Real-time proximity tracking using received signal strength indication

A method for proximity tracking includes broadcasting a first advertising packet from a first broadcasting transceiver, receiving the first advertising packet at a plurality of second transceivers and, for each of the plurality of second transceivers, recording a received signal strength indication value of the first advertising packet received. A subsequent advertising packet is formed to include the received signal strength indication value recorded by at least one of the plurality of second transceivers and broadcast from at least one of the plurality of second transceivers. A system is provided with performs actions of the method to track proximity in real time.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide a method for state tracking, which includes broadcasting a first advertising packet from a first transceiver; receiving, by a plurality of second transceivers, the first advertising packet; for each of the plurality of second transceivers, recording a received signal strength indication value of the first advertising packet received; forming a subsequent advertising packet comprising the received signal strength indication value recorded for at least one of the plurality of second transceivers; and broadcasting the subsequent advertising packet from the at least one of the plurality of second transceivers.

The present disclosure also seeks to provide a system for state tracking, including a first transceiver configured to broadcast a first advertising packet; a plurality of second transceivers each configured to receive the first advertising packet and to broadcast subsequent advertising packets and a memory configured to record, for each of the plurality of second transceivers, a received signal strength indication value of the first advertising packet received. The system also includes a plurality of processors configured to form the subsequent advertising packets so as to comprise the received signal strength indication value recorded by at least one of the plurality of second transceivers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of disclosed state tracking services and manners by which they may be implemented. Although the best mode of carrying out the state tracking services has been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for state tracking, including broadcasting advertising packets from each of a plurality of transceivers and at each of the plurality of transceivers, listening for the advertising packages or advertising packets of other transceivers wherein the advertising packets of each transceiver includes a programmable/customizable data payload. Advertising packets may include received signal strength indication (RSSI) values for observed advertising packets from other transceivers. RSSI values observed between two or more transceivers can be interpreted as a proximity state or affinity state existing between the transceivers. For example, observed RSSI values may be affected by changing relative proximity of the transceivers, relative orientation of the transceivers or both. With RSSI from the advertising packets, a real-time proximity matrix or real-time affinity matrix may be assembled to contain the relative proximity or affinity of each transceiver to each other transceiver. Filtering may be used to enhance the accuracy of the proximity or affinity state determination. As disclosed throughout, some actions of the method may be computer-implemented. Furthermore, disclosed state tracking methods may be implemented and state tracking services may be provided in accordance with disclosed state tracking systems.

Methods and systems in accordance with the disclosure employ a novel “connectionless” model between transceivers to generate a real-time state matrix data stream comprised of RSSI values representing proximity data, affinity data or a combination thereof.

Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least partially address, problems in the prior art, thus enabling creation and transmission of a sequence of state vectors.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the disclosed systems and methods will be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

It will be appreciated that features of the disclosed state tracking service are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. For example, aspects or components of one disclosed embodiment take the place of or may be combined with components of another disclosed embodiment. Likewise, actions of one disclosed method may take the place of or be combined with actions of another disclosed method.

FIG. 1schematically illustrates an example network environment that is suitable for facilitating various systems and methods for tracking state in accordance with disclosed state tracking services. The network environment includes one or more computing devices, depicted as a computing device110a, a computing device110band a computing device110c(hereinafter collectively referred to as computing devices110). The network environment also includes a server140, a database150associated with the server140and a communication network160.

The computing devices110are coupled in communication with the server140via the communication network160. The communication network160can be a collection of individual networks, interconnected with each other and functioning as a single large network. Such individual networks may be wired, wireless, or a combination thereof. Examples of such individual networks include, but are not limited to, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), Wireless LANs (WLANs), Wireless WANs (WWANs), Wireless MANs (WMANs), the Internet, second generation (2G) telecommunication networks, third generation (3G) telecommunication networks, fourth generation (4G) telecommunication networks, and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) networks.

Examples of the computing devices110include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, smart telephones, Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs), tablet computers, Ultra-Mobile Personal Computers (UMPCs), phablet computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), web pads, Personal Computers (PCs), handheld PCs, laptop computers, desktop computers, Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices, large-sized touch screens with embedded PCs, and interactive entertainment devices, such as game consoles, Television (TV) sets and Set-Top Boxes (STBs).

The network environment may be implemented in various ways, depending on various possible scenarios. In one example scenario, the network environment may be implemented by way of a spatially collocated arrangement of the server140and the database150. In another example scenario, the network environment may be implemented by way of a spatially distributed arrangement of the server140and the database150coupled mutually in communication via the communication network160. In yet another example scenario, the server140and the database150may be implemented via cloud computing services.

Optionally, the computing devices110may access the server140to download one or more software products associated with disclosed state tracking services. In one embodiment, disclosed systems are arranged in a manner such that their functionality is implemented partly in the computing devices110and partly in the server140. In another embodiment, the systems are arranged in a manner such that functionality is implemented substantially in the computing devices110by way of downloaded software products. In such a situation, the computing devices110may be coupled to the server140periodically or randomly from time to time, for example, to receive updates from the server140and/or to upload status to the server140. In yet another embodiment, the systems are arranged in a manner that their functionality is implemented substantially in the server140.

