The system consists of short audio signals sent by invisible infrared light beams from permanently installed transmitters to a hand-held receiver that decodes the signal and delivers the voice message through its speaker or headset. This is the first infrared system to work effectively in both interior and exterior applications. Talking Signs may be used wherever landmark identification and wayfinding assistance are needed. To use a Talking Signs system, the user scans the environment with the hand-held receiver. As individual signals are encountered, the user hears the messages.
Messages are unique and short, simple and straight forward.
The messages repeat, continuously identifying key features in the environment. This remote infrared communication system was developed by a team of blind and sighted engineers at California Pacific Medical Center's Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, in San Francisco, California. Talking Signs, Inc. has pioneered the implementation of infrared communication systems in the built environment since 1993. Installations of this patented system have been successfully completed in the USA, Europe and Asia. 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.