Model for Predicting Bluetooth Low Energy Micro-Location Beacon Coin Cell Battery Lifetime

Bluetooth Low Energy beacon devices, typically operating on coin cell batteries, have emerged as key components of micro-location wireless sensor networks. To design efficient and reliable networks, designers require tools for predicting battery and beacon lifetime, based on design parameters that are specific to micro-location applications. This design science research contributes to the implementation of an artifact functioning as a predictive tool for coin cell battery lifetime when powering Bluetooth Low Energy beacon devices. Building upon effective and corroborated components from other researchers, the Beacon Lifetime Model 1.0 was developed as a spreadsheet workbook, providing a user interface for designers to specify parameters, and providing a predictive engine to predict coin cell battery lifetime. Results showed that the measured and calculated predictions were consistent with those derived through other methodologies, while providing a uniquely extensible user interface which may accommodate future work on emerging components. Future work may include research on real world scenarios, as beacon devices are deployed for robust micro-location applications. Future work may also include improved battery models that capture increasingly accurate performance under micro-location workloads. Beacon Lifetime Model 1.x is designed to incorporate those emerging components, with Beacon Lifetime Model1.0 serving as the initial instantiation of this design science artifact. PREDICTING BLE BEACON COIN CELL BATTERY LIFETIME iii Acknowledgements I thank God for my life and for all that He has taught me about love. I thank my husband, David Hayes, for his love and ever-present support. He makes me smile and laugh. I thank my nephew Damon, stepson Casey, stepson Marcus (1984-2013), grandson Justice, and granddaughter Brooklyn for all of the joy they bring into my life. I thank my mother, late father, stepfather, sisters, brothers-in-law, nephews, extended Hayes family, extended Cure d’Ars parish family, and the many wonderful teachers in my life for all of the ways they have helped me to grow. They have taught me to do what God calls me to do. Ma & Sister shout-out: Lynn taught me to interact with people, instead of just books. Cathy provided me with steadfast support through many of life’s most challenging times, and taught me about common sense. Mechelle has been an example of creativity balanced with her practical ability to get things done. Gabby has inspired me with her unique perspective and commitment to family. And Ma taught all of us that for every closed door there is an open window ... so go find it. I thank the team at Regis University, especially Shari Plantz-Masters and Christopher Garcia, for their guidance and instruction. And, I thank Dr. Allen Newell (1927-1992), who was the first person to tell me that my research ideas are interesting. PREDICTING BLE BEACON COIN CELL BATTERY LIFETIME iv