Access For Sight Impaired ConsumersAccess For Sight Impaired ConsumersFollowing the introduction of the Navigator II accessible pedestrian signal (APS), Access for Sight-Impaired Consumers felt it wise to develop a list of recommended settings given the vast number of options and possible configurations when installing this new technology. In doing so, we wanted to develop a resource that traffic engineers and other interested consumers could refer to as a model or guide for these state-of-the-art APS devices. It is our position that employing these settings will assist greatly in creating a uniform configuration that will be beneficial to the majority of pedestrians, particularly those with vision loss.
The majority of installations will typically require few configuration changes from the factory defaults. However, the wide range of configuration options within the Navigator II is made available to accommodate special or complex intersection configurations. We provide the following as recommended settings, acknowledging there will be situations where using additional options may be more favourable.
Following is a list of optional settings, many with an accompanying explanation and some with the corresponding audible tone or voice message.
We reserve comment regarding volume settings other than those noted in the sections regarding an extended push, the locator tone and the pedestrian clearance phase tone/message. Given that all audible tones and messages emanate from the pushbutton stations which are located in the immediate proximity of the pedestrian, we acknowledge that volumes can be reduced significantly compared to the levels used in audible pedestrian signals of the past. Ideally, volume outputs should be adjusted such that pedestrians within a 3.5 metre radius of the pushbutton are able to clearly hear the audible tones and messages. Such volume settings wil result in a dramatic reduction of noise polution or noise-related complaints by the general public.
In cases where the pushbuttons are mounted on a single pole and set back from the departure curb, the WALK indication tone volume will need to be increased to compensate for the additional distance from the pushbutton to the curb edge.
Extended Push Volume Setting:
This function enables a pedestrian to increase the volume of the WALK indication tone to suit their personal needs for a single walk cycle, subject to an extended press of the pushbutton. An extended button push of one (1) second in duration to invoke any augmented features is recommended. Longer durations are not recommended as they may cause confusion or misinterpretations that the device is not responding properly.
Invoking this feature will enable traffic engineers to configure these devices using lower volume settings than those generally used in the past. Pedestrians who require additional output volumes for a single crossing can use this feature to accomodate their individual needs.
We recommend the increased volume be set at least 10% (or at least +6 db) above the normal WALK indication tone volume.
Volume Above Ambient:
This function changes the pushbutton station's sensitivity and response to ambient sound.
The factory default setting of 0 (which is the equivalent to +5 db over ambient) will be sufficient at most installations. However, consideration should be given to increasing this setting (either temporarily or permanently) at installations that experience high volumes of commercial truck traffic, are near metal-wheeled transit/freight lines, or are near airports and other such venues that create elevated levels of background noise(i.e. construction or demolition sites, prolonged street repairs, etc).
WALK Indication Tone - nine variations are available to indicate when it is legal to enter the crosswalk.
We subscribe to the widely recognized "cuckoo" WALK indication tone for north/south crossings and a "chirp" WALK indication tone for east/west crossings. We do not recommend or support adding a standard WALK message or a customized WALK message with these well recognized bird tones as we found they can add an air of confusion.
NOTE: With the introduction of the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) Guidelines for Understanding, Use and Implimentation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals released in 2008, cities and municipalities will have the option of replacing the long-standing, familiar east/west WALK indication tone (Chirp) with the "Canadian Melody" WALK tone. This indication tone incorporates multiple (i.e. mixed or changing) frequencies, ranging from 500 Hz to 1000 Hz, with higher harmonics. It is reported these are ideal for localization of sounds, mitigating lateral deviation, and for pedestrians with age-related hearing loss.
While we are not opposed to a nation-wide introduction or change to the familiar east/west "chirp" indication tone, we would NOT subscribe to the introduction of the "Canadian Melody" WALK tone until such time as:
WALK indication Tone Pause:
This function establishes the pause duration between the WALK indication tone.
We recommend the interval be set to a one (1) second interval as demonstrated in the "cuckoo" and the "chirp" WALK indication tone audio links. A shorter gap between tones does not provide sufficient time for a pedestrian with vision loss to assess the sound of parallel traffic, an essential component for orientation. This interval will also provide an opportunity (although brief) to identify vehicles that may be turning across the pedestrian's path of travel. NOTE: This 1 second pause between WALK indication tones will also cause the vibro-tactile component to pause momentarily during each gap. We do not see this as a detriment but simply a function of which consumers should be aware.
WALK indication Tone Trigger:
This function selects the condition that will play the WALK indication tone during the next cycle.
We support the requirement for a pedestrian to activate the process with a button push. Full activation may be warranted at busy, pedestrian-congested crossings. We do NOT support or recommend any level of extended push to invoke the audible WALK indication tone as this may lead to confusion or misunderstanding by a pedestrian with vision loss and an assumption the APS device is not working properly.
Indication Tone/Vibration Timer:
This function determines the length of time the the audible WALK indication tone and the vibro-tactile pad will function within each WALK cycle.
We recommend the WALK indication tone and vibro-tactile component operate for the full duration of the WALK cycle with no less than three (3) repetitions of the WALK indication tone and vibro-tactile component at any given crossing.
Indication Tone/Vibration Retrigger:
This function is to accomodate those installations where the ped-head (the illuminated WALK and DON'T WALK visual signal) rests in the WALK mode for an extended period. This is often the case (but not limited to) late at night and during the early morning hours where the traffic signal for a major thoroughfare is programmed to rest on green to promote the uinterrupted flow of traffic. Often, the ped-head will also rest in the WALK mode without the accompanying "WALK" indication tone.
We recommend the need for a new button push which will trigger a completely new WALK cycle inclusive of WALK indication tone and vibration.
Cancel On Clearance:
This function dictates whether the WALK indication tones and vibration are interrupted or cancelled at the start of the pedestrian clearance phase.
We recommend the WALK indication tone be cancelled at the start of the pedestrian clearance phase. To do otherwise could falsely extend the WALK indication tone/vibration into the pedestrian clearance phase.
Pedestrian Clearance Mode Tone/Message:
The Navigator II offers a variety of pedestrian clearance phase indications, none of which are universally recognized at this time. It will allow either a customized indication or a verbal countdown message. This latter option works in concert with a visual countdown device or it can replace it entirely. The verbal countdown message defaults to the language preference selected by the pedestrian at the time of the button push (see "2nd Language and 3rd Language Options").
When a pedestrian clearance indication is used, we recommend the use of the verbal countdown message with volumes set sufficiently so pedestrians can hear this feature when they are at the mid-crossing point. In light of the recommendation that the volume of the pedestrian clearance phase indication tone or message (controlled by the "extended push" discussed earlier) could be increased by 10% or 6db above the volume of the WALK indication tone, this increased volume should also be sufficient for the verbal countdown message.
Pedestrian Clearance Tone Pause:
This function selects the length of each interval between the pedestrian clearance phase indication tone/message.
We recommend the default setting of one (1) second so as to provide an opportunity for pedestrians with vision loss to hear additional traffic noise.
Location Indication:
The Navigator II offers several options with respect to its locator tone which assist pedestrians with vision loss in finding the activation or pushbutton station.
We recommend the use of the default locator tone (i.e. tone 1). Given this locator tone is synchronized with all other pushbutton stations, it will assist pedestrians with vision loss to localize the sound source, eliminate confusion and create just one pushbutton locator tone at any given installation. Volume for the locator tone should be set so that it is heard only within a 3.5 meter radius of the pushbutton station.
Locate Tone Time:
This function determines the interval between each delivery of the locator tone in .5 second intervals between .5 seconds and 5 seconds, the factory default being 1 second intervals.
The TAC Guidelines for Understanding, Use and Implimentation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals permits an interval of up to two (2) seconds. We support a locator tone operating at 2 second intervals (30 bursts per minute). We found this interval to be sufficient for one to localize on the sound source and see this as a method of reducing noise pollution. It is also consistent with the repetition rate of the acoustic locator tone used on the solar-powered Model X Pushbutton Station.
Confirmation Tone:
The audible confirmation tone works in concert with the LED, indicating a signal has been sent to the control unit to activate the pedestrian crossing devices during the next cycle.
There are no optional settings for the confirmation tone. The default "tick" is emitted with each push of the button.
Wait Message:
This function when set to "yes" replaces the locator tone following a button push. The "wait" message defaults to the language selected by the pedestrian and repeats every 4 seconds during the DON'T WALK phase. The Navigator II will resume the "tone 1" locator tone following the completion of the WALK cycle.
