Thanks Lynn.
Just so you understand my point though, just knowing there's a bus stop
at any given intersection, even if it's got tactile bumps where it is,
doesn't help a blind person find the bus stop. these SoundPost devices
would help you do that if you got on the correct corner at least; I
don't know if they would work across an intersection; I imagine it can
be more than 90 feet.
It would, in general, be great if these devices were used in public
buildings to show blind people where the bathrooms were, on the
university campus to show where building and their entrances were, the
usefulness is fantastic, if you could get people to start using them.
If the manufacturer would consent to do custom runs for vocabularies for
all the unused numbers available (he's currently only using 185 terms
which describe the type of base station location), StarMetro could have
a set of eprom chips done for instance, and have a device hung on the
front of each bus so that as it pulled up, your handheld unit would say
"bus 80x", or FSU could have a set of chips done, which identified each
building by name ("south entrance of Strosure Library" for example).
it would be even better if some device with a GPS navigation system (the
Trekker just for instance), also had this capability, so that it could
both get you in the general visinity, and then take you right to the
point.
but in any case, we'd have to get someone to start using them so we can
show people who will ultimately pay for them, how useful they are.
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.)
________________________________
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Lynn Evans
Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 3:27 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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 <mailto:Corange@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
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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