Eddystone, an open beacon format developed by Google, has become a cornerstone in the realm of Bluetooth beacons. It offers a flexible and extensible framework that supports various applications. This article delves into the three main frame types of Eddystone: UID, URL, and TLM, exploring their detailed specifications and application scenarios.
Eddystone-UID: Unique Identifier Beacons
Eddystone-UID broadcasts a unique 16-byte Beacon ID, composed of a 10-byte namespace and a 6-byte instance. This frame type is similar to iBeacon’s UUID + Major + Minor setup, providing a hierarchical structure to the beacon IDs.
- Application Scenarios:
- Retail and Proximity Marketing: Eddystone-UID can be used to trigger push notifications or app actions when a user’s device comes within range of a beacon, much like iBeacon.
- Indoor Navigation: The hierarchical ID structure allows for efficient scanning strategies, filtering on the namespace to group beacons and the instance to identify individual beacons within a group.
Eddystone-URL: Broadcasting URLs
Eddystone-URL is a successor to UriBeacon and is designed to broadcast a URL using a compressed encoding format to fit within the limited advertisement packet size. When a BLE scanner device detects the signal, it can navigate to the URL and present the webpage to the user.
- Application Scenarios:
- The Physical Web: Eddystone-URL enables the concept of the Physical Web, where users can interact with URLs broadcasted by nearby objects without the need for a dedicated app.
- Information and Directions: In museums or public spaces, Eddystone-URL can be used to direct users to specific webpages containing additional information about exhibits or points of interest.
Eddystone-TLM: Telemetry Data Transmission
Eddystone-TLM (Telemetry) frame type is used to broadcast telemetry data from the beacon itself, such as battery level, temperature, and a running counter of advertised packets. This information can be crucial for monitoring the health and status of beacons in the field.
- Application Scenarios:
- Beacon Management and Maintenance: Eddystone-TLM allows for remote monitoring of beacon status, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing downtime.
- Environmental Monitoring: In conjunction with sensors, TLM frames can be used to transmit environmental data, such as temperature or humidity, in industrial or logistics settings.
Conclusion
Eddystone’s UID, URL, and TLM frame types offer a versatile suite of tools for developers and businesses looking to leverage BLE beacon technology. UID provides a robust identification system, URL opens up the Physical Web, and TLM enables valuable telemetry insights. As the Internet of Things continues to expand, Eddystone’s role in enabling smart, connected devices is sure to grow, offering new possibilities for innovation and efficiency.