An Interactive Wireless Communication System for Visually Impaired People Using City Bus Transport

Hsiao-Lan Wang, Ya-Ping Chen, Chi-Lun Rau and Chung-Huang Yu
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Hsiao-Lan Wang: Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec.2, Linong Street, Beitou District, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
Ya-Ping Chen: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, No.291, Zhongzheng Road, Zhonghe District, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
Chi-Lun Rau: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, No.291, Zhongzheng Road, Zhonghe District, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
Chung-Huang Yu: Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec.2, Linong Street, Beitou District, Taipei 11221, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2014, vol. 11, issue 5, 1-12

Abstract: Visually impaired people have difficulty accessing information about public transportation systems. Several systems have been developed for assisting visually impaired and blind people to use the city bus. Most systems provide only one-way communication and require high-cost and complex equipment. The purpose of this study is to reduce the difficulties faced by visually impaired people when taking city buses, using an interactive wireless communication system. The system comprised a user module and a bus module to establish a direct one-to-one connection. When the user inputs 4-digit numbers, the user module immediately sends out the information. If the bus module receives the matched bus number, it buzzes and the warning LED flashes to notify the bus driver that someone is waiting to board on the bus. User tests were conducted by two visually impaired people in a simulated vehicle and a city bus. The success rate of interactive wireless communication, recognizing the arrival of the bus and boarding the correct bus reached 100% in all of the tests. The interactive wireless communication aid system is a valid and low-cost device for assisting visually impaired people to use city buses.

Keywords: wireless communication; visual impairment; public transportation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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