DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The field of invention generally relates to proximity-based beaconing technology. More specifically, it relates to a system and method for proximity-based beaconing technology using Bluetooth.

BACKGROUND

[002] Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) is a wireless Personal Area Network (PAN) technology that is commonly used for a variety of applications. It is advantageous as it requires reduced power consumption and cost while maintaining efficient communication range.
[003] BLE technology can be used in proximity sensing. BLE beacons broadcast a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID), which can be detected by an application or a user device. The beacon can be used to determine physical locations of the user devices.
[004] Currently, existing systems do not succeed in providing efficient proximity alerts through Bluetooth, especially when the number of users is increased. Further, in current systems, proximity detection can occur only when a broadcaster is present in the system. Generally, such broadcasting beacons are positioned in a public area. However, the disadvantage of the current systems is that a correctly-functioning broadcaster is permanently required. Further, the current systems will not work efficiently or accurately if the broadcaster is damaged, worn-out, vandalized, stolen, having outdated components or having stopped functioning. In such scenarios, proximity cannot be measured when the broadcaster fails.
[005] Thus, in light of the above discussion, it is implied that there is need for a system and method for an efficient Bluetooth broadcasting system, which is reliable and does not suffer from the problems discussed above.

OBJECT OF INVENTION

[006] The principle object of this invention is to provide a system and method for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing.
[007] A further object of the invention is to provide a system and method for generating alerts in user devices using proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing.
[008] Another object of the invention is to provide a proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing system wherein each user device functions alternatingly as a broadcaster and a receiver.
[009] Another object of the invention is to provide a proximity alerting system wherein an alert is generated based on the determined distance between a broadcasting user device and a receiving user device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0010] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which, like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures.
[0011] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0012] Figure 1 depicts/illustrates a system for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing comprising user devices, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0013] Figure 2A depicts/illustrates a first user device functioning as a broadcasting user device, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0014] Figure 2B depicts/illustrates a first user device functioning as a broadcasting user device, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0015] Figure 3 depicts/illustrates a method for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0016] Figure 4A illustrates a method for a first user device acting as a broadcaster, in accordance with an embodiment; and
[0017] Figure 4B illustrates a method for a second user device acting as a broadcaster, in accordance with an embodiment.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0018] The present invention discloses a system and method for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing for an efficient Bluetooth broadcasting.
[0019] According to an aspect of the invention, a system for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing is disclosed. The system comprises at least one first user device, at least one second user device, and a server. The at least one first user device is configured to function as a broadcaster to broadcast a beacon during one or more first duty cycles. The first user device is configured to alternately function as a receiver to receive a beacon during one or more second duty cycles. The first user device further determines a first proximity from the first user device to other user devices.
[0020] The at least one second user device is configured to function as the receiver to receive the beacon during the one or more first duty cycles. The second user device is configured to alternately function as the broadcaster to broadcast the beacon during the one or more second duty cycles. The second user device further determines a second proximity from the at least one second user device to the at least one first user device and to the other user devices.
[0021] The server is configured to allow communication between the broadcaster and the receiver through a communication module. The server assists the user devices either during the broadcaster function or during the receiver function. The server further determines and instructs the user devices to switch between the broadcaster function and the receiver function.
