Based on the typical and conventional view of BLE applications, data exchange takes place between a Broadcaster and an Observer: the broadcaster is a transmitter and sends periodically packets to any BLE device that is currently listening. Once packets have been detected, the observer can also start a connection point-to-point with the broadcaster. A device with a display (i.e. smartphone) is an Observer, which receives and shows data from other tag/sensor BLE Beacon (Broadcaster) on its display.
A smartphone with an App can receive notification from Beacons automatically without any volunteer action required.
All BLE applications are Low Power oriented, meaning BLE optimizes the energy consumptions and the devices use battery only when they transmit or receive data (periodically, not steadily).
This means Bluetooth can be kept always active on smartphone, without having high battery consumption.
In addition, BLE Beacons can transmit normally up to 100 meters (and beyond), but their transmission power can be lowered in order to be detected only when closer to the Observer.
This feature makes the BLE tag a perfect shop-assistant in stores and supermarkets, during events and exhibitions, making visitor’s experience more interactive and engaging. The retailer can keep monitored consumer’s attitude and behavior inside the store (i.e. is possible to see which are the most interesting area for guest), obtaining important data to use for improve his service and enable proximity marketing actions (one to one).
Macy’s, one of the biggest American retailer, used Beacons in its store based in New York and San Francisco in 2013: in addition to the action described above, the Beacons were used to act also as Fidelity Card.
During events (concerts, stadium, museum, exhibitions, parks, etc.) Bluetooth Low Energy can be used to offer more services: drive the visitor to a point of interest (bus and train stations, booked seats, etc.), send coupon for drinks and food in the close bars and restaurants or receive detailed information about the show in progress.
Thanks to the open standard, the wide interoperability between devices, the low costs and easy-use, BLE has many conventional applications in several scenarios!
