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most receptive.
The system works by using lighting
fixtures that form a dense network
that not only provide high quality light
but also acts as a positioning grid.
Each fixture is identifiable and able to
communicate its position to an app on
a shopper’s smart device. This enables
the shopper to get information related
to their position in the store as they
move around the store.
“The beauty of the system is that
retailers do not have to invest in
additional infrastructure to house,
power and support location beacons for
indoor positioning,” Gerben says.
“The light fixtures themselves can
communicate this information by
virtue of their presence everywhere in
the store.”
And according to Gerben, the
retail positioning system is not difficult
to install.
“Philips has now rolled out quite a
few lighting designs for large retailers
around the globe that included indoor
positioning. We have found that a
‘typical’ lighting design that works from
a lighting design perspective is actually
good enough for indoor location too.
“You just need to make sure that you
have an even coverage of light so the
visible light communication technology
works seamlessly.”
For now, Philips directly manages
the installation of its indoor positioning
system as it is still developing the
tools for venue enablement, but as
soon as that is stable, Gerben says it
will move firmly into the scope of the
electrical contractor.
“When it comes to the installation
and commissioning of a lighting system
control system, the contractor plays
the central role. We see the initiation of
indoor positioning systems as a role for
contractors in the future, too.”
This latest connected lighting
innovation illustrates how Philips
is taking light beyond illumination,
underlining its commitment to deliver
meaningful innovations that improve
both business value and people’s lives.
> Philips Lighting
www.lighting.philips.com.au