Users associated with the computing devices110use the state tracking service. Accordingly, some of the computing devices110may be used, operated, or carried by consumers of a state tracking service. Optionally, some of the computing devices110may be used, operated, or carried by technicians for the service. The system encourages tracking relative state of a number of objects.

While toys are frequently mentioned throughout the disclosure as examples of such objects, it should be noted that the disclosed methods and systems are not limited to use with toys. The disclosed methods and systems for providing a state tracking service lend themselves to implementation in a wide variety of settings. For example, the proximity of hazardous material handlers to hazardous material containers, the proximity of medical personnel to surgical equipment, or the proximity of sports team members to one another or to sports equipment could be tracked in real time.

The server140may be configured to store state, proximity or affinity data in the database150, for example, by upload from one or more computing devices110over network160. Stored state information which is generally RSSI values or information derived from or associated with RSSI values including but not limited to: sequence numbers; proximity or affinity expressed numerically; the level of proximity or affinity quantized into states like near, close, or far; changes in the proximity or affinity which might be labelled motion, fast motion, retreating or advancing; groupings and sets such as those that might be labeled “nearest pair”, or “nearest three”, or “most distant from group”; vectors, arrays, charts or any other groupings or combinations of the above; and filtered or otherwise algorithmically obtained combinations of the above over time and space

Furthermore, the state tracking service can be offered free of cost. Alternatively, the state tracking service can be a paid service that has a one-time purchase fee or a subscription-based or a transaction-based billing, such as pay-per-use and pay-per-feature.

FIG. 1is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific designation for the network environment is provided as an example and is not to be construed as limiting the network environment to specific numbers, types, or arrangements of computing devices, servers, databases and communication networks. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2Aschematically illustrates various components of an example state tracking system. Each of transceivers210a,220aand230a, depending on their changing modes, are configured to broadcast and/or transmit as well as observe and/or receive advertising packets including programmable/customizable data payloads. In an example system for state tracking, a first transceiver or broadcasting transceiver210ais configured to broadcast a first advertising packet. A plurality of other transceivers220aand230aare each configured to receive the first advertising packet as observing transceivers or when in observing mode and to broadcast subsequent advertising packets as broadcasting transceivers or when in broadcasting mode. The first transceiver210ais further configured to receive one or more of the subsequent advertising packets as an observing transceiver. Furthermore, the first transceiver210ais configured to broadcast first and second advertising packets and the plurality of second transceivers are configured to receive the first and second advertising packets.

A computing device250a, to be described in greater detail below, is configured to receive advertising packets from transceivers210a,220aand230aand analyze data included in the advertising packets, for example, RSSI values received in one or more previously broadcast advertising packets.

State evaluation may be performed by any of a number of alternative means including ultrasound, however, in view of cost and directionality issues, RSSI from a Bluetooth® Low Energy radio works well. Transceivers210a,220aand230amay be low cost Bluetooth® Low Energy radios including an integrated processor and memory for running firmware that generates custom advertising packets. Examples include the CSR1010 or nRF51 series ICs.

Transceivers are configured for broadcasting and receiving wirelessly without establishing a paired connection therebetween. Each transceiver periodically broadcasts, into the local RF airspace, a vector of RSSI values within an advertising packet. Since connections do not have to be continually made and broken, dynamic use of a typically static, custom advertising header allows a much higher bandwidth. Also, all observing transceivers can pick up the same advertising packet from a broadcasting transmitter and glean an RSSI value.

Thus, where a traditional connection-based scheme would require one less transmission than the number of active transceivers to establish given information, the disclosed approach requires only a single transmission to establish the same information. For example, if there were six active transmitters, the disclosed connectionless approach would require less than one fifth the bandwidth of the traditional connection-based scheme. Because a transceiver may be in an observing mode for 250 ms and then transition to a broadcasting mode for 5 ms before transitioning back to observing for another 250 ms, loss of some packets to some listeners and collisions between packets will be negligible. During the 5 ms of broadcasting time there may be several reattempts at broadcasting a given advertising packet. Also, since transceivers may be configured to take on a “sleep mode” in which they are turned off and not broadcasting or observing for between about 40 to about 150 ms, battery life is conserved.

Advertising packets broadcast by transceivers210a,220a,230aand computing device250aare sent multiple times. Each repeated advertisement is an opportunity for all listening/observing/scanning transceivers to update internal RSSI vectors. This includes RSSI vectors in the computing device250a. Each row in a state matrix (described below) is the vector of “last seen RSSI” values as observed by each of the several observing transceivers in the system.

If a transceiver detects multiple RSSI values for a given other transceiver, filtering or averaging these values may yield a more accurate state reading.

