Linking: Platform to expand IoT

IoT

● In reality, many consumers are not using IoT devices as often as they use smartphones. ・IoT devices are too expensive for consumers ・There are few killer applications for everyone ・It is difficult to develop IoT devices and smartphone applications

Background

“Linking” allows IoT to fit seamlessly into our daily lives !!

● A platform that seamlessly connects Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices and smartphone applications

What is Linking？

・ Relays information from smartphone applications to devices ・ Carries the sensor information of devices to smartphone applications

Smartphones (Andorid/iOS）

Linking Applications by NTT DOCOMO

Applications by partners

Linking-compatible BLE Devices

Linking-compatible smartphone apps

Linking API

for apps

BLE profiles

for devices

Linking provides a simple interface for app/device developers

Linking App

Example usages of Linking

● Enables devices and apps to be combined according to user preferences Examples

Find your suitcase at baggage claim

Find volunteers or guides at foreign tourist spots

Apps and devices will notify you if your child gets lost

Receive a reminder to take an umbrella on a rainy day

● Simple and low-spec devices can be combined with apps through Linking so that customers can buy the devices easily

Linking-compatible devices

BLE4.0～

LED Vibration

Button Acceleration sensor

Gyro sensor Orientation sensor

Device specifications

Simple IoT device that light up in response to smartphone apps

IoT devices that send a signal when the button is pushed

IoT device that vibrate in response to smartphone apps

Sensor device equipped with sensors for acceleration, gyroscope, atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity.

BLE board equipped with various hardware for developing Linking-compatible applications

<Tomoru> <Button-style beacon>

<Wristband-style device> <Sensor devices>

<Board for apps developers>

Examples of compatible devices

Temperature sensor

Humidity sensor

Atmospheric pressure sensor

Function of Linking app (1) ● Centrally manages settings such as app/device connectivity and device connection status, and provides detailed user settings for how to combine devices and apps Centrally manages

settings

Start Linking apps from an on-screen icon

・Add new devices ・See a list of paired devices ・Activate/Deactivate beacon devices

・Select apps to be used with device ・Only compatible apps are listed

Detailed settings about how to use apps

Device management App management Preferences

i-Concier

Function of Linking app (2) ● Estimates physical distances between smartphone and each device ● Sends the estimated data to connected apps

Apps

Near Smartphone

Linking app

Distances between smartphone and each device

Send the distance

If all conditions are met

A little far

Far

Notification settings Ex. 「A little far」 ⇒ 「Near」

● Started offering Linking app in Japan on January 27, 2016 ● Compatible first devices and some service apps were launched at the same time ● Linking app will be offered outside Japan in spring 2016

To expand Linking (1)

Android iOS Fee Free

Supported OS OS 4.4～5.1 iOS9～ Configuration App Library（SDK）

Download Google Play Linking Web Site ※https://linkingiot.com/en/

<Specifications of Linking>

● Linking interface specifications for developers are now available online.

To expand Linking (2)

■Linking Developer Site https://linkingiot.com/en/developer/

Please try developing IoT devices or smartphone apps by using Linking!!

Demo : Search for tourist guides ● You can find volunteers or tourist guides at foreign tourist spots !! ・ Each volunteer has a beacon IoT device ・ Select a tourist spot if you need a volunteer or guide ・ Demo app notifies if Linking app has detected a beacon signal

Notify if the desired volunteer is around

you !!

Select a tourist spot

Demo : Intelligent suitcase (1) ● Find your suitcase at the baggage claim ・ The devices will be implanted in suitcases in the future ・ Receive a notification if your suitcase is nearby

Select search mode

No need to wait beside the baggage

claim area

Demo : Intelligent suitcase (2) ● Prevent your suitcase from being stolen ・ The devices will be implanted in suitcases in the future ・ Receive a notification if your suitcase is no longer with you

Select Prevention

mode

Protect your suitcase

Appendix

● Device interfaces are configured for BLE profile Interface for BLE devices

・ Versatile and simple interfaces for various devices ・ Service information is transmitted and received on GATT Profile ・ Same devices are available for both Android and iOS smartphones

Service Name Explanation

Peripheral Device Property Information Service Obtain device information （Device name, Device ID, Device ability such as LED etc.）

Peripheral Device Notification Service Provide device with information from various service apps （Notification ID, Application name, service contents etc.）

Peripheral Device Sensor Information Service Obtain sensor information from device （Sensor type, sensor state, sensor value etc.）

Peripheral Device Setting Operation Service Send and receive a range of operating information between devices and smartphone apps （Device’s button information etc.）

● Service apps can send and receive information from devices via API API for service applications

・ Developers who have basic Android and iOS development skills can readily use the API ・ It is possible to develop service apps regardless of the development skills of BLE devices

API Explain Notifications Send notifications (title, content, icon etc.) to the device

General Notifications Send more detailed information other than “Notifications” to the device

Get device information Get device information (device name, connection status, device ability such as LED etc.)

Receive device information Receive a range of device information (Device’s button information etc.)

Distance notifications Be notified of distances between devices and smartphone Sensor information Start/stop the acquisition of sensor information Beacon information Start/stop the search for beacon devices

BLE connectivity information Signal BLE connection/disconnection between smartphones and devices

● Linking will support Device WebAPI in the near future ● Both native and web applications can access devices via the Linking app

Compatibility with Device WebAPI

NTT DOCOMO open sourced GotAPI projects as “Device Connect” https://github.com/DeviceConnect/ More information -Device WebAPI Consortium http://en.device-webapi.org/ -Intro to OMA GotAPI https://goo.gl/j0C2S0

Server

Smartphone

Device

Service app

Linking

OS

BLE Profile

NativeAPI Device WebAPI

Service app

Service app Browser

Device WebAPI

Plug-in

Plug-in

http http http

Service app Browser

http http http

… …