CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by Apollo A Study of Bluetooth Low Energy Performance for Human Proximity Detection in the Workplace Alessandro Montanari, Sarfraz Nawaz, Cecilia Mascolo Kerstin Sailer Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge Space Syntax Laboratory, University College London Cambridge, United Kingdom London, United Kingdom Email:
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[email protected] Abstract—The ability to detect and distinguish interactions in fine granularity but require dedicated hardware which hinder the workplace can shed light over productivity, team work and on adoption [11], [12], [13]. The recent interest in wearable employees’ use of space. Questionnaires and direct observations devices [14] has brought us to question if those devices are have often been used as mechanisms to identify office based interactions, however, these are either very time consuming, yield able to fulfill both needs. In particular we directed our attention coarse grained information or do not scale to large numbers of towards Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) which is included in all people. Technology has been recently employed to cut costs and current wearables. We envision an interaction sensing system improve output, however precise interaction dynamics gathering that can be easily installed on a wearable device like a smart often requires individuals to wear custom hardware. watch thus extending its functionality to interaction sensing In this paper, we present an extensive evaluation of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as a technology to monitor people proximity and offering widespread adoption. However, before this can in the workplace. We examine the key parameters that affect become a reality there are fundamental questions which need the accuracy of the detected contacts and their impact on power answers.