Disclosed transceivers may be coupled or otherwise associated with objects for which proximity tracking and/or affinity tracking is desired.FIG. 2Bschematically illustrates various components of another example state tracking system. Similar to the example ofFIG. 2A, transceivers210b,220band230bare configured to broadcast and/or transmit as well as observe and/or receive advertising packets including programmable/customizable data payloads. Unlike the example ofFIG. 2A, a computing device250bconfigured to receive advertising packets from each of transceivers210b,220band230bis disguised as or is a component of an object such as a toy. The toy may include but is not limited to a typically stationary object such as a doll house, school, police station, or castle. In an example, the computing device could be a small tablet or other mobile device configured to be placed under a toy such as the aforementioned doll house. As with computing device250a, computing device250bis configured to analyze data included in the advertising packets, for example, RSSI values received in one or more previously broadcast advertising packets. Stationary toys may have a character and a number of characteristics associated with them or may be included in a real time state matrix just to help a dialog engine sequence dialog models which involve locations.

Furthermore, in response to analysis of the advertising packets in whole or in part, computing device250bmay be configured to provide output through an audio speaker252b. Audio is only an example of output which may be provided by computing device250band output is not limited to audio output. In another example, computing device250bmay provide visual output. It should be noted that while output including speaker252bhas been associated with computing device250b, an output may alternatively be operatively coupled with transceivers210b,220band/or230bmore directly.

While only four transceivers (including computing device) are illustrated, it is to be noted that the data capacity of a custom advertising packet payload along with more packed encoding enables simultaneous tracking of many more transceivers.

Toys with which transceivers are associated are not limited to stationary objects and may include but are not limited to dolls, action figures, figurines, plush toys, trucks, boats, cars, or trains.FIG. 3illustrates an example incorporation of a transceiver into a component of a toy. A toy such as doll300is suitable for use with embodiments of the disclosure including but not limited to examples described with reference toFIGS. 2A, 2Bor a combination of these. A transceiver carried within doll backpack310is configured to broadcast advertising packets to other transceivers which may or may not be carried in a similar toy component such as a wearable item of a doll including but not limited to vests or other clothing, purses or shields. For example, a doll300having a backpack310with a hidden or otherwise disguised transceiver may take the place of any of the transceivers210a,220aor230adescribed with reference toFIG. 2A or 210b,220bor230bdescribed with reference toFIG. 2Band may further take the place of any presently disclosed transceivers unless otherwise stated. In another example, the transceivers are integrated into the toy and made available as a single unit. In yet another example, the transceivers are available separately and the user attaches them to toys as they prefer. WhileFIG. 3illustrates an example in which a wearable item including a transceiver is mounted to a back of a doll, some wearable items are more appropriately carried by or mounted to the front of a doll.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, transceivers may be associated with any of a variety of objects or subjects. Transceivers associated with individual persons could form part of a system for tracking proximity or affinity of one or more persons to one or more other persons, for example, to determine which attendees at a social engagement interact with whom or which athletes interact during a sporting event. Transceivers associated with individual surgical instruments may form part of a system for tracking proximity of surgical instruments so that it may be determined whether there has been a contaminating interaction.

FIG. 4schematically illustrates an example computing device useable as part of an example state tracking system. The computing device400may be implemented as represented by computing devices110, the computing device250aor the computing device250band vice versa. The computing device400includes, but is not limited to, a memory410, computing hardware such as a processor420, input devices430, output devices440, a network interface450, a configuration of transceivers460and a system bus470that operatively couples various components including the memory410, the processor420, input devices430, output devices440, the network interface450, and transceivers460. The output devices440may include but are not limited to a display screen for presenting graphical images to a user of the computing device400and a speaker for providing audio output to the user. In some examples, a display screen may additionally function as an input device430as with, for example, touch screens.

The computing device400also includes a power source (not shown) for supplying electrical power to the various components of the computing device400. The power source may, for example, include a rechargeable battery.

The memory410optionally includes non-removable memory, removable memory, or a combination thereof. The non-removable memory, for example, includes Random-Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, or a hard drive. The removable memory, for example, includes flash memory cards, memory sticks, or smart cards.

In an example, memory410stores a number of applications as well as a state tracker416. The state tracker416, described in greater detail below, may, for example, be a software product associated with the state tracking service. Executing the state tracker416on the processor420may, in part, result in generating and rendering a graphical user interface on the display screen. The graphical user interface is configured to facilitate user interactions with the state tracking service.

As suggested above, in some examples, input440may include a touch-sensitive display screen that is operable to receive tactile inputs from the user. These tactile inputs may, for example, include clicking, tapping, pointing, moving, pressing and/or swiping with a finger or a touch-sensitive object like a pen.

Additionally or alternatively, the input devices430may include a mouse or a joystick that is operable to receive inputs corresponding to clicking, pointing, and/or moving a pointer object on the graphical user interface. The input devices430may alternatively or additionally include a keyboard that is operable to receive inputs corresponding to pushing certain buttons on the keyboard and/or a microphone for receiving an audio input from the user.

