VULTRON LAUNCHES REVOLUTIONARY TALKING INFORMATION SYSTEM

A revolutionary system that translates passenger information text into speech at airports, bus and rail stations has been developed by Vultron International Ltd. The Talking Information System (TIS) represents a breakthrough in the ability of public transport operators to address the needs of visually impaired passengers.

The Vultron Talking Sign comprises a control box, with integral Windows CE processor, linked to the host PC system, and a separate audio unit, linked by low voltage and audio cables, for mounting at the most convenient location for the user. The control box receives, and stores, ASCII text data communications from the host system, and when activated, for example, by a pushbutton, it translates its current text message into synthesised speech using state-of–the-art text to speech conversion software.

The most significant advantage that the TIS has over recorded message information systems is the flexibility it offers to facility managers or operators. This system can work hand-in-hand with the information being displayed on visual units or can be set up independently. The distinctive synthesised voice produces an authoritative message which stands out from the background noise of a busy passenger terminal. The use of this system in real-time information applications also demonstrates its advantage over simple recorded systems; the system can readily adapt to providing countdown information to indicate the number of minutes to the arrival of the next service.

Following a successful trial, Vultron have now installed the Talking Information System at Leeds City Bus Station to augment their existing visual information display system. For this project, a Vultron Talking Sign has been installed at each of the 26 bus departure stands. The speech message relays general bus departure information relating to each individual stand and specific information relating to the next departure. The message concludes by telling the current time of day.

Metro has always been keen to provide facilities to help disabled passengers," said John Carr, Director of Promotion and Passenger Facilities at Metro. Prior to the experiment with Vultrons Talking Signs, we had pre-recorded messages which worked adequately but could not match the level of flexibility offered by Vultron."

The system in Leeds works in conjunction with the recently installed talking beacons which are located at each of the entrances to the bus station. The beacons provide positional, orientation and general information to the wearers of the special headset, and will also inform them of the location of the Vultron audio unit at each of the bus departure stands.

Summing up with enthusiasm, Mr Paul Kiley, Project Manager for Vultron International, said, As far as we are aware this is a ground breaking project. There have been a number of trials at bus stops of similar systems and installations of recorded messages systems; this is the first known permanent installation of a data-driven synthesised speech system at a bus station worldwide. Metro are demonstrating a great commitment to improving facilities for the visually impaired and to new technologies."

Vultron are currently developing French and German language versions.

Vultrons TIS compliments their established and highly visible Clearsign LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), LED and Digi-dot passenger information displays, which are installed world-wide at Airports, Railway Stations and other passenger terminals. Digi-dot (reflective disk displays) are also a popular choice for bus destination displays. A passenger, having viewed a departure board or listened to the next departure on the Vultron Talking Sign, may well then board a bus which is equipped with a Vultron destination display system.

Vultron International, in conjunction with its American parent, is one of the worlds largest manufacturers and suppliers of electronic information and variable information display systems.

The company was established in the UK in 1980 by Vultron Incorporated in order to expand the groups international reach. The company made an immediate impact in the European market, supplying bus, rail and airport information systems across the continent.