Application Area
Mobile ad-hoc networks for indoor disaster management systems for large and complex buildings (SPAWN systems)
Driven by the trend of urbanisation the number of large buildings in cities is growing, which are in many cases connected underground with subways or car parks. Typical examples are stations, shopping malls, conference centers, music halls, etc. Other examples for such large buildings are airports, hospitals or stadiums. This leads to very complex and intricate building structures, where the guidance of a large number of people like passengers, visitors, etc. becomes a critical factor.Mobile ad-hoc networks for indoor disaster management systems for large and complex buildings (SPAWN systems)
The efficient management of such complex buildings and structures presents a number of challenges already in normal operation situations. In the event of a crisis or disaster, the challenge increases exponentially. Such buildings are particularly sensible and exposed to unexpected and catastrophic effects following a fire, explosion or flooding which might be also caused by terrorist attacks. The complexity of the access path for the first responders coupled with insufficient orientation leads frequently to problems and response delays in the critical time after the disaster as typically pre-installed communication and surveillance systems might be destroyed or at least impaired.
The rapid setup of an independent communication infrastructure between command post and the first responder teams is then, in this time-critical situation, of paramount importance in order quickly achieve an overview of the situation. For the latter, in particular, image information is of high value, as such information is optimally suited for enabling the command post to take the right decisions.
Our SPAWN systems have been in combination with our localization and navigation systems specifically designed to meet such requirements.
Projects in the CC
- SPAWN – Smart PortAble Wireless mesh Node with inherent deployment intelligence for the rapid installation of a communication infrastructure in case of a disaster
German
