Showing papers on "Bluetooth published in 2009"

Charging station that operates as an intermediary device between mobile devices and other devices

Abstract: A charging station for mobile devices that acts as an intermediary device to facilitate communication between mobile devices and other proximate devices. The charging station may receive data with a mobile device via a first communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth) or in a first data format and may transmit the received data to a proximate device via a second communication protocol (e.g., WiFi) or in a second data format. The charging station may then receive responsive data from the proximate device via the second communication protocol (e.g., WiFi) or second data format and transmit the responsive data the mobile device via the first communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth) or first data format. In some embodiments, the charging station may communicate status data about a mobile device to other proximate devices.

Systems for wireless authentication based on bluetooth proximity

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wireless authentication, secure automatic access to application and to systems and for providing an alarm to users upon detecting that a monitored device is not within a desired proximity using a BLUETOOTH apparatus are described.

Methods and devices for facilitating bluetooth pairing using a camera as a barcode scanner

Abstract: Embodiments of the systems, devices and methods described herein generally facilitate performing Bluetooth pairing between a first device and a second device. In accordance with one example embodiment, a first device generates a barcode that encodes Bluetooth pairing data for transmission to the second device, wherein the pairing data comprises a Bluetooth address associated with the first device, and wherein the pairing data further comprises a personal identification number usable to complete the Bluetooth pairing, the barcode is transmitted to the second device, and Bluetooth pairing is performed with the second device.

System and method for providing indoor navigation and special local base sevice application for malls stores shopping centers and buildings utilize Bluetooth

Abstract: The system method described herein could guide people around urban environments indoor and outdoor, provide a direct content according to the user preference/profile and navigation guidenance to the content integrated into a special local base services application and a method to use the behavioral and the encoding user input for sales and marketing benefit mall store or building facility area The content and navigation will display on the existing cellular phone as Bluetooth application.

Tracking autonomous entities using rfid technology

Abstract: GPS seems to be the best solution to develop outdoor location systems, but performance of these systems is not good enough to locate entities within indoor environments, mainly if accuracy and precision are required. In this article we propose a tracking indoor system based on passive RFID technology that is able to accurately locate autonomous entities, such as robots, people, etc, within a defined surface. In order to validate the proposal, we compared our system technology performance against other alternatives built on different technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IrDA, ultrasound, etc). We also include the system evaluation and final remarks with future improvements.

Automatic Detection of Wireless Phone

Abstract: Cell phone in the area of the driver is detected. The detection of the cell phone in the area of the driver causes an action. The phone can be automatically paired with a Bluetooth capability in the vehicle. That pairing can be temporary. The vehicle can be made less pleasant to drive, e.g., by using a buzzer or limiting the speed of the vehicle.

Blue-Fi: enhancing Wi-Fi performance using bluetooth signals

Abstract: Mobile devices are increasingly equipped with multiple network interfaces with complementary characteristics. In particular, the Wi-Fi interface has high throughput and transfer power efficiency, but its idle power consumption is prohibitive. In this paper we present, Blue-Fi, a sytem that predicts the availability of the Wi-Fi connectivity by using a combination of bluetooth contact-patterns and cell-tower information. This allows the device to intelligently switch the Wi-Fi interface on only when there is Wi-Fi connectivity available, thus avoiding the long periods in idle state and significantly reducing the the number of scans for discovery.Our prediction results on traces collected from real users show an average coverage of 94% and an average accuracy of 84%, a 47% accuracy improvement over pure cell-tower based prediction, and a 57% coverage improvement over the pure bluetooth based prediction. For our workload, Blue-Fi is up to 62% more energy efficient, which results in increasing our mobile device's lifetime by more than a day.

Battery-dynamics driven tdma mac protocols for wireless body-area monitoring networks in healthcare applications

Abstract: We propose the cross-layer based battery-aware time division multiple access (TDMA) medium access control (MAC) protocols for wireless body-area monitoring networks in wireless healthcare applications. By taking into account the joint effect of electrochemical properties of the battery, time-varying wireless fading channels, and packet queuing characteristics, our proposed schemes are designed to prolong the battery lifespan of the wireless sensor nodes while guaranteeing the reliable and timely message delivery, which is critically important for the patient monitoring networks. In addition, we develop a Markov chain model to analyze the performance of our proposed schemes. Both the obtained analytical and simulation results show that our proposed schemes can significantly increase the battery lifespan of sensor nodes while satisfying the reliability and delay-bound quality of service (QoS) requirements for wireless body-area monitoring networks. Furthermore, the case study of the electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring application shows that besides meeting the delay requirements, our proposed schemes outperform the IEEE 802.15.4 and Bluetooth protocols in terms of battery lifespan.

