Smartrack 2019

Designers: Kin Wai Michael SIU, Paul LO Chi Hang, Wong Yi Lin, Maurice Kwok, and Steve Yueng, Public Design Lab, PolyU, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, SAR
Manufacturer: InnoSphere, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, SAR

Smartrack™ is a revolutionary guide path for guiding visually impaired persons (VIPs) to walk on pavements safely and confidently. Different from the traditional guide path, it is a hybrid solution that applies radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology as well as various tangible tactile forms. VIPs can receive information related to the path through the vibration pulse from a special designed cane and also the tactile sensation under foot and at the tip of the cane. This multi-sensational design compensates for the shortcomings of traditional tactile guide paths that were experienced by VIPs for years. Smartrack™ can perform well even under extreme weather such as snow conditions or when the path is covered by other unexpected waste or substances. With the wise common application of RFID technology, the newly designed guide path module and the cane, VIPs can now walk confidently with joy and dignity in the Smartrack™ network.

Innovative Modular Guide Path Employing RFID Technology

RFID is a wireless sensing technology being widely used in indirect touch system due to its high reliability and cost-effectiveness. With a thin RFID tag attached inside individual tactile path tiles, the sensor at the tip of the cane can recognize the tactile path within 20 cm range. Different kinds of vibration pulses will be generated at the cane handle to inform user to walk, turn or stop. Even the path is covered by snow and other unexpected substances, the VIPs can be confident that they are on the right track.

Apart from the technological aspect, the new modular tactile system offers a better and inclusive paving layout that makes the guide more user-friendly for the VIPs. Different from the current restricted pathing system, the newly designed craved marks on each tactile module allows the modular guide path to be built in curves at different bending angles. Users can walk along the guide, and the smooth turning path is aesthetically pleasing to street users and user-friendly for VIPs as well as other pedestrians.

Besides, curved guide path can be built with no effort. Construction workers can use the Smartrack™ Construction App to simulate the construction of path by simply walking the desired curved path on streets. The app calculates the desired bending angles and transforms the data into values that are the same as those of the craved marks. Workers can read the values, follow building guide suggested in the app, and build the path easily.

Responsive Cane with Ergonomic Design and Smart Location System

The cane has an ergonomic handle that can generate vibration feedback. The curvy handle indicates a clear gripping position for users, so users can grip handle firmly and comfortably. Users can sense the vibration easily even wearing winter gloves. Underneath the handle there is a button to switch on or turn off the vibration mode. When the vibration mode is on, vibration pulse is generated while the tip of the cane approaches the guide path. Different types of vibrations help VIPs to identify the guide path type (walk, turn and stop) under a bad weather or on ground surface with not-yet-clean condition.

At the top of the cane there is a button to switch on or turn of the location mode.  The location mode helps VIPs locate public facilities (with associated signal transmitter installed) through using the Smartrack™ App in smart phones. The voice-driven interaction in the app allows VIPs to use hand-free audio equipment to follow the voice instruction and simultaneously to sense vibrations from the cane to reach the designated facility. In sum, Smartrack™ forms a network in the city, and direct VIPs to public facilities freely and inclusively.