+44 (0)1895 431421 
+1 (480) 584 3518 
Storm’s new products receive RNIB accreditation.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) have awarded their “Tried and Tested” accreditation to Storm’s new Microphone Array Module and Microphone Activation Sensor.
Storm’s product development team recognized that the increasing use of smart speaker technology in the home would inevitably lead to adoption of voice controlled technology in public use applications.
Understanding that widespread availability of voice commanded systems would significantly improve accessibility for blind and partially sighted users of self-service kiosks, Storm turned to the RNIB Laboratories in the UK for advice and guidance.
RNIB identified concerns about privacy issues created by the installation of active microphones in public locations. Storm had anticipated a requirement to ensure the public were made aware of active microphones within recording range. In particular, the RNIB were keen to ensure that blind and partially sighted people could identify and use any kiosks equipped with speech commanded technology.
It became clear that the kiosk signage must not only feature a visual symbol to indicate the presence of a microphone, but that the symbol must also be tactile to enable its identification by touch. Installation and application guides for the new products also suggest that an audible signal be transmitted by the host application to indicate when the microphone is activated and ready for use.
This need to address both accessibility and privacy led Storm to develop the Microphone Activation Sensor for use alongside its Microphone Array Module. “Inclusion of the Mic Activation Sensor in any public speech commanded system is a must” says Peter Jarvis of Storm Interface. “This device provides not only a notification to users that speech command technology is available for use, it also communicates the status of the microphone. By detecting the presence of someone within the kiosk addressable zone, the sensor allows microphones to be maintained in a closed (muted) condition until required for use. The products were very well received during user trials at the RINB test labs and Storm is proud to receive the Tried and Tested accreditation awarded by the RNIB.”
Background Information:
About Storm Interface
For more than 30 years Storm Interface have designed and manufactured secure, rugged and reliable keypads, keyboards and interface devices. Storm products are built to withstand rough use and abuse in unattended public-use and industrial applications. Storm Assistive Technology Products are recognized by the Royal National Institute for Blind People under their ‘RNIB Tried and Tested’ program.
About The RNIB
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is one of the UK’s leading sight loss charities and the largest community of blind and partially sighted people.
The RNIB have been supporting people with sight loss since 1868 and proudly received their Royal Charter in 1949.
← Back