Moreover, the transceivers460may include but are not limited to electromagnetic transceivers and acoustic transceivers and combinations thereof. For example, transceivers460may take the form of radio transceivers, infrared transceivers, audible transceivers or ultrasonic transceivers. In some examples, the state tracker416may be interfaced with the transceivers460. When executed on processor420the state tracker416is configured to resolve and integrate inputs from the transceivers460into useful information about a transceiver state.

In some examples, computing device400may further include one or more sensors (not shown) which include but are not limited to one or more of: an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, or a timer. The sensors may be used to measure and collect data related to surroundings of the computing device400. The sensors may include a timer for including time-stamps with any of various sensory inputs. Alternatively, processor420may provide system time as reference for including the time-stamps.

Moreover, the memory410is a non-transient data storage medium. The state tracker416, when executed on the processor420, is optionally coupled to the memory410, and is configured to substantially continuously record and update RSSI values in the memory410. Additionally, the state tracker416, when executed on the processor420, may store toy identifiers, character identifiers, transceiver identifiers, character scripts, characteristics or phrases or a combination of these in the memory410.

For example, memory410is configured, in cooperation with processor420and state tracker416, to record, for each of the plurality of other transceivers, an RSSI value of a first advertising packet received from a first transceiver in a broadcasting mode and to record, for the first transceiver in an observing mode, an RSSI value of a subsequent advertising packet broadcast by one or more of the plurality of other transceivers in a broadcasting mode. The memory410is further configured to record, for each of the plurality of other transceivers in observing mode, an RSSI value of a second advertising packet broadcast by the first transceiver in broadcasting mode.

Furthermore, the network interface450optionally allows the computing device400to upload RSSI values, state vectors or a combination of these to the server140, for example, via the communication network160. Additionally, the network interface450may allow the computing device400to access the server140to update the state tracker and/or download one or more new software products associated with a state tracking service.

Moreover, the network interface450optionally allows the computing device400to communicate with other computing devices, for example, via a communication network. In some examples, transceiver460may be integrated with network interface450or vice versa.

The computing device400is optionally implemented by way of at least one of: a mobile phone, a smart telephone, an MID, a tablet computer, a UMPC, a phablet computer, a PDA, a web pad, a PC, a handheld PC, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, an NAS device, a large-sized touch screen with an embedded PC, and an interactive entertainment device, such as a game console, a TV set and an set top box (STB).

FIG. 4is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific designation for the computing device400is provided as an example and is not to be construed as limiting the computing device400to specific numbers, types, or arrangements of modules and/or components of the computing device400. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5schematically illustrates an example state tracker tool configured for installation on a computer useable as part of an example state tracking system. State tracker500, which may be installed on computer400as state tracker416, includes but is not limited to a packet creation module510, a state tracking module520and a module530for processing RSSI values of advertising packets from a number of observing or receiving transceivers.

When executed on processor420, state tracker500may be configured to form advertising packets so as to comprise the RSSI value recorded by at least one or more transceivers in accordance with packet creation module510. Advertising packets include a data stream in the form of a vector that is updated in real time to show the state of each of a number of transceivers to every other transceiver.

When executed on processor420, state tracker500may further be configured to associate a state between a first transceiver and a second transceiver. For example, the two transceivers between which the highest combined RSSI values have been recorded may be associated as “most proximal” or “highest affinity” by state tracker500. When a state or state change is associated with one or more of the transceivers or one or more toys or characters associated with the one or more transceivers, the state or state change may include or otherwise trigger one or more sounds to be produced with an audio speaker such as that described with reference toFIG. 2Bor may trigger a different output.

Further, when executed on the processor420, state tracker500, may be configured to compare the RSSI value recorded for a first advertising packet to the RSSI value recorded for a second advertising packet. When the recorded RSSI values are different, in accordance with RSSI value processing module530, state tracker500is configured to filter RSSI values for example by combining the RSSI value recorded for the first advertising packet with the RSSI value recorded for the second advertising packet to form a modified RSSI value.

When executed by the processor420state tracker500may be further configured to, in accordance with an RSSI value processing module530, compare the RSSI value recorded for the second advertising packet with the RSSI value recorded for the first advertising packet. When, for one of a plurality of second transceivers, the RSSI value recorded for the second advertising packet is different from the RSSI value recorded for the first advertising packet, state tracker500, in accordance with state tracking module520, is configured to associate a state change with the second transceiver for which the different RSSI value was recorded.

When executed by the processor420, in accordance with the RSSI processing module530, state tracker500may be further configured to determine an affinity of one or more of a plurality of transceivers relative to one or more of the other transceivers based upon recorded RSSI values. In systems incorporating directional antennas, affinity describes the combined effects of proximity and relative orientation. Note that in cases where no directional antennas are being used, affinity may reduce to proximity.