Wireless Body Sensor Network With Adaptive Low-Power Design for Biometrics and Healthcare Applications

Abstract: A four-levels hierarchical wireless body sensor network (WBSN) system is designed for biometrics and healthcare applications. It also separates pathways for communication and control. In order to improve performance, a communication cycle is constructed for synchronizing the WBSN system with the pipeline. A low-power adaptive process is a necessity for long-time healthcare monitoring. It includes a data encoder and an adaptive power conserving algorithm within each sensor node along with an accurate control switch system for adaptive power control. The thermal sensor node consists of a micro control unit (MCU), a thermal bipolar junction transistor sensor, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a calibrator, a data encoder, a 2.4-GHz radio frequency transceiver, and an antenna. When detecting ten body temperature or 240 electrocardiogram (ECG) signals per second, the power consumption is either 106.3 ?W or 220.4 ?W. By switching circuits, multi sharing wireless protocol, and reducing transmission data by data encoder, it achieves a reduction of 99.573% or 99.164% in power consumption compared to those without using adaptive and encoding modules. Compared with published research reports and industrial works, the proposed method is 69.6% or 98% lower than the power consumption in thermal sensor nodes which consist only of a sensor and ADC (without MCU, 2.4-GHz transceiver, modulator, demodulator, and data encoder) or wireless ECG sensor nodes which selected Bluetooth, 2.4-GHz transceiver, and Zigbee as wireless protocols.

Method and system for a dual-mode bluetooth low energy device

Abstract: A dual-mode BLE device identifies idle intervals within Bluetooth BR/EDR traffic communications. The identified idle intervals are used by the dual-mode BLE device to concurrently perform various BLE activities. For example, advertising packet transmissions, advertising packet scanning, connection setup, and/or data packet communication may be concurrently performed within identified idle intervals within the Bluetooth BR/EDR traffic communications. Packet transmission timing, advertising interval, scan window, and/or packet size are determined based on the identified idle intervals within the Bluetooth BR/EDR traffic communications. A scan window is adjusted based on timing of expected advertising transmissions and/or advertising interval(s) for saving power. BLE packets and Bluetooth BR/EDR packets may be detected in a single advertising channel. Maximal payload size is set based on the identified idle intervals within Bluetooth BR/EDR traffic communications. As a slave, the dual-mode BLE device updates connection parameters based on the identified idle intervals within Bluetooth BR/EDR traffic communications.

Speech enhancement using multiple microphones on multiple devices

Abstract: Signal processing solutions take advantage of microphones located on different devices and improve the quality of transmitted voice signals in a communication system. With usage of various devices such as Bluetooth headsets, wired headsets and the like in conjunction with mobile handsets, multiple microphones located on different devices are exploited for improving performance and/or voice quality in a communication system. Audio signals are recorded by microphones on different devices and processed to produce various benefits, such as improved voice quality, background noise reduction, voice activity detection and the like.

System and method for pairing a bluetooth device with a point-of-sale terminal

Abstract: A method of completing a transaction at a point-of-sale terminal using payment information contained on a wireless unit of a customer. The method comprises providing a point-of-sale terminal capable of wirelessly connecting with a wireless unit of a customer desiring to complete a transaction. The point-of-sale terminal is used to perform at least one of reading a barcode displayed on the wireless unit containing short range network pairing information, or displaying a barcode containing short range network pairing information for reading by the wireless unit, to thereby establish a short range wireless network between the point-of-sale terminal and the wireless unit of the customer. Via the short range wireless network, transaction data is received from the wireless unit of the customer containing payment information. The transaction data is then used to effect payment for the transaction and thereby complete the transaction.

Discovery Of Network Members By Personal Attributes

Abstract: A method and application for mobile phone users provides an ability to discover personal attributes including photo of other individuals in vicinity covered by a short range wireless network, such as Bluetooth or similar signals operating in a wireless free spectrum, such as WiFi. The users can elect to exchange, send or receive contact information with ones that are in the vicinity that includes photos.

Enforcing policies in wireless communication using exchanged identities

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating the exchange of information and transactions between two entities associated with two wireless devices when the devices are in close proximity to each other. A first device uses a first short range wireless capability to detect an identifier transmitted from a second device in proximity, ideally using existing radio capabilities such as Bluetooth (IEEE802.15.1-2002) or Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11). The detected identifier, being associated with the device, is also associated with an entity. Rather than directly exchanging application data flow between the two devices using the short range wireless capability, a second wireless capability allows for one or more of the devices to communicate with a central server via the internet, and perform the exchange of application data flow. By using a central server to draw on stored information and content associated with the entities the server can broker the exchange of information between the entities and the devices.

