Accessible Pedestrian Signals
Okeenea aBeacon is a smart audio guidance system for traffic lights.
Traditional beacons are always “on”, disturbing the peace
Okeenea aBeacon is a smart audio guidance system for traffic lights. Though the familiar ticking sound of traditional audio beacons is mainly background noise for passersby, it can be a constant source of disturbance for people living or working nearby. However, for a person who is blind or visually impaired, that sound is essential: a critical aid that enhances safety and supports independent mobility.
Okeenea aBeacon solves this problem by providing audio guidance that activates only when needed. This smart audio system clearly announces where and when it is safe to cross the street, offering essential support for visually impaired pedestrians. It can also deliver more detailed navigation instructions, helping users orient themselves more accurately.
Because the beacon is on-demand activated, accessibility improves without compromising the comfort of the surrounding environment, ensuring that volume levels in the local area are managed in a more streamlined way.
How does the aBeacon work in practice?
Okeenea aBeacon is installed on a traffic light pole, where it draws power directly from the red and green signal wires. If fixed electrical power is not available at the crossing, the device can also be powered via a 5V USB connection.
Once installed, the Okeenea aBeacon functions just like other smart beacons in the product family. When a visually impaired person arrives at the crossing, the beacon is activated via the MyMovEO app or the Okeenea Button. As the traffic light changes from red to green, the user receives a clear audio instruction, either from the beacon’s built-in speaker or directly to their headphones.
With this guidance, the pedestrian knows exactly when and where it is safe to cross.
