Indoor Positioning Using BLE 4.0 / 5.1 Tags

BLE 4.0 / 5.1 tags are small Bluetooth hardware components ("beacons") that are used to locate people, objects or vehicles. BLE tags can not only be used in server-based procedures (asset tracking, position is determined on a server), but also in client-based applications (indoor navigation, position is calculated and visualized on a mobile device).

Bluetooth is the protocol of choice for implementing proximity solutions. Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0 is a proven, particularly energy-efficient standard that paved the way for numerous RTLS and IoT solutions (beacon tracking, indoor navigation with beacons). Thanks to Angle of Arrival (AoA) technology, the new 5.1 version of the Bluetooth specification will shortly enable applications for direction finding and centimeter-accurate (server-based) positioning. As a result, even assets stored close to each other can be clearly identified. When using Bluetooth 5.1, however, it should be noted that a reliable localization can only be achieved with an existing line-of-sight between beacon and receiver hardware. Thus, the application makes particular sense for tracking systems in open areas (e.g. industrial halls).

   More information about Bluetooth Low Energy as a positioning technology

Functionality of BLE Tags

In server-based applications, the BLE tag attached to the asset being tracked sends Bluetooth signals to nearby infsoft Locator Nodes. With Bluetooth 5.1, in order to realize direction finding, the signals are first received by phased array antennas and then transmitted to a Locator Node connected via USB. The Locator Node processes the provided data and sends it via Wi-Fi or Ethernet to the infsoft LocAware platform^®. Here, the position can be displayed on a map and movement statistics can be retrieved. The accuracy for a server-based procedure is less than 8 meters for BLE 4.0 tags (1-3 meters when using Locator Nodes AoA) and about 0.5-1 meters for BLE 5.1 tags (with given line-of-sight). Bluetooth beacons have a range of up to 75 meters.

In client-based procedures, where the position data is to be displayed directly on a client (smartphone), the smartphone receives Bluetooth signals from BLE tags (beacons) installed in the building. A signal strength measurement is used for determining the position. If desired, the mobile device can also transmit the data to the infsoft LocAware platform^®, where it is intelligently processed. Client-based procedures offer accuracies of 1-3 meters and a range of up to 30 meters.

Suppliers of BLE Tags (Bluetooth Beacons)

infsoft does not produce beacons itself, but will be happy to put you in touch with appropriate manufacturers. There are also some network suppliers who integrate Bluetooth into their solutions, such as Cisco. Here is a selection of some beacon hardware providers:

Use Cases for Indoor Localization With BLE Tags

There are multiple application scenarios for using BLE tags in RTLS solutions. Here are some examples: