[tabi] Re: an idea for Nova 2010
- From: "Lynn Evans" <evans-lynn@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 21:24:04 -0500
This past Monday, November 2 from 11 to abot 1 the Lighthouse of the Big Bend
hosted another Star Metro NOVA 2010 meeting. The usual suspects were there.
Also star metro reps said they would have a driver training session sometime in
December to make the bus drivers more aware of issues that blind and other
wheelchair users have using the bus.
As for your idea Sometimes we look for a highteck salution to a low tech
problem.
Miss From: Easy Talk
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2009 7:22 AM
Subject: [tabi] Re: an idea for Nova 2010
What meeting was it. Were Star Metro people there? I think this approach
would work especially if the city used a particular sign design that was
recognized tactually.
We still have the problem of locating audible signals and the best way I
have heard of is beeping locater buttons.
Now chip ref the message you posted about the vibrating receivers. I have
been working with a company called Bones Inc located in Switzerland who make a
product called Milestone m312. It is a very small device weighing 1.4 ounces.
It is a digital recorder, MP3 player, Daisy player and there are certain models
with a FM radio and RFID reader. The unit is designed to allow for additional
features, for example soon a color identifier attachment will be released that
will identify colors and also give descriptions of the pattern. The RFID
reader allows you to scan a RFID tag and attach a recorded message which can be
shared with other users. The tags are about a buck a peace and they have them
for out doors and even ones that can be frozen.
Anyway back to my point. Bones is also developing a transit system and is
testing in 3 locations in Switzerland. below is the info. I am also
considering distributing this product in the u.s so any feedback would be
appreciated. You can read more about the company and the Milestone M312 at
www.bones.ch
Robert
PAVIP Transport
PAVIP Transport is an information and navigational system in the public
transport
for visually handicapped people. The following idea of a user experience
with PAVIP
Transport gives you an impression of how this system shall help its users:
You reach a bus stop and grab your Milestone 312 with the PAVIP module. You
scan
over the front of the time table and receive acoustically the information
at which
bus station you are, which bus lines will stop here, when they appear, what
the location
around you looks like and much more information. You open the point "bus
lines" on
your M312 and choose the line number 7 to the train station. When the bus
line 7
is 100m in front of your station, you receive a signal acoustically or over
vibration
that your bus is near. The bus stops in front of you. With a push of a
button on
M312 you open the door of the bus. A discreet acoustic signal from the bus
entry
helps you to locate and find the bus door. While sitting on the bus you get
connected
to the bus system. You have now further information available on your M312,
as for
example which is the next bus station. You can also look ahead and request
all the
following stops of your line 7. If you come to know that the next station
is yours,
you can activate the bus stop request over Milestone and when it arrives,
again activate
the acoustic help to find the door. If necessary the system can also give
out information
about the design of the bus, for example hurdles (steps) when you exit. Or
in the
train where the toilets are or the diner. When you have left the bus you
can again
scan the time table. You can inform yourself about further bus connections
or just
get some information about the area around you.
This PAVIP system is an important concern of Bones Inc. The idea is to
launch a standard
system for public transport and to make the same information available for
visually
impaired and blind people as sighted people have. We see this as an
important piece
of the puzzle of navigation. A first trial of this capacious project was
developed
in the city of St.Gallen in Switzerland. The appropriate infrastructure has
been
built up for the local bus network.
Vision
PAVIP Transport is a first step of a bigger vision for a transportation and
navigational
system for visually impaired and blind people. A second step would be the
expansion
with information and navigational points on populous places in cities. This
would
activate the system point-wise besides public transport. A last step would
involve
satellite navigation to build bridges between these information points and
complete
the information and navigational system.
----- Original Message -----
From: Lynn Evans
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 3:26 PM
Subject: [tabi] Re: an idea for Nova 2010
There was a brief talk at the Monday meeting at the Lighthouse to use some
type of tactile marker at the base of each bus stop sign to mark the signs
position. Some type of raised marker on the sidewalk.
Also there is a list of transfer points on the NOVA 2010 site now.
Only two points hve audible signals.
the link is:
http://www.talgov.com/starmetro/nova2010_routes.cfm#3
----- Original Message -----
From: Chip Orange
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 2:21 PM
Subject: [tabi] an idea for Nova 2010
Hi all,
I know this hasn't been discussed all that much, but one of the potential
problems I see with nova 2010 is that a lot, if not all, of the bus stops will
be relocating. It seems likely that those who have memorized the locations of
the current stops will have some difficulty in locating the new stops from just
a text description.
so, the idea I'd like to hear comment on, is how about use of the devices
that I just posted a press release for, the SoundPost? it looks to me if
StarMetro, or someone, would purchase and install the base stations at the bus
stops, and someone would buy and distribute for a nominal price the handheld
units, these would do nicely for helping people locate the stop.
the site isn't entirely clear on how they work, so I called the
developer, and we spoke for a few minutes. the base stations emit an I/R beam,
and the hand helds vibrate or beep when you come within range. you can then
begin to move the handheld in a circle, aiming it at different directions, and
you'll get a strong indication as to which direction the beam is coming from,
plus a spoken identification of the type of installation the unit is placed at
(it's any of 185 different, predefined, types such as "bus stop", "women's
restroom", "government building", etc.). they have a range of about 30 meters,
or 90 feet.
so, does anyone else think these things would be helpful for this
project, and should we take this idea to StarMetro?
thanks.
Chip
------------------------------
Chip Orange
Database Administrator
Florida Public Service Commission
Chip.Orange@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
(850) 413-6314
(Any opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not
necessarily reflect those of the Florida Public Service Commission.)
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