The Bluetooth SIG has introduced direction finding support in its 5.1 standard to make location tech far more precise and overall useful. The new feature allows devices to determine the direction of a Bluetooth signal, thereby enabling the development of Bluetooth proximity solutions. That can understand device direction as well as Bluetooth positioning systems that can achieve down to centimeter-level location accuracy.
Bluetooth positioning systems can achieve meter-level accuracy when determining the physical location of a device. By adding the new the direction finding feature, these positioning systems could improve their location accuracy down to the centimeter-level.
Bluetooth SIG
If you’re using a compatible device, proximity sensing can show you the direction of a signal to give you an idea of where to look. Positioning, meanwhile, can take advantage of direction finding to pinpoint objects down to the “centimeter-level” (0.4in). You’d not only know that your keys fell into the couch, you’d know which cushion to check.
“Location services is one of the fastest growing solution areas for Bluetooth technology, and is forecasted to reach over 400 million products per year by 2022,” said Mark Powell, Bluetooth SIG Executive Director. “This is great traction and the Bluetooth community continues to seek ways to further grow this market with technology enhancements that better address market needs, demonstrating the community’s commitment to driving innovation and enriching the technology experience of users worldwide.
It’ll take a while before this technology reaches the real world. The Bluetooth 5.1 spec is only available to developers as of today, and it’s going to take some time before device makers and software implement its improvements. Whenever that happens, though, it could spur a wave of gadgets that don’t require GPS or WiFi to offer highly accurate location data. It might also be helpful for stores, airports and other places that rely on Bluetooth beacons to help you navigate.
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