It should be noted that state tracker500may be arranged differently so as to include modules not disclosed here, so that two or more of packet creation module510, state tracking module520and RSSI processing module530are combined or so that tasks of one or more of the packet creation module510, state tracking module520and RSSI processing module530are the responsibility of one or more of the other of packet creation module510, state tracking module520and RSSI processing module530or the responsibility of one or more additional modules. Alternatively or additionally, packet creation module510may be installed on a memory (not shown) included with or coupled with one or more transceivers employed for disclosed state tracking systems, methods and services and may be executed by a processor included with or coupled with the one or more transceivers. Examples of such processors are described above with reference toFIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 6illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for state tracking in accordance with disclosed embodiments. The method is depicted as a collection of actions in a logical flow diagram, which collection may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The example method includes broadcasting a first advertising packet from a first transceiver at610; receiving, by a plurality of second transceivers, the first advertising packet at620; and for each of the plurality of second transceivers, recording an RSSI value of the first advertising packet received at630. A subsequent advertising packet comprising the RSSI value recorded by at least one of the plurality of second transceivers is formed at640and the subsequent advertising packet is broadcast from at least one of the plurality of second transceivers at650. It should be noted that a subsequent advertising packet may be one which immediately follows the first advertising packet or may be separated from the first advertising packet by more than one broadcast/receive cycle.

Since any given transceiver may be operating in either broadcasting mode or observing mode at a given moment, the one or more of the second transceivers may assume the role of the first transceiver so as to broadcast subsequent advertising packets at650. The method depicted inFIG. 6can continue cyclically for an indefinite number of rounds such that, for example, the advertising packet broadcast at650is received or observed by some number of transceivers and the RSSI of this advertising packet is recorded and one or more additional advertising packages are formed.

FIG. 7schematically illustrates an example advertising packet which may be created by a processor, broadcast by one or more transceivers and received by one or more other transceivers in accordance with disclosed example methods including the example method described with reference toFIG. 6. Advertising packet700includes a customizable data payload in the form of a vector of recent RSSI values720recorded for various observing or receiving transceivers and including an identification710, described in greater detail below, of the transceivers from which the RSSI values were received. Advertising packet700may additionally include a header705which may be protocol specific and further include but is not limited to a unique identifier and message length. Advertising packet700may also include a sequence number730designating which iteration of the RSSI vector is being received. A sequence number may facilitate differentiation between repeated advertisements from subsequent cycles of filtered RSSIs that are the same as those seen in the last round. For example, it is possible to determine that a given transceiver has checked in with new data and that the new data in the vector has not changed since the last round. It should be noted that disclosed advertising packets are not limited to the payload illustrated inFIG. 7.

Each advertising packet is configured to identify, within the broadcast advertising packet, the transceiver broadcasting the given RSSI vector. In an example which maintains uniformity and simplicity, the custom payload of the transmitted advertising packet is identified with a 0xFF. Because an RSSI of 0xFF is not used, this special character can be used to identify the transceiver sending the advertisement.

In table 1 above, it is apparent that Tx3broadcast this vector of RSSI values because the slot for Tx3has the special byte 0xFF. In this scheme certain bytes in a fixed length advertisement always correspond to certain transceiver numbers. The computing device identifies all of the transceivers within range and assigns them a transceiver number so that the slot for including the special byte in the outgoing payload is established for each transceiver. The advertising packet represented in Table 1 is merely an example of a scheme to identify broadcasting transceivers and other schemes for indicating which RSSI values belong to which observed transceivers are possible.

It should be noted that the example advertising packet represented in Table 1 does not detail many layers of header including preamble access address and packet length. In a further example, custom header information may contain the number of participating characters or transceivers or a start byte to reflect that the advertising packet is part of the real-time RSSI vector system.

In another example scheme for identifying which transceiver has sent a particular RSSI vector the need for ID constant710is eliminated. Instead, the unique sender identification found in the header of the advertisement packet is used. With the sender known, entries of the RSSI vector are one less than the total number of transceivers under consideration as the sender does not send an RSSI value for the sender's own packet as it does not receive its own advertising packet on transmission.

TABLE 1BExample of real time RSSI vector advertising packetComputingHeaderSenderTx 1Tx 2deviceSeq#CRCBLE and0x030xC50xD80xB50x250x3C21A5Customheader

In table 1B, the first payload byte identifies the sender and the subsequent bytes represent the RSSI values the sender has observed for the other transceivers in the group.

Alternatively or additionally, an identification number could be pulled from information in the packet header. This technique may free space in the custom advertising payload so as to support additional transceivers at the cost of accessing and decoding the packet header.

