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Babelfish Necklace: Environment Translator
The Babelfish necklace is a portable navigation concept that is intended to help people who are visually/cognitively impaired find their way in complex environments like train stations. The designers, Applied Information Group, won the 24 Hour Inclusive Design Challenge 2005 for the device.
(From Babelfish: a word in your ear)
The device works by using Radio Frequency Identification tags (learn how RFID tags work). In a typical RFID setup, the tags are mobile and the RFID reader is stationary. The Babelfish necklace reverses the usual order; the necklace is a reader that can scan any tag in its range, providing the information to the wearer of the necklace. Ideally, RFID tags would be placed at ticket barriers, cash dispensers, information booths and so on.
The Babelfish necklace concept is based on the babelfish, the famous translating fish from A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.
Read more at Helen Hamlyn Research Centre - Babelfish.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 8/22/2005)
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Index of related articles:
What is RFID?
How RFID Works
How is RFID used inside a living body?
What can RFID be used for?
Is RFID Technology Secure and Private?
Are There Concerns About How RFID Will Be Used? (Update)
Next-Generation Uses of RFID?
What Are Zombie RFID Tags?
RFID Information Technology Articles
Problems With RFID
Advantages of RFID Versus Barcodes
RFID Glossary
Contactless Credit Card Advantages
Contactless Credit Card Disadvantages
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