SEGD_Design - (Page 53) RFID Torch Recognizing that tactile maps are static and stationery, and therefore facilitate only the first two wayfinding tasks (orientation and route decision), Sweeney focused on mobile navigation solutions. The RFID Torch uses RFID tags as geographic markers. Each tag triggers the torch to speak the information describing that location. When the user lowers the torch and walks away, the description stops. The markers are interfaces to unlimited quantities of information, accessible whenever the user needs it via a wiki-style website called WikiNav, an online database for location-based information. The read range of the prototype device is about 15cm, but as RFID technology progresses and Digital Signal Processing systems improve, the range will increase to useful levels, says Sweeney. For Internet access, the torch connects to a mobile phone through a Bluetooth link, but as Near Field Communication technology becomes standard for most mobile phones, an external torch device will soon become unnecessary. Smart Camera The Smart Camera relies on user-owned, camera-equipped mobile phones or MP3 players, along with Internet access. The system uses Quick Response codes, twodimensional barcodes that can be read by a mobile phone camera and interpreted into directions. These black and white icons contain digital information that is instantly decoded the moment the camera recognizes them. Each icon contains a URL address, which directs the attached mobile phone to retrieve the information stored there. The information is stored digitally and can be communicated in a variety of different ways—visually, aurally, or haptically. During the trials, the Smart Camera communicated it as spoken information. cont’d on pg. 52 Above: The RFID Torch uses RFID tags as geographic markers. Each tag triggers the torch to speak the information describing that location. The descriptions stop when the user lowers the torch. Below: Smart Cameras are sensitive to QR (Quick Response) codes, two-dimensional data matrices containing digital information that is instantly decoded when the camera recognizes them. Each icon contains a URL address, and the URL directs an attached mobile phone to retrieve the information stored there. (Images: Courtesy David Sweeney) 50 segdDESIGN
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