[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of initiating a communication from at least one first user device to a server via a communication module. Subsequently, the first user device is determined to function as a broadcaster during one or more first duty cycle. Next, a beacon is broadcasted by the first user device. Thereafter, the beacon is received by the second user device. Next, a message comprising a temporary identification tag and a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) is sent to the at least one first user device from the second user device. Later, a response is sent from the at least one first user device to the at least one second user device. Finally, one or more instructions are executed by the at least one first user device and the at least one second user device based on the response from the at least one first user device. Further, the at least one second user device is determined to function as the broadcaster during one or more second duty cycles and the next cycle begins.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0024] The present invention discloses a system and method for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing. The present invention comprises multiple user devices which are carried or worn by users. The proximity between each user is monitored through their user devices. Each user device has a unique id for its identification. The system further comprises a server in communication with the multiple user devices. When a user device communicates with the server, the user device downloads an encrypted list of current and future temporary identification tags called as temp-ids.
[0025] In the present system, each user device alternatively functions as a broadcaster and as a receiver. In particular, a first user device may function as a broadcaster and a second user device may function as a receiver during a particular duty cycle. Thereafter, in the next duty cycle, the user devices will take on the alternate functions, i.e. the first user device may function as a receiver and the second user device may function as a broadcaster.
[0026] Figure 1 depicts/illustrates a system 100 comprising multiple user devices 102 communicating with a server 104 through a communication module 106.
[0027] In an embodiment, the user devices 102 comprise a first user device 102/1 and a second user device 102/2. Hereinafter, the first user device 102/1 and the second user device 102/2 are interchangeably mentioned as the user devices 102.
[0028] The system 100 may comprise as many user devices 102 as required by the users. The user devices may comprise one or more of wearable device, mobile phones, PDA, smartphones, smart band, smart watch, laptop, computer, etc.
[0029] In an embodiment, the user device 102 comprises a communication module, a beacon module, and a memory module (not shown in figure).
[0030] In an embodiment, the communication module of the user device 102 may include wired and wireless communication, including but not limited to, GPS, GSM, LAN, Wi-fi compatibility, Bluetooth low energy as well as NFC.
[0031] In an embodiment, the memory module of the user device 102 comprises one or more volatile and non-volatile memory components which are capable of storing data and instructions to be executed.
[0032] In an embodiment, the beacon module is used to execute the alternating function of each user device 102 as a broadcaster and a receiver.
[0033] In an embodiment, the server 104 comprises a processor, memory module, interface module and an input/output module (not shown in figure).
[0034] In an embodiment, the processor may comprise one or more of microprocessors, circuits, and other hardware configured for processing. The processor is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory module as well as communicate with user devices 102 through the input/output module via the communication module.
[0035] In an embodiment, the memory module of the server 104 functions similarly to the memory module of the user device 102.
[0036] In an embodiment, the interface module comprises one or more hardware, software and firmware components for receiving, sharing and displaying data or signal from other devices including the user devices 102.
[0037] Figure 2A depicts/illustrates a system 200 of a first user device functioning as a broadcaster or a broadcasting user device, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0038] In an embodiment, each user device 102 comprises a unique id for its identification. Further, each user device 102 may communicate with a server to download an encrypted list of current and future temporary identification tags called as temp-ids, which are stored in the memory module of the user devices 102.
[0039] In an embodiment, the first user device 102/1 functions as an advertiser to advertise 202 or as a broadcaster, while the second user device 102/2 functions as an audience or a receiver. One or more of the user devices 102 may continuously use BLE – Bluetooth Low Energy beaconing technology to determine a proximity between themselves and other user devices 102.
