Blind Navigation Using Radio Frequency Identification Tags
By Adams, Hugh W.; Fairweather, Peter G.; RESNA 2001: Annual Conference Proceedings, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 8-10Publication Date: June 2001
Paper that proposes the development of an inexpensive, highly accurate navigational aid for people who are blind or have low vision. The system uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tags, and it is meant to operate well within the workplace, public settings, or large cities. The RFID system improves on previous systems that employed Global Positioning Satellites and Infrared Receiver-based systems, which are limited because of an inability to function among large buildings, and an inability to function unless they are aimed directly at the receiver, respectively. An RFID system is proposed as an alternative. These systems employ mobile tags to be worn by the user, and fixed transceivers, such as those found in automatic toll payment devices. The RFID tags do not require a conventional power source, as they transmit data in response to a signal sent from a transceiver. The cost is estimated at one dollar per unit, so it is a low-cost solution for businesses and pedestrians. Since the tags are programmable, they contain not only location coordinates, but other limited information to other support navigation, such as emergency exits, telephone numbers, changes to the physical environment, and personal navigation routes.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
ISBN: 0-932101-43-7
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number O14132