We recommend the inclusion of this feature (i.e. set to "yes").
Direction Message:
This direction (of travel) message confirms the pedestrian's direction of travel when making their crossing. There are 8 optional settings based on the main compass directions (i.e. north, northwest, west, southwest, etc) and will default to the language selected by the pedestrian.
We are recommending this option be turned off as most have found it to be unnnecessary and added an element of confusion.
Information Message:
Sighted pedestrians can rely on street signage to determine their location. This custom location message provides the same information to pedestrians with vision loss via a voice message. It's the same information as that made available to sighted pedestrians and simply delivered in an accessible format! This location information message is critical in that it may be the only way for a pedestrian with vision loss to determine or verify their location. It also addresses the issue of ensuring public information is made available to citizens with print disabilities.
While the sample message suggests "Crossing Broadway at College Avenue", we would also support a more simplified location message such as "Broadway at College Avenue" - the first street announced being the street that the pedestrian is going to cross while the second street announced is the intersecting cross street.
Cancel On WALK:
This function dictates whether the information message is interrupted or cancelled at the start of the WALK cycle.
We recommend informational messages be cancelled at the start of the WALK cycle to ensure pedestrians are given the maximum opportunity to start and complete their crossing.
Extended Push Time:
This function determines the length of time the pushbutton must be pressed and held to invoke the extended push options, ranging from 0 to 6 seconds in .5 second intervals.
We are recommending the factory default of 1 second to invoke the extended push options.
2nd and 3rd Language Options:
This function allows the information message, WALK message and any subsequent messages to be played in a second or third language. This is a custom option, and many language combinations could be selected.
For example, Spanish and Cantonese options can be enabled, and the pedestrian can access the language options through an extended push. The primary language would be indicated first then the secondary language(s):
"English", pause, "Spanish" (spoken in Spanish), pause, "Cantonese" (spoken in Cantonese). The
pedestrian releases the button after they hear their preferred language. The
information message (Spanish) is immediately played in the selected language. The WALK message and any subsequent messages will be played in the selected language. Following the completion of the WALK cycle, all messages will revert back to the default language.
We are recommending the inclusion of this multi-lingual feature in locations where the demographics indicate such a need. With the exception of Quebec (where French would be the default language), English shall always be the default.
...and for those who are wondering what he just said *GRIN*, here is an English translation of the information message (English).
Extended Push Priority:
This unique function, when enabled, is given priority to silence the entire
intersection with the exception of the crosswalk that received an extended
push. This greatly reduces sound clutter to the pedestrian with vision loss and allows them
to concentrate on the indicators related only to their crosswalk.
We recommend this feature be activated (i.e. set to "yes").
WALK Ping-Pong (Beaconing) Effect:
This function instructs the Navigator II to deliver the WALK indication tone in an alternating fashion between the pushbutton station at the departure curb and the one located at the destination curb. Many people who are totally blind find this feature enhances their ability to localize on the destination point and assists them in making a straight street crossing.
We recommend this feature is activated (i.e. set to "yes").
NOTE: This audio file entitled "WALK tone in ping-pong (beaconing) mode" is best played on a pair of stereo headphones or on a computer equipped with two speakers connected to a stereo output. The wider your speaker separation, the better and more realistic the effect.
Clearance Ping-Pong (Beaconing) Effect:
Like the WALK Ping-Pong (Beaconing) effect" noted above, this funtion can deliver the pedestrian clearance countdown message in the same fashion.
We recommend the use of the factory default (i.e. set to "no").
Pre-Empt Messages:
This unique feature is but one that sets the Navigator II apart from all other APS devices in its class in that it provides specialized messaging during pre-empt phases. The Navigator II can be set to trigger a loud voice message when the control unit receives a pre-empt trigger from approaching emergency vehicles such as fire/rescue trucks or ambulances. CAUTION: The emergency vehicle pre-empt message starts with a very loud alert tone. It is recommended you do NOT listen to this audio file with headphones unless you have turned your volume setting down!
For complex intersections where pedestrians find it necessary to cross railroad or rapid transit rail lines, a special pre-empt message ("Train approaching!") is provided for these unique situations.
We found these pre-empt messages to be extremely beneficial in that they provide clear and concise instruction, particularly during crossings where it was difficult to determine if the emergency vehicle was oncoming and even more difficult to identify from which direction it was approaching.