Which DK is suitable for developing a closed area navigation system using BLE positioning?

[Eitan zair]

Hi everyone, 

I'm Eitan, 4th year electrical engineer student. I'm starting my specialization courses in communications and computers (embedded).

For my final project I want to create a closed area navigation system with UI.

1. I have found that Nordic DK's are very suitable for this, correct? Is this type of project can be developed with Nordic products?

2. If so - I would like to know which Development kit is the best for the project before purchasing? (nRF-52833 as I understood?).

3. Except for the DK, what other products should I pre-purchase? Software products maybe?

4. Any other tips are welcome! 

Best Regards,

Eitan.

[Sigurd Hellesvik]

Hi Eitan,

To avoid misunderstandings, could you elaborate what features you need from a nrf chip for closed area navigation system?

Regards,
Sigurd Hellesvik

[Eitan zair]

We are still developing the idea but we'll probably need (and correct me if im wrong):
few units to be used as anchors, and few to be used as moving objects.
Also one unit should be connected to the PC so sync all data from the others?

We need the 'anchors' to discover the 'moving objects' location in real time and eventually we want it to be presented in an app (perhaps self-developed)

[Sigurd Hellesvik]

Hi

I must admit that I do not know about about "closed area navigation systems" specifically.

However, I guess that you look for either of the following:

nRF Distance Toolbox
For an introduction, see our Measuring distance with the Nordic Distance Toolbox webinar.

Direction Finding
Have a look at this devzone case on  https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/65049/nrf52833-direction-finding.
See also Bluetooth SamplesFor Direction Finding, you need an antenna array for the central. I recommend the Insight SiP ISP1907 Angle of Arrival Demo Kit .

I suggest that you start by looking at these links, and then return here if you have more questions.

Regards,
Sigurd Hellesvik

[Eitan zair]

Hi Sigurd :)
I'll try to explain my goal better (Apologies if I'm not that well versed in common terms)

I want to create a prototype of something like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjbSwUveuXs&t=1s

First goal is to have a system that presenting the users location in a closed room/area. like in the video above^.

To do so I want to use BLE positioning abilities. 

From what I understand, I'll need BLE kits/beacons to act as "Anchors"- which their location is constant,
and also kits to act as the user - moving in the room/area.

Make's sense?

1. Is the nRF52833 DK is suitable for this task?
2. For a prototype I'll be working only with the DKs right? SoC is only for a final product manufacturing?

Thanks! Appreciating your help! Eitan.

[Sigurd Hellesvik]

Eitan zair said:

From what I understand, I'll need BLE kits/beacons to act as "Anchors"- which their location is constant,
and also kits to act as the user - moving in the room/area.

Make's sense?

Yea that makes sense. In theory if you know the locations of the Anchors and the distance to each Anchor, you should be able to calculate the location of the Asset.

Eitan zair said:

1. Is the nRF52833 DK is suitable for this task?

Yes.

Eitan zair said:

2. For a prototype I'll be working only with the DKs right? SoC is only for a final product manufacturing?

The SoC is the chip:

The Development Kit is a board containing this chip:

In other words, our Developement Kits are "pre-made" PCBs, so that customers can develop and test their code on something else before running it on their own custom PCB.

Then for manufacturing the final project, a custom PCB is designed(often in parallell with developement on the DK, since ordering PCBs can take some time). The SoC will be soldered on top of the custom PCB.

Regards,
Sigurd Hellesvik