Seamless Connection System for Bluetooth Low Energy Devices in Remote Locations

Abstract

Many consumer electronic devices in the home can now be connected to and controlled by a smartphone. However, the Bluetooth range is limited, and a user typically cannot communicate with home Bluetooth devices from outside the home. A technology is therefore proposed that virtually recognizes Bluetooth devices in the home and connects with the devices without a communication range limitation. The proposed method is extended to support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). A prototype of the extended system was implemented. Based on an experimental evaluation of the prototype system, we confirmed that the proposed technology enables a user to identify remotely located BLE devices through the Internet within an allowable communication delay range.