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the device , the distance of the device from each AP can be estimated . Using these individual distances from each AP , the location of the device and that of the person carrying it can be approximated by the method of trilateration 14 , 15 . This location data can be used for tracking occupancy of various areas within the premises .
Fig . 7 : Device location approximation using trilateration method ( AP stands for access point ; d1 , d2 , d3 are approximated distances of the device from AP1 , AP2 and AP3 respectively )
This approach for tracking occupancy is becoming popular because most of the buildings will already have WiFi networks set up , hence there is no need for any infrastructural addition or changes for using this technology . This method of measuring occupancy assumes that many people who visit the facility will carry at least one active WiFi-enabled device for their communication needs . Moreover , no additional hardware ( such as BLE tags or RFID tags ) is required for tracking occupancy in this approach . However , this method provides an inaccurate count of people in case people are carrying more than one WiFi-enabled device with them .
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Low Energy ( BLE ) 16 is a wireless technology designed for fast periodic transmission of small amounts of data over short-range distances at much lower power consumption and lower cost as compared to classic Bluetooth . As it is mainly used to transmit small amounts of data periodically , it does not require a continuous connection , thus reducing the power consumption .
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