FIG. 8schematically illustrates an example broadcast of, from a first transceiver to a number of other transceivers, an advertising packet including programmable/customizable data payloads. Transceiver810broadcasts a first advertising packet to each of several transceivers820and830. Since transceiver820is closer to broadcasting transceiver810than transceiver830is, it is expected that an RSSI value851is higher when the first advertising packet is received at transceiver820than an RSSI value852when the same advertising packet is received at transceiver830. An action may be taken with respect to the transceiver820or some object or component operatively coupled therewith in view of its closer proximity to transceiver810. For example, state may be recorded or otherwise established for transceiver820or between transceivers810and820but not for transceiver830or between transceivers810and830. In a further example, a status may be recorded for an entire system such as a video game or a virtual game environment.

In some examples, a threshold proximity853may also be established such that transceivers recording RSSI values below a pre-established score are not considered within range to experience a change of state. For example, transceiver830is outside of a perimeter around transceiver810and records an RSSI value for an advertising packet that, when analyzed for proximity, does not meet the threshold853.

FIG. 9illustrates a further example of the scenario described with reference toFIG. 8. Toys910,920and930are each provided with transceivers. The transceivers may be hidden in or otherwise disguised as a component of toys910,920or930, for example as described with reference toFIG. 3, or may be embedded within the toys themselves. A first toy910and its corresponding transceiver and second toy920and its corresponding transceiver are shown closer to one another than a third toy930and its corresponding transceiver are to either first toy910and its corresponding transceiver or second toy920and its corresponding transceiver.

FIG. 10illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for state tracking in accordance with disclosed embodiments. The example method includes broadcasting a first advertising packet from a first transceiver at1010; receiving at1020, by a plurality of second transceivers, the first advertising packet; and, at1030, recording an RSSI value of the first advertising packet received by each of the plurality of second transceivers. Then, according to action1040, a state is associated between the first transceiver and the second transceiver for which the RSSI value is recorded. In an example, a state between transceivers such as a proximity or an affinity may be recorded or realized in state tracking module520(FIG. 5). In an example action in response to the established state, characters existing as part of a game can be made to output an element of a dialog such as through audio speaker252bor may be caused to move from one location to another in a virtual reality when a given state is exhibited.

A very simple algorithm of associating states between transceivers with the greatest proximity or affinity based on overall RSSI is workable. However, several filtering strategies such as dynamic baseline adjustment, low pass filtering and others may be employed to optimize the real time state matrix. A derivative filter could be used in state tracking module520to detect a transceiver that has been thrown and move to a state appropriate to a character observing a colleague fly through the air.

A filter could also be devised to detect when the transceivers are no longer being moved or are no longer in motion. Since the RSSI values are noisy, something more sophisticated than simply looking for no changes may be employed. After some time, a speaker may output audio requesting engagement with the transceivers (or the objects associated therewith) or questioning what happened.

Because RSSI is a relatively noisy signal, using information from multiple readings is advantageous.FIG. 11Aschematically illustrates an example broadcast of a first advertising packet from a first transceiver1110ato second1120aand third1130atransceivers whileFIG. 11Bschematically illustrates an example broadcast of a second advertising packet from the second transceiver1120ato the first1110aand third1130atransceivers.

As may be noted, the length of broken arrow1151brepresenting the broadcast of a first advertising packet from transceiver1110ato transceiver1120adiffers from the length of broken arrow1151brepresenting the broadcast of a second advertising packet from transceiver1120bto transceiver1110b. In an example, the difference in length reflects a difference in RSSI values for the two broadcasts. While a longer arrow implies a longer transmission distance and a corresponding low RSSI value, in a physical example, the distance between the two transceivers may not have changed and, instead, something such as the noisiness of the transmitted signal, differences in calibration or reflection of transmission has prevented the same RSSI value from being recorded for both transceivers. The difference in RSSIs may be combined or otherwise filtered to yield a more accurate state.

Tables 2 and 3 demonstrate example consecutive frames of real time RSSI matrices. The vectors comprising the rows of the matrices may be included in disclosed advertising packets configured for transmission by transceivers, including those associated with toys910,920,930and computing device400. Each row represents the most recent transmission seen from the transceiver associated with the transceiver cited in the first column. Since receipt of transmissions is not confirmed, some advertising packets may be lost. In an arrangement, a sequence number (column 6) associated with a given vector of RSSI values makes it possible to distinguish between a transmission of a “new” vector and retransmission of an “old” vector.

TABLE 2Example of real time RSSI matrix at time t.ComputingTx1Tx2Tx3DeviceSeq #Tx10xFF0xD80xC10xB50x25Tx20xD00xFF0xC70xA30xFCTx30xC40xCA0xFF0xAD0xD9Computing0xB50xAF0xA90xFF0x6BDevice

TABLE 3Example of real time RSSI matrix at time t + 1.ComputingTx1Tx2Tx3DeviceSeq #Tx10xFF0xD80xC10xB50x25Tx20xCC0xFF0xC70xA30xFDTx30xC40xCA0xFF0xAD0xD9Computing0xB50xAF0xA90xFF0x6BDevice

Although a full byte of resolution is shown, only a small band of possible RSSI values are exhibited in practice, especially for transceivers expected to be arranged in a table top, or bedroom floor sized area as in an example case of toys or within an area such as an operating room in an example case of surgical equipment. Fine resolution of state is not required in this application and relative rather than absolute state is sufficient. Smaller than full byte RSSI encoding could be used to enable incorporation of more transceivers within a system implementing a given advertising payload size.

