[savyon (OP)]

I want to use several bluetooth devices as beacons( headsets) and and a bluetooth module or phone to search for beacons that respond their address and name for identification.  Each beacon will be assigned a specific location in the building.  Looking for help implementing this design. 

[Geezer]

Isn't the range of Bluetooth devices severely limited? Have you checked to see if it's large enough for your application?

[graham.d]

I think what you are trying to do is a matter of implementing the controlling software. Geezer is right that the signal strength (and range) of bluetooth is limited (by design and by regulations) but there are 3 classes with an approximate range of 1m, 10m and 100m. I guess the technical issue is to use sufficient power to connect with "beacons" in your house but to also restrict it to this rather than a neighbour's. Also, the power used by each beacon may run a battery down fairly quickly (if supposed to run off batteries). You would probably need a self-synchronising timing scheme to only periodically power-up devices to check for transmissions and to only power-up and connect if specifically addressed.

[Geezer]

Ah! I didn't know about the three ranges. Thanks Graham. (It's more than 10 years since I looked at the standard!)

[RD]

Bluesniff ? ... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3226116.stm

[Geezer]

Bluesniff ? ... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3226116.stm

I was reading this and asking myself "has this guy been living under a rock?" when I noticed that the article was from 2003!

BTW - wouldn't the Old Bill be after him for yakking while driving these days? I really wish all cars in the US were equipped with Bluetooth jammers  []

[graham.d]

I don't think it is illegal to talk whilst driving yet (as long as it's hands-free). My phone automatically links, via bluetooth, to my car system which, in turn, enables voice activated calls to my phone's address book. Admittedly slightly distracting, but not as bad as trying to dial manually or hold the phone to your ear (which is illegal). Speaking on a mobile whilst driving is undoubtedly responsible for accidents but I think, if it's hands free, you get used to it. It's obviously not legal to drink and drive (meaning have more than a couple of pints before driving) but it is also not legal to drink anything (even water) whilst driving. I think there is discretion used by police here, but I do wonder whether these things are taken too far. How about forbidding adjusting the temperature of the aircon, listening to the radio, your satnav, or even listening to your wife giving directions - hmmm, actually perhaps it isn't a bad idea afterall.

I'm all for safety measures driven by technology but not by health and safety bureaucrats. I can't see robots completely taking over driving for at least 30 years; until then I think the necessary task (for most of us) of having to drive should be made as pleasurable as possible.

[Geezer]

Thanks Graham. I was under the (false) impression that even hands-free was not allowed in the UK. Personally, I think the driver should not be allowed to use a phone except in emergencies, but then, I'm not renowned for moderate views on anything  []

The reason I say this is because we tend to develop tunnel vision when we are talking to someone at a remote location. I believe this has been rather well proven scientifically, and I have conducted many experiments that appear to confirm the finding.

When I'm in the passenger seat, I can stick my tongue out, wave, and make highly inappropriate hand signals at drivers who are talking on their phones, and I have never (I'm not kidding!) been able to make eye contact with any of them. You should try it the next time your wife is driving. I'll even chip in to help bail you out if the Old Bill hauls you in.

I didn't know about the "no drinking anything" law in the UK (does it fall under driving without due care and attention?). If they did that here, everyone would be in the clink! Come to think of it, when I lived in Arizona, it was quite legal to drive with a beer in your hand. I think they did put a stop to that though.

[tommya300]

Thanks Graham. I was under the (false) impression that even hands-free was not allowed in the UK. Personally, I think the driver should not be allowed to use a phone except in emergencies, but then, I'm not renowned for moderate views on anything  []

The reason I say this is because we tend to develop tunnel vision when we are talking to someone at a remote location. I believe this has been rather well proven scientifically, and I have conducted many experiments that appear to confirm the finding.

When I'm in the passenger seat, I can stick my tongue out, wave, and make highly inappropriate hand signals at drivers who are talking on their phones, and I have never (I'm not kidding!) been able to make eye contact with any of them. You should try it the next time your wife is driving. I'll even chip in to help bail you out if the Old Bill hauls you in.

I didn't know about the "no drinking anything" law in the UK (does it fall under driving without due care and attention?). If they did that here, everyone would be in the clink! Come to think of it, when I lived in Arizona, it was quite legal to drive with a beer in your hand. I think they did put a stop to that though.

Quite interesting yea as a matter of fact while my wife was driving I noticed that too...
Until my wife blind sited me with a  backhanded and told me to stop it the COPs were following.

That is why there is a pilot and naviator you always need someone to tell you where to  go to avoid distractions

That brings up the reason why I never get lost there is someone always telling me where to go.

[tommya300]

Bluesniff ? ... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3226116.stm

I was reading this and asking myself "has this guy been living under a rock?" when I noticed that the article was from 2003!

BTW - wouldn't the Old Bill be after him for yakking while driving these days? I really wish all cars in the US were equipped with Bluetooth jammers  []

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoJack

security issues

What they need is a cellphone jammer, the car will make all sorts of noise, like disturbing the peace type noises, when ever the cell phone is active. Attracting the COPs...
 Deactivating the phone only reduces the volume of the noise to only the acoustic of the compartment.
 You would need to pull off the road and reboot your car to shut things down.

[Mazurka]

I don't think it is agaisnt the law per se to eat, drink (water etc.) or smoke(*) whislt driving, although if you cause an accident or are driving so badly as to atract the attention of a copper, you could be done for driving without due car and attention. 

This law can also be used if you cause an accident whilst using a handsfree device, changing a CD etc.

(*) except in a company vehicle, wher it may be considered to be smoking in a workplace...

[Geezer]

you could be done for driving without due car and attention.

....and carted off to a mental ward I'd imagine.  [] [] []

(Sorry - I couldn't resist it.)

[graham.d]

You are right Mazurka. This BBC report explains the UK law as it was in 2006:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4788910.stm

[graham.d]

Here is a more recent report:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/4247086/Motorist-fined-and-given-penalty-points-for-eating-bread-at-wheel.html

[Geezer]

Here is a more recent report:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/4247086/Motorist-fined-and-given-penalty-points-for-eating-bread-at-wheel.html

Gordon Bennet!

I think that's absolutely ridiculous. It's a pity she didn't force the case into court.

Makes me wonder if Britain is actually being run according to a Monty Python script  []

So, do they export you to the penal colonies for picking your nose while driving?

[maffsolo]

She should of finished the sandwich. By doing so, that would of destroyed the evidence.
Her word against the word of a COP? What sandwich? Sued for harassment, relieving the cop from duty.