advertising message for receipt by the selected AP. The procedure of BLE communication according to Claim 17 , wherein: in response to the predetermined time corresponding to a sleep state of the EN, the alternate mode of operation of the RP is to be configured to receive the first beacon advertisement message and connect to the selected AP for transmission of Data connected to the RP to the network and the receipt of data to be connected to the RP from the network. The procedure of BLE communication according to Claim 20 , wherein: the data connected to the RP and the data to be connected to the RP comprise sensor data or a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or a spatial offset or level of transmission power or an advertising rate or a latency condition or a combination thereof. The procedure of BLE communication according to Claim 17 wherein: in response to the predetermined time corresponding to a sleep state of the EN, the alternate mode of operation of the selected AP and RP comprises being configured to sequentially connect to the network for the transmission of data associated with are associated with the RP or the selected AP, and initiate the receipt of data to be associated with the RP or the selected AP from the network. The procedure of BLE communication according to Claim 22 , where: the sequential initiation of the connection to the network is initiated by the RP. The procedure of BLE communication according to Claim 23 , where: the RP initiates the connection to the network through the selected AP. The procedure of BLE communication according to Claim 24 wherein: the selected AP is configured to initiate connection to the network in response to the RP terminating its initiated connection. The procedure of BLE communication according to Claim 25 , wherein: the data associated with and to be associated with the RP and the selected AP includes sensor data or a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or a spatial offset or transmit power level or advertising rate or latency condition, or a combination thereof . The procedure of BLE communication according to Claim 26 wherein: in response to the network receiving the data associated with the RP and the selected AP, the AP is configured to transmit the first beacon advertisement in accordance with the receipt of a network-set RSSI for the first beacon advertisement, and the RP is configured to transmit the second beacon advertisement in response to receipt of a network-set RSSI for the second beacon advertisement. The procedure of BLE communication according to Claim 27 , where: the RP and the selected AP consist of directional and circularly polarized antennas. The procedure of BLE communication according to Claim 16 wherein: the EN is configured to approximate the RP and the selected AP based on a match of a type of motion state of the EN with a type of motion state detected by the RP or a match of the type of the motion state of the EN with a type of motion state detected by the selected AP. The procedure of BLE communication according to Claim 16 , wherein: the EN is configured to determine a proximity to the RP or the selected AP based on a Bayesian maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimate of a plurality of successively received signal strengths (RSSs) of the respective beacon advertising messages, received by the RP or the AP.

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