C-54-Low Energy Mesh Localization

Mainscreen
just clicked on sos
after 5 sec of long press, sending request
the message is broadcasted to neighbors
other message content options
other message content options
database

Inspiration

It happened to us, all of us. We report incedents or request help, yet we worry about who to report to, and how to give them our location! specially when we are abroad!

People in the mix can't report to authorities. If they do over phone, their location can't be shared. Therefor, the response is delayed and is difficult. Even if they try to use GPS signal and Internet connection, it might be difficult to secure.

What it does

It allows any user to report to authorities with his exact location, even if he don't have internet connection or GPS! it uses nearby users to relay their messages and send it to authorities. This is done using Hybrid technologies (Bluetooth and WiFi) and assure highest security by not completing any connection or transfer data across any node.

How we built it

If user doesn't have internet connection or good GPS location, it send a broadcast to neighbors. These neighbors will contact authorities if they have internet connection and GPS location, otherwise, they will broadcast again to their neighbors.

When GPS location is submitted from neighbors, the message will also include the total distance the message traveled through neighbors. The server which receives these requests will use it to determine the exact location of original sender.

Message broadcasting following intelligent technique to maximize the compatibility across devices, reduce power consumption to minimum and assure highest standard of security. It uses hybrid technologies: Bluetooth and WiFi. There is no connection or data transfer between any nodes. It is simply the broadcast name (Device name or SSID name).

name of Bluetooth and SSID for hotspot enabled device will be changed to contain the message. Having maximum of 33 chars, we encrypt the data using intelligent method to prevent hackers and unwanted users from sending messages.

Low power is obtained by not having a communication between nodes. It just podcast name. Additionally, broadcasting is only done for short period of time.

The total distance of message being relayed through neighbors is calculated by translating signal power to distance. Then, it is integrated into message content and represented to neighbors again. Only message with shortest path is accepted in any neighbor.

The exact location of original client is determined by server using triangular method. However, it also gives good indication if it is submitted to authorities through only one node (so it is within distance diameter from the reporting node).

The current version is built for Android devices due to short time, yet it is compatible with IOS.

Challenges we ran into

WiFi hotspot compatibility across devices Low energy Data encryption while maintaining small messages (33 chars at max)

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Uniqueness in concept. Using program to modify the Hotspot WiFi network. Parallel programming using threads. Being able to develop a program that runs smoothly and without any other Hardware infrastructure.

What we learned

Native VS WebApp cross platform development (Native has easier and better documentation when dealing extensively with smartphone's hardware (Bluetooth and WiFi). WiFi hotspot API changed between android <6 and later version.

What's next for Low Energy Mesh Localization,

Bluetooth name with wifi ssd to maximize performance and efficiency. 2 way communications without any Sim or wifi. GPS localization and triangle method for accurate localization for original sender of request.