A hybrid navigation system is a wireless network consisting of sixteen beacons and accompanying surveillance devices. The hybrid beacon combines the features of three radio technologies: Bluetooth version 4.2, Wi-Fi and XBee (IEEE 802.15.4 protocol). The system operates in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) 2.4 GHz radio band, which is suitable for the detection of living creatures in closed rooms due to the high percentage of water content in organisms.
To a lesser extent, devices can also be used to detect inanimate objects, depending on the material they are made of. This is due to the nature of the electromagnetic wave and its reflection and absorption characteristics depending on the type of matter it encounters.
The main task of a hybrid beacon is to provide all users who are within the range of the system with the data necessary to determine their location in relation to the monitored object. If the user enters the room, the system is able to determine his position using radio tomography, the algorithms of which have been implemented in electronic systems.
The 32-bit STM microcontroller from the energy-saving L0 series is responsible for controlling the entire unit. Power can be supplied from the built-in 1500 mA lithium-ion battery or via the micro USB connector. This design is intended for wall mounting.