[0040] In an embodiment, the proximity between two or more user devices 102 may be determined by analyzing a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), which can accurately determine the distance of a receiver user device from a broadcaster, based on the strength of the received broadcast signal.
[0041] In an embodiment each user device 102 may comprise one or more hardware and software components for detecting RSSI and determining a distance based on the detected RSSI. The user devices 102 may follow IEEE 802.11 standards or other known standards and equipment for detecting and determining RSSI.
[0042] In an exemplary scenario, the first user device 102/1 broadcasts a beacon comprising its temp-id, to all surrounding user devices 102. The beacon comprises one or more of the temp-id, user name, user details, and so on, which may be picked up by the second user device 102/2.
[0043] In an embodiment, once the second user device 102/2 is within a predetermined threshold of the first user device 102/1, the receiver, i.e. the second user device 102/2 will encounter the message and, thereafter, return a message to the first user device 102/1. The shared message is a scan request 204 which comprises the temp-id and Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of the second user device 102/2.
[0044] When the broadcaster, i.e. the first user device 102/1 receives this signal, the first user device 102/1 may scan a response 206 to the second user device 102/2, in order to successfully complete the proximity-based beaconing. The distance between both user devices can be determined based on the received RSSI signal.
[0045] Further, based on the distance between the two user devices 102, one or more of the first and second user devices 102 will execute one or more instructions stored in their memory module, such as initiating an alert or a notification. The alert may be in the form of one or more of an audio, video, light signal, vibration, and buzzer, among others.
[0046] Figure 2B depicts/illustrates a system 208 of a second user device 102/2 functioning as a broadcaster or a broadcasting user device, in accordance with an embodiment. One or more of the user devices 102 may continuously use BLE – Bluetooth Low Energy beaconing technology to determine a proximity between themselves and other user devices 102.
[0047] In an embodiment, the second user device 102/2 functions as an advertiser to advertise 210 or as a broadcaster, while the first user device 102/1 functions as an audience or a receiver.
[0048] In this scenario, the second user device 102/2 broadcasts a beacon which can be detected by all nearby user devices 102. The beacon comprises one or more of its temp-id, user name, user details, and so on, which may be detected by the first user device 102/1.
[0049] In an embodiment, once the second user device 102/2 is within a predetermined threshold of the first user device 102/1, the receiver, i.e. the first user device 102/1 will encounter the message and returns a message to the second user device 102/2. The shared message is a scan request 212 which may comprise the temp-id and RSSI of the first user device 102/1.
[0050] When the broadcaster, i.e. the second user device 102/2 receives this signal, the second user device 102/2 may scan a response 214 to the first user device 102/1, in order to successfully complete the proximity-based beaconing.
[0051] In an embodiment, the distance between both user devices can be determined based on the shared RSSI.
[0052] Further, based on the determined distance between the two user devices 102, the first and second user devices 102 will both execute one or more instructions stored in their memory module, such as initiating an alert or a notification. The alert may be in the form of one or more of an audio, video, light signal, vibration, and buzzer, among others, which can be executed by one or more components present in the user devices 102 such as a speaker, display, LED lights, etc.
[0053] Thus, as explained above, the first user device 102/1 performs as a broadcaster for one or more fixed duty cycles, during which time the second user device 102/2 performs as a receiver. Thereafter, during new duty cycles, the second user device 102/2 performs as a broadcaster for one or more fixed duty cycles, whereas the first user device 102/1 performs as a receiver during this time. This function may be termed as “switching” from a broadcaster function to a receiver function. Each user device 102 comprises the necessary hardware and software components to perform the switching.
[0054] The advantage of the invention is that each user device 102 can act as both broadcaster and receiver. This results in better proximity detection and alerting. Further, since both user devices can act as a broadcaster and a receiver, the system is efficient and also does not require increased resources for installation, maintenance and repair of permanent broadcasters.
[0055] In an embodiment, the system 100 can be used in Bluetooth triangulation for determining the geo-position of users within a select area, based on their user devices 102.
