Published on Apr 4, 2005

In an attempt to transform Bangkok into an accessible city for the blind, the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (Nectec) is working on research and development of what are known as "talking signs".

The idea is to create areas of Bangkok that can "talk" to the blind, in order to assist them in finding their way around the city.

The blind would know which public facilities are available and how to reach them. By supplementing visual signage with remotely triggered talking-sign systems, the blind or partially sighted will be able to visit shopping complexes, sports centres, transport interchanges, universities and other places independently and make use of the facilities.

Sumate Lertamonsin, an assistant researcher at Nectec's Assistive Technology Centre who oversees the project, said that local development is not only to help the blind live as independently as normally sighted people, but also to reduce imports of similar technology.

The technology consists of transmitting and receiving equipment, sound and information systems and installation architecture.

Development of talking signs uses technology for infrared (IR), playback and information systems. The concept is to install transmitting equipment in public places like traffic intersections, bus stops, museums, shopping centres and universities.

Inside each transmitter are a variety of individual IDs, each one with a special meaning. Receivers are equipped with IR receivers, ID decoders, playback devices and an information database.

For example, 01-ID means "red light", and when a person carrying a small talking-sign receiver detects the IR signal, the receiver will decode the unique ID through an information database, and the playback machine will say, "Red light. You must stop."

Sumate said IR is used instead of radio frequency ID (RFID) because an RFID signal cannot be specific about the direction and it may confuse the user.

In practical use, a receiver might contain 100 pieces of information - 50 in a database for general information and another 50 for special information for different purposes.

The machine must be small, lightweight and portable, about the same size as an MP3 Player.

"We have just begun a conceptual prototype with only 50 information databases that should be completed by next October. We will then collaborate with the company to develop a mass prototype for pilot testing. Once the conceptual work is complete, we can apply it in many ways, depending on the design of the information system. We can add more information to the machine later," said Sumate.

Under the plan, Nectec will develop a prototype for pilot tests around Bangkok's Science Park and Mahidol University's Ratchasuda College before applying the technology to actual use.

"In the future, it may be used with RFID technology in the same way that that technology is used in supermarkets to allow products on the shelf to describe themselves and their prices. The blind will be able to access information without help from others," said Sumate.

The development is an attempt to improve the quality of life of the disabled and improve their access to information, government services and public facilities, on a level with other countries.

Asina Pornwasin

The Nation

asina@nationgroup.com