www.ati.es/novatica/>, journal of the Spanish CEPIS society ATI (Asociación

SesamoNet is an innovative and cost effective guide system for blind people. Thanks to the spread of handheld hardware and software technology, such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) and smartphones, wireless communication, TTS (Text To Speech) and database software for mobile devices, we were able to build a portable, easy to use orientation and navigation aid which still has great development possibilities. The cost effectiveness is due to the recovery of RFID identity tags used for tracing after cattle slaughtering: these tags are then burrowed to create the grid used for navigation. SesamoNet can also give the user environmental information such as nearby shops ’ names presence of steps or obstacles, bus stops, tube entrances or crossings. Future projects include interaction with traffic lights and remote assistance centres. The system was developed with attention to usability issues, both software (user interface) and hardware (ergonomics).