Bluetooth low energy (BLE) real-time location system (RTLS) having tags that harvest energy, bridges that instruct tags to toggle beacon modes on and off, beacons and bridges that self-report location changes, and optional use of a single beacon channel

摘要

A real-time locating system (RTLS) for use in tracking assets and people includes tag, beacon and bridge components, where the tag contains a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) transceiver and a microprocessor for operating the transceiver. The tag is powered by a battery that depletes. A photocell is connected to an energy storage device. A capacitor is connected to the energy storage device such that the photocell charges the energy storage device so the capacitor can power the microprocessor and BLE transceiver for performing limited tasks upon battery depletion. The tag also includes a speaker for providing an audible sound to locate an out-of-sight tag and an accelerometer for detecting tag movement. The bridge is able to temporarily toggle each tag into a connectable-advertising state for connection to a smart device. The beacon and bridge are able to self-report location changes estimated with the use of onboard filters.