Low-latency indoor localization using bluetooth beacons

Abstract: Indoor localization refers to the task of determining the location of a traveler in spaces (such as large building complexes or airport terminals) using coordinates appropriate to those spaces (such as floor and room number or airport terminal and gate). Indoor localization using Bluetooth beacons is attractive because of the low cost and high spatial selectivity of Bluetooth devices. However, a significant drawback of the Bluetooth protocol for this application is the large delay incurred in the discovery phase of the protocol, which is the phase used for detecting beacons. These delays, of approximately 20 seconds, hamper the use of this localization method because typical walking speeds are likely to change the set of potentially visible beacons part-way through the discovery phase. We study the causes of these delays and propose methods for alleviating them for indoor localization applications. We formalize the key problem of finding a minimum-cost complete beacon-probing plan and present an algorithm for generating such plans.

Using bluetooth device names to support interaction in smart environments

Abstract: An increasing trend in mobile and pervasive computing is the augmentation of everyday public spaces with local computation - leading to so called smart environments. However, there are no well accepted techniques for supporting spontaneous interaction between mobile users and these smart environments, though a wide range of techniques have been explored ranging from gesture recognition to downloading applications to a user's phone. In this paper we explore an approach to supporting such interaction based on the use of Bluetooth Device (user-friendly) Names as a control channel between users' mobile phones and computational resources in their local environment. Such an approach has many advantages over existing techniques though it is not without limitations. Our work focuses specifically on the use of Device Names to control and customize applications on large public displays in a campus environment. This paper describes our basic approach, a number of applications that we have constructed using this technique and the results of our evaluation work which has included a range of user studies and field trials. The paper concludes with an assessment of the viability of using our approach for interaction scenarios involving mobile users and computationally rich environments.

A Wide Tuning Range G $ _{\rm m}$ –C Filter for Multi-Mode CMOS Direct-Conversion Wireless Receivers

Abstract: A third-order channel selection filter for multi-mode direct-conversion receivers is presented. The filter is designed with a Butterworth prototype and with the target wireless applications of Bluetooth, cdma2000, wideband CDMA, and IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n wireless LANs. Linear-region MOS transistors are used to perform voltage-to-current conversion. The wide tuning range is achieved by the current multipliers and linear voltage-to-current converters. Implemented in the TSMC 0.18 mum CMOS process, the measurement results show that the filter can operate successfully over a cutoff frequency range of 500 kHz to 20 MHz, and is compliant with the requirements of different wireless applications. The power consumption is 4.1 mW to 11.1 mW for minimum and maximum cutoff frequencies respectively from a 1.2 V supply voltage. The circuit performance compares favorably with previously reported works.

Challenge: ultra-low-power energy-harvesting active networked tags (EnHANTs)

Abstract: This paper presents the design challenges posed by a new class of ultra-low-power devices referred to as Energy-Harvesting Active Networked Tags (EnHANTs). EnHANTs are small, flexible, and self-reliant (in terms of energy devices that can be attached to objects that are traditionally not networked (e.g., books, clothing, and produce), thereby providing the infrastructure for various novel tracking applications. Examples of these applications include locating misplaced items, continuous monitoring of objects (items in a store, boxes in transit), and determining locations of disaster survivors. Recent advances in ultra-low-power wireless communications, ultra-wideband (UWB) circuit design, and organic electronic harvesting techniques will enable the realization of EnHANTs in the near future. In order for EnHANTs to rely on harvested energy, they have to spend significantly less energy than Bluetooth, Zigbee, and IEEE 802.15.4a devices. Moreover, the harvesting components and the ultra-low-power physical layer have special characteristics whose implications on the higher layers have yet to be studied (e.g., when using ultra-low-power circuits, the energy required to receive a bit is an order of magnitude higher than the energy required to transmit a bit). These special characteristics pose several new cross-layer research problems. In this paper, we describe the design challenges at the layers above the physical layer, point out relevant research directions, and outline possible starting points for solutions.

Proximity Triggered Profile-Based Wireless Matching

Abstract: A match-making system allows users possessing mobile communications devices such as cell phones and/or PDAs to be alerted to the proximity of other users that may be a romantic, professional or other “match” to the user of interest based on a comparison of profile properties. The system may operate via a near-field radio-frequency system such as Bluetooth or a cellular or other relatively far-field wireless system, or a combination of the two in a complimentary manner. The disclosed system also allows a connection between the users to be made if desired by both users, and otherwise allows one or the other user to decline a connection. Matching by the system may be used for social or business purposes.