Referring to Table 2 and its RSSI vector at time t as well as Table 3 and its RSSI vector at time t+1, transceiver Tx2has updated the RSSI it observed for transceiver Tx1to be smaller. This implies Tx1and tx2are losing affinity for one another, for example, by moving apart, turning away from one another or a combination of these.

If toys Tx1and toy Tx2are moving apart, the RSSI of toy Tx1's observation of toy Tx2would be expected to decrease symmetrically in subsequent frames of the real-time state matrix. If the observation does not decrease, it may be an anomaly appropriate for filtering out.

The RSSI from the perspective of both transceivers of a pair is available for use in calculating proximities. Transceiver1120ahas an RSSI for a recent broadcast of transceiver1110astored, for example in row 2 column 1 of a proximity matrix while transceiver1110ahas an RSSI for a recent broadcast of transceiver1120astored, for example in row 1 column 2 of the proximity matrix.

In an example of filtering recorded RSSI values, RSSI values recorded by a first transceiver observing an advertising packet of a second transceiver are combined with RSSI values recorded by the second transceiver observing an advertising packet of the first transceiver. When considering the RSSI values recorded in the RSSI matrix of Table 2, 0xD0 is combined with 0xD8 and the result is stored at column 2 of row 1, 0xC4 is combined with 0xC1 and the result is stored at column 3 of row 1 and 0xCA is combined with 0xC7 and the result is stored at column 3 of row 2.

FIG. 12illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for state tracking in accordance with disclosed embodiments. The example method includes receiving, by the first transceiver, a subsequent advertising packet at1210as also described with reference toFIG. 6; recording an RSSI value of the subsequent advertising packet for the first transceiver at1220and combining the RSSI value recorded for the subsequent advertising packet with the RSSI value recorded for the first advertising packet to form a modified RSSI value in accordance with action1230. The RSSI values could simply be averaged, or more advanced processing could be used to enhance resolution in time, resolution in space, or the number of transceivers that could be simultaneously used. For instance, a four bit sequence number (mentioned above) could be used for every observed RSSI value to allow better filtering over multiple observations of the same toy.

FIG. 13schematically illustrates another example broadcast of, from a first transceiver to a number of other transceivers, an advertising packet including a programmable/customizable data payload. Transceiver1310broadcasts a first advertising packet to each of several transceivers1320and1330. Similarly to the scenario ofFIG. 8, transceiver1320is closer to broadcasting transceiver1310than transceiver1330is. As such it is expected that an RSSI value1351is higher when the second advertising packet is received at transceiver1320than an RSSI value1352when the same advertising packet is received at transceiver1330. However, in comparison toFIG. 8, transceiver1320has advanced toward transceiver1310and is reflected in a higher RSSI value recorded for transceiver1320than for transceiver1320for a previously broadcast advertising packet.

An action may be taken with respect to the transceiver1320or some object or component operatively coupled therewith in response to the changed RSSI. For example, a change of state may be recorded or otherwise established. As described with reference toFIG. 8, a threshold proximity1353may also be established such that transceivers recording RSSI values below a pre-established score are not considered within range to experience a change of state. Transceiver1330, due to its location outside of the perimeter1353receives too low an RSSI value for a change of state to be recorded.

FIG. 14illustrates a further example of the scenario described with reference toFIG. 13in which a first transceiver advances towards one or more other transceivers. Toy1410and its corresponding transceiver advances, as indicated by arrow1451, towards toys1420and1430and their corresponding transceivers. RSSI values recorded between toy1410and either or both of toys1420and1430increase as toy1410advances. As such, the state of toy1410may be established as “advancing.”

FIG. 15illustrates another example scenario in which RSSIs change among two or more transceivers. Toy1510and its corresponding transceiver retreats, as indicated by arrow1551, away from toys1520and1530and their corresponding transceivers. RSSI values recorded between toy1510and either or both of toys1520and1530decrease as toy1510retreats. As such, the state of toy1510may be established as “retreating.”

FIG. 16illustrates a flow diagram of another example method for state tracking and an associated state change in accordance with disclosed embodiments. The example method includes broadcasting a second advertising packet from the first transceiver at1610; receiving, by the plurality of second transceivers, the second advertising packet at1620; recording at1630, for each of the plurality of second transceivers, an RSSI value of the second advertising packet received; and comparing the RSSI value recorded for the first advertising packet to the RSSI value recorded for the second advertising packet at1640. When, for one of the plurality of second transceivers, the RSSI value recorded for the second advertising packet is different, by some threshold amount, from the RSSI value recorded for the first advertising packet according to1650, a state is associated with the second transceiver for which the different RSSI value was recorded according to action1660. If no difference is observed, transceivers continue to broadcast advertising packets. It should be noted that the method illustrated inFIG. 16, offers a simplified explanation of what may happen in practice. Since RSSI values are noisy, comparing consecutively recorded values may result in “false positive” state changes between transceivers. To correct for noise, RSSI values may be filtered over a number of cycles before any comparisons are made. For example, a vector of RSSI values being broadcast may reflect RSSI values from repeated advertisements that have been filtered. Furthermore, multiple vectors of filtered RSSI values may be combined with one another and historical data streams of other transceivers to create further filtered data.

