The development of museum audio guides has evolved from simple to intelligent. Below, I will provide a comprehensive analysis, from traditional to cutting-edge technologies:

I.Core Basic Technologies

Audio Compression and Storage Technology:

Early: Physical media such as tapes and CDs were used, with limited storage capacity and fixed content.

Modern: Flash memory chips, such as SD cards or eMMC, are primarily used. Audio files typically use high-compression, low-loss formats (such as MP3 and AAC) to accommodate multi-language, multi-content audio guides within limited storage space.

Radio Transmission Technology:

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): RFID tags are installed near exhibits. When a visitor approaches a handheld guide, the guide automatically identifies the corresponding guide content and plays it. This is one of the key technologies for automatically triggering the “walk-to-talk” feature.

2.4 GHz Wireless Communication: Similar to wireless keyboards and mice, a central transmitter covers the entire venue, and the guide receives the signal through channel matching. The signal is stable and highly resistant to interference, making it a common technology in group tour systems.

II.Positioning and Triggering Technology

This is the key to achieving “automatic” or “precisely targeted” tour

Infrared Triggering (IR): An infrared transmitter is installed in a display case or exhibition area to transmit a signal in a targeted direction. Upon receiving the specifically coded infrared signal, the tour guide plays the corresponding content. The advantages are precise positioning and reduced crosstalk between exhibits. The disadvantage is that it requires linear propagation and is easily obstructed.

Bluetooth Beacon (iBeacon/Beacon): This is currently a very mainstream technology. Low-power Bluetooth beacon devices are widely deployed throughout the museum. Each beacon has a unique ID. Visitors’ phones or smart tour guide apps scan nearby beacon IDs to determine their location and automatically deliver corresponding audio, video, or text content. This technology offers low power consumption and flexible deployment.

UWB (Ultra-Wideband) Precise Indoor Positioning: This is an emerging high-precision positioning technology. By measuring the time of flight of radio waves between the device and a positioning base station, it can achieve centimeter-level accuracy. This technology not only determines which exhibit you are in front of, but also determines the direction you are facing, enabling extremely precise and immersive AR interactive experiences. However, this technology is relatively costly.

Modern museum audio guide system are no longer simple “recording players” but rather comprehensive intelligent terminals that integrate hardware, software, communications, positioning, and artificial intelligence.