[0056] In this scenario, multiple Bluetooth/BLE beacons are positioned around an area such as an office floor or room. The beacons are pre-mapped to a latitude and longitude of the area where are positioned. The beacons are used to broadcast signals which can be picked up by users by using their user device 102. Once the user devices 102 receive the broadcast signal, the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of the broadcast signal can be used to calculate the position of the user device 102 from various broadcasters in the room. Thus, the position of the user device 102 can be used to determine an X-Y coordinate of the user in the room.
[0057] In such a scenario, the first user device 102/1 may first function as a Bluetooth/BLE beacon. The second user device 102/2 may function as a receiver. Further, the user device 102/1 and user device 102/2 may continue to function as a broadcaster and receiver respectively, for a pre-determined time period, until the geo-positioning has been completed. During this pre-determined time period, the user devices 102/1 and 102/2 will not change or switch their roles, and will maintain their current broadcaster or receiver function.
[0058] In an embodiment, there may be a first user device 102/1 and a third user device 102 functioning as receivers. In this case, when the first user device 102/1 detects the third user device 102, the first user device 102/1 switches to function as a broadcaster. The instruction for this switch may be received from the server 104 or may be determined by one or more modules within the user device 102/1.
[0059] In an embodiment, both receiver user device 102/1 and broadcaster user device 102/2 may be in motion. According to the present system, both user devices 102 can switch roles and continue to function efficiently and accurately, even when both user devices 102 are moving. Further, there no drop in accuracy or efficiency of the proximity alerting system, before, during and after the switching of the user devices 102.
[0060] The system is advantageous as it allows two or more moving user devices 102 to be able to track each other’s proximity using BLE smoothly without any signal dropping. Another advantage is that even if one broadcaster stops functioning due to accidental reasons, there will be multiple other user devices that will frequently switch to the role of a broadcaster. Hence, there will be no interval or delay in detecting the proximity of user devices 102.
[0061] Figure 3 depicts/illustrates a method for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0062] The method begins with initiating communication from each user device to a server, as depicted at step 302. Subsequently, the method 300 discloses downloading an encrypted list of current and future temp-ids, as depicted at step 304. The current and future temp-ids may be generated from UID /weftime/expiry/authentication tokens. Thereafter, the method 300 discloses determining a first user device to function as a broadcaster, as depicted at step 306. Subsequently, the method comprises executing Step A, as depicted at step 308. Thereafter, the method 300 discloses determining a different user device to function as a broadcaster in a next duty cycle, as depicted at step 310. Subsequently, the method comprises executing Step B, as depicted at step 312.
[0063] Figure 4A illustrates a method for a first user device acting as a broadcaster, in accordance with an embodiment. The method begins with broadcasting a beacon by using a first user device, as depicted at step 402. Subsequently, the method discloses receiving the beacon by a second user device, as depicted at step 404. Thereafter, the method discloses sending a message comprising the temp-id and RSSI of the second user device, from the second user device to the first user device, as depicted at step 406. Further, the method discloses sending a response from the first user device to the second user device, as depicted at step 408. Consequently, the method discloses Executing one or more instructions, by the first and second user devices, as depicted at step 406. The instructions may include providing one or more of light, buzzer, audio, video, and vibrating alerts on the user devices.
[0064] Figure 4B illustrates a method for a second user device acting as a broadcaster, in accordance with an embodiment. The method begins with broadcasting a beacon by using a second user device, as depicted at step 410. Subsequently, the method discloses receiving the beacon by a first user device, as depicted at step 412. Thereafter, the method discloses sending a message comprising the temp-id and RSSI of the first user device, from the first user device to the second user device, as depicted at step 414. Further, the method discloses sending a response from the second user device to the first user device, as depicted at step 416. Consequently, the method discloses executing one or more instructions, by the first and second user devices, as depicted at step 418. The instructions may include providing one or more of light, buzzer, audio, video, and vibrating alerts on the user devices.
[0065] The advantages of the current invention include the ability of each user device to function as both broadcaster and audience. Applications of the current invention include all broadcasting and proximity detecting applications.
[0066] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described here.

