Using iBeacon for newborns localization in hospitals

Abstract

iBeacon, a novel beacon device aiming at proximity estimation was introduced in 2014 by Apple Inc. based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. iBeacon is utilized in our work to establish an in-room newborns localization system in hospitals. Since iBeacon can broadcast beacon signal every certain interval, we can adopt iBeacon instead of RFID for baby tracking. In this paper we developed a new application to obtain the necessary data from iBeacon and then derive the iBeacon path-loss model for line-of-sight (LOS) situation in in-room environment on account of RSS analysis. Besides, we apply the existing path-loss model used in Estimote iBeacons and compare the performance of those two models. Simulation results of Cramér-Rao low bound estimation of location error model are also given in this paper considering 2D and 3D scenarios respectively. After the feasibility analysis we conclude our work with a discussion on the feasibility of using iBeacon for locating and tracking rather than RFID, especially in hospitals.