FIG. 17illustrates example first1710and second1720toys facing towards one another while an example third toy1730faces away from the first1710and second1720toys. In an example, objects having transceivers such as toys1710,1720and1730include directional antennas configured to enable recognition of change in orientation of the objects. A directional antenna associated with toy1710and that associated with toy1720receive higher signal strength indications from one another than either does from toy1730. Similarly, the directional antenna associated with toy1730receives a lower signal strength indication from both toy1710and toy1720than either the directional antenna associated with toy1710or the directional antenna associated with toy1720do from one another. The differences in RSSI values may be analyzed in order to establish affinity of toys1710,1720and1730.

After one or more advertising packets have been broadcast and received, moving transceivers affects the RSSI values received and thus affects later transmitted vectors and matrices.FIG. 18illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for affinity tracking. At1810, the orientation of one or more transceivers is changed. Orientation change may be the result of rotating or pivoting about one or more axes. When directional antennas are employed as part of disclosed state tracking methods and state tracking systems, a change in orientation in the absence of any other changes, results in a change in RSSI values received. The changed RSSI values are recorded at1820. After the changed RSSI values have been recorded, one or more new advertising packets are broadcast at1830to reflect the changed RSSI values.

In an example, which attendees of a social engagement have interacted with one another is tracked in real time. In a crowded room, two attendees may be proximally close to one another but not facing one another. Orientation may provide additional insights. When directional antennas are used, transmission and reception are stronger between transceivers/attendees oriented face to face than those oriented away or partially away from one another.

As mentioned above, a filter could be implemented to detect which transceiver is retreating from which or which transceiver is approaching which other transceiver or transceivers when two transceivers apparently get closer together. The stationary transceiver of the pair should have similar RSSI readings relative to all other transceivers except the transceiver moving closer or farther away and the transceiver that is approaching or retreating should have some level of RSSI difference evolving between itself and all transceivers.FIG. 19illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for state tracking and verifying movement of a transceiver in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

The example method includes at1910, for each of a plurality of observing transceivers, individually recording the RSSI value of a first advertising packet from a broadcasting transceiver; for each of the plurality of observing transceivers, individually recording the RSSI value of a subsequent advertising packet from the broadcasting transceiver at1920; and, according to1930, making a first comparison of the RSSI value recorded between the broadcasting transceiver and a first of the plurality of observing transceivers for the first broadcast advertising packet with the RSSI value recorded between the broadcasting transceiver and the first of the plurality of observing transceivers for a subsequently broadcast advertising packet.

If no difference is observed at1940, subsequent advertising packets are broadcast and received at1950. When the comparison reveals a difference at1940, a second comparison is made, according to action1960, between the RSSI value recorded between the broadcasting transceiver and a second of the plurality of observing transceivers for the first broadcast advertising packet with the RSSI value recorded between the broadcasting transceiver and the second of the plurality of observing transceivers for the subsequently broadcast advertising packet.

When a difference is revealed at1970, a state is associated with the broadcasting transceiver in accordance with action1980. When the second comparison at1970reveals no difference, a state is associated with the first observing transceiver at1990. The associated state may result in one or more sounds being emitted from an audio speaker associated with the transceiver such as audio speaker250b. After either action1980or1990, recording of RSSI values is continued. In practice, the example comparisons described with reference toFIG. 19are made for all pair-wise combinations of transceivers implemented in a state tracking service and RSSI values recorded for subsequent broadcasts from the observers when in broadcasting mode are used symmetrically with RSSI values recorded by the first broadcasting node when taking on the role of an observer.

The disclosed actions of the methods described with reference toFIGS. 6, 10, 16, 18 and 19are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more actions are added, one or more actions are removed, or one or more actions are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure encompass providing a computer program product that includes a non-transitory or non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable code for a state tracking service. The code, when executed, is configured to perform the actions of the methods as described in conjunction withFIGS. 6, 10, 16, 18 and 19. As actions of the disclosed methods may be provided in different sequences, so the computer-executable code may be configured to provide a service having a different sequence of actions from those illustrated inFIGS. 6, 10, 16, 18 and 19. In some examples, the code may be downloaded from a software application store, for example, from an “App store”, to a computing device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are susceptible to being used for various purposes, including, though not limited to, enabling users to track state to support actions between objects in accordance with their relative states.