Indoor Navigation supported by NosoEx sensors

Navigation in hospitals can be a real challenge for visitors and staff. Time loss and detours, which especially during Covid-19 means unnecessary contacts, are the result. A technical solution for indoor navigation is required. A smartphone app is suitable for this. For live navigation in the building, the smartphone needs reference points to locate itself. However, these are only partially available. For places where such reference points are missing in the hospital infrastructure, NosoEx sensor modules on dispensers can help. This innovative approach is being piloted at [Greifswald University Medicine](https://www.medizin.uni-greifswald.de/). The app provider for indoor navigation is [Catchup Applications](https://www.catchup-apps.com/). ## How it works ### 1. Reference Points (Beacons) Beacons are small transmitters that serve as signal sources for location functionality. Modern network infrastructure (access points) supports, in addition to the primary WLAN functionality, the broadcasting of such beacon signals, forming the basis for use cases like indoor navigation. However, full coverage is not guaranteed. This is required for live indoor navigation. ### 2. Sensor Module as Reference Point These "blind spots" are covered by the NosoEx sensor module on disinfectant dispensers. If the distance between two beacons is too great, dispensers in the gap are equipped with sensors. This allows the smartphone with the indoor navigation app to continue positioning itself and maintain live indoor navigation.  Existing dispensers can be equipped with the flexible NosoEx sensor.