TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP ENSURES DDA COMPLIANCE FOR BOROUGH OF POOLE COUNCIL

AIM has installed an Intelligent Sign Unit (ISU) and a specially adapted Interalia TROUNCER into Varitext’s LED display units. The sign visually displays the next bus arrival information for that stop, and the TROUNCER module provides this same information verbally for the visually impaired.

Utilising wireless communication and computer software, the ISU provides the interface between the Communication’s System and the Display Electronics. A black box on the bus transmits information to a central computer via radio link, this enables the computer to track the bus’s progress and update the ISU at each individual bus stop. The ISU is able to hold the entire timetable for all Bus Services that it is displaying. This both minimises the communications requirements and allows for the displaying and audio announcing of scheduled timetabled data in the absence (for any reason) of Real Time.

Around 140 bus stops have been equipped throughout Poole and the surrounding area with the new technology, with further expansion planned. Signs are continually updated throughout the journey and can be cleared by an approaching vehicle via a direct ‘short range transmission’ (SRT) system. This ensures that the displays are timely and accurate. Interalia’s TROUNCER uses the announcer’s functionality plus a 10W audio amplifier to drive speakers fitted into the signs. These are activated using a special key fob and give a verbal announcement that corresponds with the display. Over 300 of these fobs have been supplied for use by both visually impaired and those with learning difficulties.

The System can also support other methods of obtaining Real Time information including Live Feeds to the traveline Call Centre, Internet Access, SMS and WAP. This allows the travelling public to have access to live data, without having to go to the Bus Stop. In addition the system can give priority to buses at traffic lights by making a direct request to the traffic light controller via the SRT or via a link between the RTPI Control Centre and the Traffic Control Centre where the traffic lights are centrally controlled.

Interalia’s TROUNCER can be installed in a variety of environments and has been designed to provide high quality audio messages, and to control visual information displays. Audio files are stored as .WAV files at any available sampling rate including full CD quality 44.1K. The TROUNCER then plays back the messages under manual, automatic or computerised control. Messages are also stored in FLASH memory so that in the event of a power failure they are not lost.

Commenting, Gary Davies, Transportation Product Marketing at Interalia Communications Ltd says: “The Disability Discrimination Act demands that all public services provide the disabled with equivalent facilities as those enjoyed by the able bodied where reasonably practical. By incorporating the TROUNCER into the new generation of travel information displays enables transportation companies and local authorities to comply fully with the new DDA regulations”.

Since 1975, Interalia has been a leader in the design and manufacture of digital voice announcement solutions. A privately owned company with 120 employees located at its Canadian headquarters and subsidiary locations in the United States, and Great Britain, Interalia provides high quality solutions for small, medium and large enterprises in over 58 countries around the world.