iBeacon

The brand name iBeacon is a 2013 Apple Inc. introduced, proprietary standard for navigation in confined spaces, based on Bluetooth Low Energy ( BLE). The method is supported by iOS 7 and Android version 4.3 and can thus from the iPhone 4S, iPad (third generation) and iPod Touch ( fifth generation ) as well as current Android devices are used.

Particulars

The word Beacon is derived from the term for " beacon " and it is precisely describes fairly the operating principle. iBeacon based on a transmitter-receiver - principle. These small transmitters ( beacons ) are placed as a signal generator in space that send signals at fixed time intervals. If a receiver - such as a smartphone - in the range of a transmitter, the UUID of the sender can be identified and its signal strength will be measured. If several beacons within range of smartphones, can be explained by the position of the receiver trilateration to calculate the room. In addition, specific information are displayed on the phone depending on the location. iBeacon modules achieve a range of up to 30 meters and are characterized by low power consumption. Depending on the signal strength of the measured distance to the iBeacon is into four categories Unknown (unknown ), Immediate (up to 50 cm), near (up to 2 m) or Far (up to 30 m) divided. Based on iBeacon, a number of services are possible: these range from the targeted insertion of product information at the Point of Sale ( POS) about special offers, control of tourist routes when entering a transaction to mobile shopping in retail stores. In the United States, Apple Inc. has begun to equip their own outlets with iBeacon.