CLICKANDGO "NEXTGEN" TALKING SIGNS

ClickAndGo iBeacons are available as a "stand-alone" solution. Delivered through the ClickAndGo app, they make visual signage and landmarks “audibly accessible” to blind and low vision pedestrians. Although this solution lacks customized narratives with pre-journey learning options, it still provides tremendous real-time support to blind travelers. (A more robust application of iBeacons is possible when complemented with ClickAndGo Navigation. For this application of iBeacons, see ClickAndGo Navigation)

This video shows a cane traveler locating a bus stop, entering and exiting a bus, and walking outdoor and indoor routes on a college campus. It presents examples of different iBeacon broadcast scenarios.

This interactive demo shows a spacious airport lobby venue with various beacons installed, and the corresponding messages they might broadcast to pedestrians. Place your mouse or finger on a cellphone image to hear beacon messages.

ClickAndGo NextGen Talking Signs leverage iBeacons for the sole purpose of delivering audible landmarking cues in both indoor and outdoor environments. For pedestrians traveling in airports, on college campuses, in transit stations, etc., iBeacons are installed to convert visual signage or prominent visual landmarks into audible messages.

The Market

Current estimates suggest that there are 12 million people in the United States who have some form of uncorrected vision impairment, 3.4 million of whom have low vision or are legally blind. Given demographic trends, these numbers are expected to double by 2030.

Sighted individuals enjoy instant access to visual signage and landmarks which guides them to their destination, even in completely unfamiliar surroundings. By contrast, blind pedestrians learn to navigate using a variety of alternative techniques to explore their surroundings and locate their destination. In new complex environments, this can be an extremely challenging task. However, with  the advent of iBeacon technology, an entirely unique and efficient solution is now possible for landmarking in new areas.

Bird's eye view of a subway station with fare gates and blind travelersVenue-Specific Information

ClickAndGo NextGen Talking Signs aren't limited to providing audible landmarking or navigation assistance. The advent of iBeacon technology provides exciting new possibilities to communicate a vast amount of information to pedestrians. Information having to do with a restaurant menu, a museum exhibit, a walking tour, to name only a few examples, can be delivered simultaneously, and even in multiple languages.

Affordability

ClickAndGo Navigation delivers a full database of narrative route directions and virtual tours of large venues. NextGen Talking Signs do not require the same labor-intensive data-gathering needed for a complete wayfinding service.

Meeting the Demand

State and local government and public accommodations face the challenge of providing full and equal enjoyment of their facilities, goods, and services to individuals with blindness and low vision. Our technology augments the investment already made in signage and related infrastructure installed for the benefit of sighted individuals.

ClickAndGo NextGen Talking Signs permit visitors with blindness or low vision to audibly acquire the same real-time information used by sighted individuals to benefit from the facilities, goods, and services provided by transit stations, health care facilities, educational institutions, and other public accommodations.