Help for the blind

A new Bluetooth system could help blind people discover more about points of interest along their path as they pass them.

The so-called Talking Points system comprises a mobile receiver that can pick up Bluetooth signals transmitted from beacons located at local points of interest and then speak or display the information received directly to the user.

Developed at the University of Michigan, the present prototype receiver is about the size of a paperback book, although its designers claim that, in the future, a cell phone could be used.

The Bluetooth beacons, or tags, would be located at points where owners wish to give information to Talking Points users. Cities or towns, for example, could tag information centres, parks or other buildings.

A website would allow Talking Points beacon owners to program their tags. They could update their messages regularly. Once a beacon is added, other community members could add their comments about the point of interest. Pedestrians using the system could then choose to get those comments.