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Bus Identification System For The Vision Impaired
Student: Ron Wong
Supervisor: Richard Cocks
Category: Engineering Thesis Project - Electronics
The growing emergence of disability aids has stemmed from an increase in social awareness and sensitivity to human disability and impairment. From high-tech products like cochlear implants to general accessibility alternatives, these solutions have allowed those with disabilities to substantially improve their quality of life. The BEACON follows in this same spirit, by providing visually impaired persons (VIPs) the freedom to independently commute via Brisbane City Council (BCC) bus transportation.
Through the use of BEACON transmitters placed on BCC buses, VIPs are able to safely catch buses with the aid of a portable handheld device and an audio and tactile interface. The wireless communication system between the transmitter and the portable receiver can be achieved through a number of current technologies. With more exotic approaches like Bluetooth still maturing in terms of financial and performance viability, the cheaper and more ubiquitous approach of radio frequency (RF) technology points towards a more feasible solution that can be produced at a reasonable cost for either the direct purchase by VIPs or a government subsidised initiative.
With the aid of the current bus transportation system, the BEACON transmitter is able to filter existing vehicle identification information for retransmission to a nearby VIP. The BEACON receiver is thus able to identify buses and their corresponding routes, and consequently inform the VIP of the bus’ imminent arrival. For the purposes of the BEACON prototype, communications is facilitated through FM (frequency modulated) transmissions at around 90MHz (within the commercial FM broadcast range). In addition, the solution attempts to resolve the problem through one-way communication from bus transmitter to handheld receiver. This project has the potential for vast improvement by implementing a duplex communication system whereby the bus driver is able to identify the presence of VIPs and vice versa. In this way, the process of catching a bus is further streamlined for efficiency, convenience and safety.