How Does Bluetooth 4.0 Work in the Context of Retail Beacons?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the functioning of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) in the context of retail beacons, particularly how offers are transmitted to smartphones and the technical aspects of data transmission involved. Participants explore the mechanisms of BLE beacons, their data capabilities, and comparisons with other wireless technologies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about whether offers are sent directly from the merchant's BLE beacon to the smartphone or through the internet, raising questions about the data transmission process.
  • There is a query regarding the capability of BLE to transmit images, given its reputation for small data transmissions, and how beacons manage to send promotional content.
  • A question is posed about the operational mechanics of beacons, specifically whether they store images or connect to a merchant's POS device to relay offers.
  • Another participant asks if a BLE USB module can replicate the functionality of a BLE beacon in determining smartphone proximity.
  • A later reply clarifies that the beacon sends a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) to the smartphone, questioning whether this process requires pairing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various uncertainties regarding the technical details of BLE operation, particularly in relation to data transmission and the role of UUIDs. No consensus is reached on the specifics of how offers are sent or the necessity of pairing.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about the capabilities of BLE regarding data size and transmission methods, as well as the lack of clarity on the pairing process for UUID transmission.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring BLE technology, retail marketing strategies, and the technical workings of wireless communication in consumer applications.

bhaazee
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Hi everyone,
I would like to know how the BLE functions in more detailed manner.

Consider the case of BLE beacons at the local retail outlet. I am notified of a offer when passing through the outlet. The offer may be a text based or a image based. I presume the merchant sends me a generic offer when his beacon detects my BLE on my smartphone.

Now, is this offer sent via the merchant's BLE to my BLE
or
sent by merchant through the internet to my smartphone?

If the image is sent via BLE, how is it possible? (aren't BLE supposed for small data transmissions?)

Firstly, how a beacon sends a promo? Will it have images stores in them or the beacon itself is connected to merchant's pos device to transfer promo from the pos through the beacon to the customer's smartphone

Now, are all the activities that's done using a BLE beacon, is also possible using a wireless usb module using BLE? I mean can a BLE usb module be used for determining the proximity of a smartphone just like what the BLE beacon does?

Would be great if someone can answer my queries.

Regards
 
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Hi UltrafastPED,
That link have cleared many of my queries. Thanks for the link. I have few more doubts.

The slave (here the beacon) sends only a UUI (Universally Unique Identifier) to the master (here the shopper). Of course, the shopper may ignore the notification or perform some action. Now does sending the UUI to the master needs pairing, because UUI is similar to IP address as I believe.
 

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