BluMaster
National Tsinghua University
Linux and Android Bluetooth Assistant System - A Bluetooth-based system for user locating and emergency calling in care services.
Research Materials
Overview
BluMaster is a Bluetooth-based assistant system designed to facilitate care services. The system enables immediate notification in emergency situations with further alert mechanisms.
System Architecture
The project is divided into two parts:
Back-end Surveillance System
Based on Linux-powered embedded system with Bluetooth communication capability. The surveillance system monitors connected devices and manages emergency alerts.
Front-end Mobile Devices
Android smartphones and wearable devices carried by users (e.g., elderly people) that communicate with the surveillance system.
Connection Hierarchy
The system implements a smart connection hierarchy:
- Indoor Connection (Red Route): Given top priority - direct connection to the surveillance system
- Outdoor Connection (Blue Route): Secondary option when out of range of the surveillance system
Emergency Response Flow
- When an emergency situation occurs, the wearable device sends an emergency message
- The message is sent to either the surveillance system (indoor) or the Android phone (outdoor)
- The Android application automatically retrieves location information
- A text message (SMS) is sent to the Emergency Response Center
Key Features
- Lower-cost Integration: Combines Android smartphones, wearable devices, and Linux-based surveillance system
- Automatic Fallback: Smart switching between indoor and outdoor connection modes
- Power Efficient: Wearable device stays in park state when no data is transferred
- Location Aware: Automatic location retrieval for emergency situations
- Extensible: Architecture supports future additions like fall detection and health sensors
Technology Stack
| Component | Technology |
|---|---|
| Mobile Platform | Android |
| Embedded System | Linux |
| Communication | Bluetooth (HCI-level) |
| Language | Java, Shell Scripting |
| Protocol | Bluetooth Stack Implementation |
Academic Context
This project was developed as part of the Master’s thesis: “The Implementation of a User Locating and Emergency Calling Application Software for Android-based Smart Phones” at the Institute of Communications Engineering, National Tsinghua University.