Pedhead-mounted APS units transmit speech
message to a handheld receiver.
Standard features WALK indication
Highly directional speech message transmitted by remote infrared
light, to handheld receiver - - repeats "WALK sign" and the name of
the street to be crossed
Other
WAIT message during Flashing DON'T WALK or DON'T WALK - - repeats
"Wait" and the name of the street to be crossed.
Orientation message with wider transmitter range, available to pedestrians
before they reach the intersection, provides street identification,
signalization and/or directional information.
Optional features
Additional landmark information can be included in the orientation
message, as this information is received before users reach the intersection,
and it does not interfere with their ability to hear or attend to
traffic and signal information when they are at the crosswalk.
Developments in the technology and installation may include radio
transmitted speech or vibratory information to alert travelers to
locations where transmitters are installed. This technology, developed
under the direction of the Japan National Police Agency, is compatible
with the Smith-Kettlewell/Talking Signs® standard.
Installation notes
Transmitter providing signal information must be carefully positioned
to provide information only within the width of the crosswalk.
Comments
Infinitely variable messages recorded in transmitters
Receivers usable for many wayfinding tasks where transmitters are
installed
Pedestrians must know where the TS transmitters are installed, or
they are unlikely to search for or use the available information
Pedestrians who are blind must have access to receivers
How Talking Signs works
A bird's
eye view of Talking Signs®
Infared Transmitter System for intersections.
The above illustration shows how the Talking Signs infrared transmitter
delivers messages to the pedestrian who is carrying a receiver.
Wide beam tells:
Direction of travel — "traveling east"
Present location — "on zero hundred block of Larkin"
Intersecting street — "towards Grove Street"
Narrow beam tells:
Crossing condition and intersecting street —
"Wait — Grove Street"
"WALK sign — Grove Street"
