Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled assistive device, system and method for blind or visually impaired (B & VI) persons. A device typically includes at least partially within a hand-operated housing structure a RFID scanner capable of interrogating a surrounding environment of the presence of one or more RFID tags, a RFID decoder capable of converting a received RFID signal to an audio signal, and an audio output device configured to produce a user-audible output including information derived from a received RFID signal. Additionally and/or alternatively, a vehicle can be configured with an RFID scanner, decoder, and audio and/or visual output device to warn an operator of the vehicle of the proximity to a B & VI person possessing an RFID tag.

Abstract: Barcode scanning and digitizing technology incorporated in the tip of a white cane for the blind, which houses barcode reader, sonar, color sensory and audio production mechanisms. Apparatus detects and announces via audio or vibratory output, obstacles, drop-offs, colors or suitable informational barcode sites placed with a plurality of locations or environments for assisting blind or visually impaired users to navigate. In one embodiment, the apparatus combines the white cane with a barcode scanner and decoder with laser depth finding capacity in the cane tip, an sonar technology within the cane housing; and a separate hand-held unit having color and standard UPC barcode scanners, both the cane and the hand-held unit being connected to the audio output device by a hard-wire or wireless connection.