Use of iBeacon technology for safe movement of disabled people

Abstract

The authors present the results of their practical research on the navigation of people with disabilities inside buildings using iBeacon technology. This technology's navigation potential lies in indoor use and everywhere, where GPS-like systems fail due to lack of coverage. Even though iBeacon technology is simple (it only broadcasts a signal), its potential is high if paired with suitable software. In such a case, it may not only serve as a navigation system, but also generate information. The authors used multi-criteria analysis to find out what type of iBeacon is the most suitable one for indoor navigation of people with disabilities. Their analysis also resulted into a set of recommendations for distribution and settings of iBeacon with respect of the topology of the building.