A World of New Technology
Working with MicroComputer Systems, Inc., of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Talking Signs, Inc. has continued to research and introduce new applications of this system. Mitsubishi Precision Company, a division of Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan, has joined the Research and Development team to accelerate development of even more dramatic uses of the breakthrough technology. The Company has an ongoing commitment that all improvements and new product releases are backwards compatible to previous generations of equipment. Orientation and Mobility Specialists and technical consultants in the field of wayfinding have helped the company develop performance criteria and uniform standards for messaging, placement and wayfinding for this emerging industry. Travelers encounter Talking Signs® environments with uniform standards throughout the world.

Where Do I Want To Go?
The Company's objective is to have a seamless system, allowing a blind person to leave their home to find the bus stop, identify the correct approaching bus, transfer to other modes of transportation, navigate crosswalks, get to the office, go shopping, dine out, and return home with a minimums of stress and confusion. The system promotes more confident and independent travel throughout all major public spaces:

Transportation Centers Government Centers Institutional Buildings Convention Facilities HealthCare Facilities

Financial Institutions (ATMs) Hospitality Destinations Entertainment Venues All Retail Applications

The Company feels that the issue is both about getting where you want to go and having the tools In allow you In build a cognitive map of your world so you know what choices are available to you. These are both keys to independence.

Is That My Bus?
Talking Sign, Inc.'s infrared technology will be incorporated in electronic destination panels to provide destination and route information from the approaching bus to blind transit users at a distance of 100 feet. Users of the technology will now be able to differentiate between several buses lined up along the curb at the bus stop platform.

Where Am I? Can I Cross Now?
Working with Mitsubishi Precision Company, Talking Signs, Inc. has developed and successfully tested an infrared intersection for use in crosswalk pedestrian signal heads. A dramatic improvement over the existing "chirp and cuckoo" devices, this system is invisible and silent to the sighted world. It provides "Walk/Don't walk" information powered by the light cycle, while at the same time, providing additional information confirming the direction of travel and the location of the intersection with the block number and name of both street and cross street.

Out On The Town
The Company has developed a simplified transmitter for use in identifying retail stores, restaurants and all commercial destinations. Its flexible design allows for easy message programming and it uses standard power sources.

Getting Back
Talking Signs, Inc.'s Personal Products Division specializes in a product line geared to the blind or sight-impaired user and their individual needs. This System consists of a Talking Signs® Receiver along with a self-recording Independent Transmitter for use in identifying the return to any personal destination, such as a hotel room door, restaurant table or train seat.

Remote Infrared Sign System
All installed systems utilize a Talking Signs® Personal Receiver to decode the recorded message carried by the infrared light beam. The Receiver is the size of a hand held remote control device and features an on/off switch, volume control and a jack for headset use. Powered by a 9 Volt battery, the device is ergonomically designed and can be carried "hands4ree" around the neck on a breakaway strap when the user is not actively scanning the environment.


The other half of the system is imbedded in the environment. A series of permanently installed transmitter heads utilize l2VDC power and can be configured in two ways:

A Centralized System is typical for large interior installations, with each group of ten transmitters powered through a centralized control unit. Each control unit holds up In ten transmitter cards. Each transmitter card carries an individually recorded message. Shielded cable (2 twisted pair 2lkWG) connects each transmitter head back In its recorded card in the control unit. A transformer is used to step down the power from a l10V duplex outlet to each control unit. The entire system runs on low-voltage I2VDC power. At 3Amps per controller, a comprehensive installation in a large building can be run for about the same cost as a 100W light bulb.
Standalone Units can be used for many exterior applications, as well as individual interior transmitter locations that cannot be easily linked via cable back to a control unit. Each standalone unit uses its own transformer to provide the l2VDC power and this unit also carries the recorded card on board with the transmitter head.

There are no moving parts to any element of the system and the low power requirements limit wear and tear on all components.

Technical Specifications
Remote Infrared Audible Signage (RIAS)
from American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 2005 edition

System Overview
880 to 950 nM Lightwave carrier, amplitude modulated with 25Khz (and/or auxiliary frequencies to 300Khz) FM subcarrier.

Subcarriers
Fc = 25Khz (or auxiliary frequencies as described above)    Index = 0.76
Fm = 330 - 3300Hz (telephony voice band-width)               B.W. = 6.6Khz
Fdev=2.5Khz

Carrier
880-950 nanometers

System Operation
The system operates at 25Khz and any compact flourescent light units installed in the same environment should be specified with a ballast frequency higher than 30Khz.

How do We Implement A Remote Infrared Sign System?
Due In the unique nature of this new infrared communication technology, Talking Signs, Inc. provides a contract with a scope of work that includes all technical consultation and specification development services, project management and coordination, all infrared system components, installation coordination and post-installation calibration services. Staff technical consultants evaluate each client environment and develop a Program Document identifying each transmitter location, consecutively numbered in a Transmitter Index and keyed In a numbered location on a Transmitter Plan. The message to be recorded for each transmitter location and installation elevations are also included. Component specifications for each location are then selected and detailed. The Program Document is a reference document in all phases of the coordination of the project, and in the case of projects offered for public bid, the document can be incorporated into project specifications and coordinated with the electrical consultants for wiring and conduit design. Local licensed and union contractors team up with the Company In handle subcontract coordination and all site work.

Another important feature of the implementation process included in the contract is the post- installation calibration process. Due to the nature of infrared light in built environments, care must be taken In calibrate and adjust each transmitter head In set the cone of dispersion of each light beam to the exact location required for effective wayfinding and the elimination of any reflections. After actual user groups validate the installed environment, training for client staff takes place to complete the implementation. Delivery of the Program Document in final notebook form provides each client with a reference book specific to their installed environment.

The Company has a proven track record in successful completion of turnkey projects.

What is The Right System for My Environment?
Many clients feel a Comprehensive System is right for them. This level of implementation addresses every aspect of a completely installed environment: Entry&Exits; Vertical Transport (stairs, elevators, escalators; Primary Destinations (information/security desks, major departments, special features); and all Basic Amenities (restrooms, drinking fountains, public and security telephones).

Sometimes a client requires a Path of Travel System. This type of system identifies a specific route through the building In a particular destination. Transmitters are installed only along this path and the installation will often include basic amenities that are located along the route.

Pilot or Demonstration Projects can also be designed to allow clients to try the system in a limited fashion in order to evaluate the initial phase of a subsequent comprehensive system.

Where Can I See A Remote Infrared Sign System Environment?

A complete list of installations.