F I R S TP R E V642NEXTLAST

Hearing Your Way Around San Francisco
There are lots of beautiful things to experience in San Francisco and the city has made sure that vision-impaired people can enjoy the city as well. Unknown to most people, the city is widely equipped with talking signs. These signs communicate using infrared signals and hand-held receivers that, when pointed at, give audio directions to landmarks, transportation, and retail shops, as well as public services such as public restrooms and health care. The transmitters are attached to city lamp posts, public telephones, ATMs and other locations, both indoors and out.

The messages are unique and short, simple and straight forward, such as "stairs to the second floor." The messages repeat, continuously identifying key features in the environment. The system can identify the correct city bus to board or signal that it's clear to cross the street. There are hundreds of these talking signs installed throughout the San Francisco, 40 inside and around the Moscone Convention Center alone. These talking signs help to make sure that everyone enjoys their time in San Francisco.
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