Estimote beacon distance value constantly changing

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1

Hi,

I'm currently playing with an indoor navigation application using estimote and iphone 5s. Me and my friends have already figured out several algorithms that could help a user navigate inside a constrained space like a mall. But our main problem right now is that the distance value generated by the estimote api is constantly changing even without the iphone and the estimote device moving.

Any idea how this problem can be solve? The value change is large that even after applying exponential smoothing algorithm the visual representation shows as if the iphone device jumps from point a to b.

Thanks,
Edward

2

Hi Edward,

Thank you for your question.

Please keep in mind that iBeacon standard is not primarily designed for indoor positioning. The main goal of this technology is to build proximity and context-based solutions for mobile apps and devices. Remember that Bluetooth signal is just a 2.4 GHz radio wave and as such is susceptible to factors like absorption, diffraction, interference and multipath propagation. Therefore, proximity readings might sometimes fluctuate heavily.

There is, however, a handful of methods to improve signal performance. You can test different settings for advertising interval and broadcasting power, change the placement of beacons and make sure to avoid any sources of interference and signal blockers (read more on that on our community portal here https://community.estimote.com/hc/en-us/articles/201302836-How-precise-are-Estimote-Beacons-Will-they-work-for-indoor-positioning- and here https://community.estimote.com/hc/en-us/articles/200794267-Potential-Sources-of-Wireless-Interference

If you have any additional questions feel free to reach me directly at aga [at] estimote.com

Thanks!