Power management system

Abstract: A vehicle communication system facilitates hands-free interaction with a mobile device in a vehicle or elsewhere. Users interact with the system by speaking to it. The system processes text and processes commands. The system supports Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free use. The system handles telephone calls, email, and SMS text messages. The user can customize the device via a user profile stored on an Internet web server. The system also includes a plurality of power conservation features.

Compact PIFA for Mobile Terminals Supporting Multiple Cellular and Non-Cellular Standards

Abstract: A novel multiband planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) covering ten frequency bands has been proposed for personal wireless communications terminals. The design is based on the combination of various techniques that are used for designing multiband/broadband antennas. We used a shorted parasitic patch efficiently coupled to the driven patch, a quarter-wave resonator connected to the feed strip in parallel with the main patch, and four slits in the main radiator to excite various current modes in the antenna structure. The antenna is designed within a volume of 4.0 times 2.0 times 0.8 cm3 and it can be used to serve the following wireless communication systems: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM-900), Digital Communications System (DCS), Personal Communication Service (PCS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), WiBro at 2.35 GHz, Bluetooth, Satellite-Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (SDM-B) at 2.65 GHz, WiMAX at 3.5 GHz, and the two bands (5.15-5.35 GHz and 5.725-5.875 GHz) for the wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standards. A prototype antenna was fabricated and tested for input reflection coefficient and radiation performances. The measured and simulated results have been presented and discussed. Important geometrical parameters determining the multiband performances of the antenna have been explained in the paper.

Bluetooth Tracking without Discoverability

Abstract: Outdoor location-based services are now prevalent due to advances in mobile technology and GPS. Indoors, however, even coarse location remains unavailable. Bluetooth has been identified as a potential location technology that mobile consumer devices already support, easing deployment and maintenance. However, Bluetooth tracking systems to date have relied on the Bluetooth inquiry mode to constantly scan for devices. This process is very slow and can be a security and privacy risk. In this paper we investigate an alternative: connection-based tracking. This permits tracking of a previously identified handset within a field of fixed base stations. Proximity is determined by creating and monitoring low-level Bluetooth connections that do not require authorisation. We investigate the properties of the low-level connections both theoretically and in practice, and show how to construct a building-wide tracking system based on this technique. We conclude that the technique is a viable alternative to inquiry-based Bluetooth tracking.

Method and system for bluetooth low power link layer connection setup

Abstract: A mobile device such as a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) device detects out-of-band blocking signals and manages packet transmission in associated BLE link layer connections based on the detected out-of-band blocking signals. The BLE device is operable to measure out-of-band RSSI to detect out-of-band transmission interferences. The BLE device compares the measured out-of-band RSSI with an out-of-band energy profile such as a LTE energy profile or a WiMAX energy profile to determine the out-of-band blocking signals indicating cadence or periodic out-of-band traffic activities. A remote BLE deice (advertiser) aperiodically or periodically transmits an advertising packet to the BLE device for a specific link layer connection. If not connected within a determined time period, the remote BLE device (advertiser) reduces transmission power for transmitting the advertising packet. The BLE device receives the advertising packet and sends a connection request packet to the remote BLE device (advertiser).

ZigBee Wireless Sensor and Control Network

Abstract: The First Practical Guide to Advanced Wireless Development with ZigBee Technologies Supported by more than a hundred companies, the new ZigBee standard enables powerful new wireless applications for safety, security, and control, ranging from smart energy to home automation and medical care to advanced remote control. ZigBee Wireless Sensor and Control Network brings together all the knowledge professionals need to start building effective ZigBee solutions. The only simple, concise guide to ZigBee architecture, concepts, networking, and applications, this book thoroughly explains the entire ZigBee protocol stack and covers issues ranging from routing to security. It also presents detailed, practical coverage of ZigBee features for home automation, smart energy networking, and consumer electronics. Topics include Fundamental wireless concepts: OSI Model, error detection, the ISM Band, modulation, WLAN, FHSS, DSSS, Wireless MANs, Bluetooth, and more ZigBee essentials: applications, characteristics, device types, topologies, protocol architecture, and expanded ZigBee PRO features Physical layer: includes frequency bands, data rate, channels, data/management services, transmitter power, and receiver sensitivity MAC layer: data/management services, MAC layer information base, access methods, and frames Network layer: data entities, NIB, device configuration, starting network, addressing, discovery, channel scanning, and more Application support sublayer and application layer: includes profiles, cluster format, attributes, device discovery, and binding ZigBee network security: includes encryption, trust center, security modes, and security management primitives Address assignment and routing techniques Alternative technologies: 6lowpan, WirelessHART, and Z-wave

