Beacon (often called "Bluetooth beacon" in Chinese) is a small device that can mark positions through specific signals. 

It acts like an "electronic coordinate point," helping devices such as mobile phones determine their current location.

I. Basic Working Principles

1. Device Form

A Beacon is essentially a small transmitter using low-power Bluetooth technology. It is generally small in size and can 

operate continuously for months or even years on battery power.

2. Working Mode

Imagine a Beacon as a small speaker that keeps "shouting":

• It "shouts" once every 0.1 seconds or so: "I am Beacon No. XX!"

• Devices like mobile phones with Bluetooth enabled can "hear" these "shouts."

• Each "shout" can contain up to 31 characters of information, such as a mall's area number or store code.

II. Practical Application Scenarios (Some Common Examples)

1. Mall Navigation

Take Wanda Plaza as an example:

• Dozens of Beacons are installed on each floor.

• Opening the mall's APP allows you to see: "You are currently in Area A on the 3rd floor, 50 meters away from Uniqlo."

• It can also plan routes: "How to get to Haidilao? Go straight 20 meters and turn right."

2. Hospital Navigation

In large hospitals:

• Beacons are installed in key locations such as radiology departments and pharmacies.

• Patients can see via a mini-program: "The laboratory is at the end of the second corridor on your left."

3. Anti-Loss of Items

Shared bike electronic locks have built-in Beacons:

• Maintenance personnel can quickly locate faulty bikes by approaching them with mobile phones.

• Similar technology is used in factory tool management to prevent the loss of valuable equipment.

4. Smart Reminders

Promotional shelves in supermarkets are equipped with Beacons:

• When customers approach, their phones automatically pop up: "Imported milk is 50% off for a limited time. Click to get a coupon."

• Beacons next to library bookshelves push messages: "There are newly arrived mystery novels on the A12 bookshelf in front of you."

III. Technical Features

1. Ultra-Long Standby: A regular AA battery can last 1-2 years, eliminating the need for frequent replacement.

2. Easy Installation: It can be stuck on the wall with double-sided tape, no need for network cables or power connections.

3. Positioning Accuracy: The indoor positioning error is about 2-5 meters, which is sufficient for finding stores.

4. Universal Compatibility: It works with both iPhones and Android phones, no need for special hardware installation.

IV. Usage Notes

1. Signal Interference: Metal objects and glass curtain walls can affect signals, so reasonable placement is required.

2. Privacy Issues: Phones will prompt users to allow location information access.

Beacon technology makes indoor positioning as convenient as using GPS outdoors. Next time you receive a discount push 

in a mall or easily find your car in a parking lot, it is likely these small devices working silently. With technological development, 

more accurate positioning methods may emerge in the future, but Beacon remains the most mainstream indoor positioning 

solution due to its simplicity and reliability.