,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A system (100) for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing, comprising:
at least one first user device (102/1) configured to function either as a broadcaster or as a receiver during one or more duty cycles;
at least one second user device (102/2) configured to function either as the receiver or as the broadcaster during one or more duty cycles; and
a server (104) configured to enable communication between the broadcaster user device (102/1) and the receiver user device (102/1), wherein the communication enables determining a proximity indication between the broadcaster user device (102/1) and the receiver user device (102/1).

2. The system (100) for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first user device (102/1) broadcasts a beacon during the broadcaster function for one or more first duty cycles, and receives a beacon during the receiver function for one or more second duty cycles, and wherein the at least one second user device (102/2) receives a beacon during the receiver function for one or more first duty cycles, and broadcasts a beacon during the broadcaster function for one or more second duty cycles, and wherein the user devices (102/1) and (102/2) maintain their broadcaster or receiver function for a pre-determined time period.

3. The system (100) for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temporary identification tag and a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) are sent from the receiver user device (102) to the broadcaster user device (102); and wherein the proximity indication between the user devices (102) is determined by the broadcaster user device (102), by using Bluetooth Low Energy beaconing technology to analyze the received RSSI.
4. The system (100) for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing as claimed in claim 3, wherein the temporary identification tags are generated from a unique identifier of the user devices (102), and the user devices (102) download an encrypted list of temporary identification tags from the server (104) for enabling the communication between the broadcaster user device (102/1) and the receiver user device (102/1).

5. The system (100) for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing as claimed in claim 3, wherein an alert or a notification is generated within the at least one first user device (102/1) or the at least one second user device (102/2) to communicate the proximity indication, and wherein the alert is in the form of one or more of an audio, video, light signal, vibration, and buzzer.

6. The system for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing as claimed in claim 3, wherein multiple broadcaster user devices (102) broadcast a beacon to at least one receiver user device (102) within a select area, wherein the RSSI is communicated between the broadcaster user devices (102) and the at least one receiver user device (102), and wherein a geo-position of the at least one second user device (102) within the select area is determined by using Bluetooth Low Energy beaconing technology to analyze the received RSSI and by using Bluetooth triangulation.

7. The system (100) for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first user device (102/1) and the at least one second user device (102/2) each comprise a communication module, a beacon module, and a memory module.

8. The system for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first user device (102/1) undergoes function switching in case the first user device (102/1) detects at least one third user device (102) with the same function as the at least one first user device (102/1), and wherein instructions for the function switching is received from the server (104) or determined by the at least one user device (102/1).

9. A method (300) for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing, comprising:
enabling communication between at least one first user device (102/1) and at least one second user device (102/2) by using a server (104);
determining and instructing the user devices (102) to switch between a broadcaster function and a receiver function;
broadcasting a beacon by the at least one first user device (102/1) during a broadcaster function for one or more duty cycles;
receiving the beacon by at least one second user device (102/2) during a receiver function for one or more duty cycles;
maintaining the function of the at least one first user device (102/1) and the at least one second user device (102/2) for a pre-determined time period; and
determining a proximity indication between the broadcaster user device (102/1) and the receiver user device (102/2).

10. The method (300) for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing as claimed in claim 9, comprising:
sending a temporary identification tag and a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) from the receiver user device (102/2) to the broadcaster user device (102/1); and
determining a proximity indication between the user devices (102) by the broadcaster user device (102), by using Bluetooth Low Energy beaconing technology to analyze the received RSSI.

11. The method (300) for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing as claimed in claim 10, comprising:
communicating the proximity indication by generating and communicating an alert or a notification to the at least one first user device (102/1) or the at least one second user device (102/2); and
communicating the alert in the form of one or more of an audio, video, light signal, vibration, and buzzer.

12. The method (300) for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing as claimed in claim 10, comprising:
generating a list of temporary identification tags from a unique identifier of the user devices (102); and
enabling the user devices (102) to download an encrypted list of temporary identification tags, by using the server (104).

13. The method (300) for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing as claimed in claim 10, comprising:
broadcasting a beacon from multiple broadcaster user devices (102) to at least one receiver user device (102) within a select area;
communicating the RSSI between the broadcaster user devices (102) and the at least one receiver user device (102); and
determining a geo-position of the at least one receiver user device (102) within the select area by using Bluetooth Low Energy beaconing technology to analyze the received RSSI and by using Bluetooth triangulation.

14. The method (300) for proximity-based Bluetooth beaconing as claimed in claim 9, comprising:
determining whether the at least one first user device (102/1) detects at least one third user device (102) with the same function;
receiving instructions for function switching from the server (104) or the at least one user device (102/1) to switch function; and
enabling the function switching of the at least one first user device (102/1).

Date: 15th May, 2020 Signature:
Name of signatory: Nishant Kewalramani
(Patent Agent)
IN/PA number: 1420