Modeling Propagation Dynamics of Bluetooth Worms (Extended Version)

Abstract: In the last few years, the growing popularity of mobile devices has made them attractive to virus and worm writers. One communication channel often exploited by mobile malware is the Bluetooth interface. In this paper, we present a detailed analytical model that characterizes the propagation dynamics of Bluetooth worms. Our model captures not only the behavior of the Bluetooth protocol but also the impact of mobility patterns on the Bluetooth worm propagation. Validation experiments against a detailed discrete-event Bluetooth worm simulator reveal that our model predicts the propagation dynamics of Bluetooth worms with high accuracy. We further use our model to efficiently predict the propagation curve of Bluetooth worms in big cities such as Los Angeles. Our model not only sheds light on the propagation dynamics of Bluetooth worms, but also allows to predict spreading curves of Bluetooth worm propagation in large areas without the high computational cost of discrete-event simulation.

Bluetooth-Based Sensor Networks for Remotely Monitoring the Physiological Signals of a Patient

Abstract: Integrating intelligent medical microsensors into a wireless communication network makes it possible to remotely collect physiological signals of a patient, release the patient from being tethered to monitoring medical instrumentations, and facilitate the patient's early hospital discharge. This can further improve life quality by providing continuous observation without the need of disrupting the patient's normal life, thus reducing the risk of infection significantly, and decreasing the cost of the hospital and the patient. This paper discusses the implementation issues, and describes the overall system architecture of our developed Bluetooth sensor network for patient monitoring and the corresponding heart activity sensors. It also presents our approach to developing the intelligent physiological sensor nodes involving integration of Bluetooth radio technology, hardware and software organization, and our solutions for onboard signal processing.

Bluetooth and WLAN coexistence architecture having a shared low noise amplifier

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) front-end configured to share transmissions and receptions of Bluetooth signals and WLAN signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the RF front-end comprises a first path coupled between an antenna and a transceiver dedicated to transmissions of the WLAN signals; a second path coupled between the antenna and the transceiver dedicated to simultaneous receptions of the Bluetooth signals and the WLAN signals; and a third path coupled between the antenna and the transceiver. The third path may be dedicated to transmissions only of the Bluetooth signals when a WLAN link is active; and transmissions and receptions of the Bluetooth signals when the WLAN link is active and in a power save state, and when the WLAN link is inactive.

Secure platform management with power savings capacity

Abstract: An electronic device, for example, a laptop computer includes a processor, a transceiver module, for example, a Bluetooth module and a memory. The memory includes a platform proximity agent, which may be implemented as a series of instructions, which when executed by the processor, causes the processor to receive a Bluetooth signal from a corresponding provisioned Bluetooth device, for example, a cellular telephone. Next, determine whether the received signal exceeds both a strength threshold level and a predetermined time threshold level, where the signal strength and time threshold levels are established when the laptop and a corresponding cell phone are paired during a provisioning process. When the received signal strength and duration both exceed the corresponding policy based thresholds, the laptop enters (or remains in) a full power state with full access to the monitor and the platform. On the other hand, when the received signal strength and duration both fall below (or are less than) the corresponding policy based threshold, the laptop enters (or remains in) a reduced power, or locked state.

Continuing Evolution of Travel Time Data Information Collection and Processing

Abstract: An exciting new traffic monitoring technology has been developed that provides accurate measurement of travel times as well as origin-destination data for freeway and arterial roadway networks. This technology receives signals emitted from Bluetooth equipped devices (cell phones, PDAs, car radios, etc.) in vehicles traveling past the monitoring units. The addresses of the received signals are compared by upstream and downstream units to derive travel times and origin-destination information. Tests of the Bluetooth devices have demonstrated high levels of accuracy and large sample sizes of 5% to 7% of the overall traffic stream. The Bluetooth devices are proving useful for measurement of travel times on both arterials and freeways at costs that are a factor of 100 less than equivalent floating car runs. In addition, the Bluetooth data has been shown to be superior to other data collection technologies (including conventional vehicle detectors) for measurement of arterial traffic flow. Privacy is less of an issue with the Bluetooth equipment due to the absence of databases that can relate addresses to specific individuals (owners). Future applications for this equipment are likely to include new traffic signal control algorithms that use the accurate measurement of travel times between intersections for calculation of traffic signal offsets that provide superior signal progression to that which is possible using conventional point traffic detectors. The Bluetooth equipment is currently being commercialized so that the traffic community can take advantage of its unique capabilities.