Ranger Hardware

The Ranger Series of hand-held video tour guide computers automatically delivers multimedia content to users as they approach preprogrammed GPS coordinates or through a variety of manual access methods. The proprietary Ranger handheld device features these innovative features:

• Lightweight; Measures 6 ½” x 3 ½“ x 1”
• Easy to Use 4” Sunlight Readable Touch Screen
• 400 MHz Processor
• Market Leading High-Sensitivity ublox GPS-Chip
• Windows CE Operating System
• Storage for Up to 4 GB or about 9 Hours of Video Content
• Rechargeable Battery Lasts for Approximately 3 Hours; Extended Battery Pack Available
• Stereo-Speaker System & Support for Headphones with an Adaptor
• Rugged IP-54 Rating; Can Withstand Dust & Dirt and Drop from 6FT Up without Damage
• Water-Resistant; Can Withstand Drop into Water for Up to 5 Minutes without Damage
• Can Operate in Temperatures Ranging from 140° F to -20° F
• Supports Accessories: Car-Charger & Window Mount for Driving Tours; Bike Mount Kit

In addition to the handheld Ranger device, a system installation will also include a Venue Server Recharging Rack. Recharging Racks, available in multiple sizes & styles, are responsible for recharging the unit’s batteries, maintaining check-out/in records, updating tour content and storing the units for optimal merchandising (see Venue Server section below for pictures). Contact BarZ to discuss your installation needs and inquire about rack options.

Ranger Software

The Tour Content Engine or TCE is the primary interface between the user and the Ranger. The interface includes a dynamic map of the location with map markers to indicate the places of interest and a video player with touch screen controls. The device software includes these innovative features:

• Full-Screen Video Playback Mode
• Dynamic “You are Here” Icon & “Find Me” Map Re-Centering Button
• Map Zoom-In, Zoom-Out, & Panning with the Swipe of a Finger
• Video Status Bar allowing Fast Forward & Rewind of Videos
• Headphone Controls to Toggle Sound Between Speakers/Headset as Needed
• Media Search to Directly Play Any Desired Video
• Customizable Map Icons & Media Menus for Branding & Advertising Applications
• On-Screen Captioning Bar
• Point-of-Interest Alert Tone
• Interface Skins to Customize the Button Icons & Colors
• Internationalized Interface to Offer Device Controls & Text Prompts in any Foreign Language
• Timed Events Notices
• On-Screen Battery Indicator
• Multiple Advertising & Sponsorship Options to Generate Revenue & Promote Other Offerings
• Trivia Questions with Points Capability
• Tour Stops Distance & Direction Calculations on Map

Venue Server – Manages, Updates & Recharges the Rangers

The Venue Server or VS includes the software that the venue personnel will use to check units in and out of the system. The VS system and accompanying software is part of the recharging rack and includes a PC that sits at the bottom of the rack.  The VS software includes these innovative features: 

• Device Check-Out Customer Data Collection
• Support for Web-Cam and/or Credit Card Swipe Reader for Deposit Information
• Simultaneous Device Check-Out to Speedily Process Groups
• Refund Processing
• Trivia Score Emails Automatically Sent to Users
• Customized Fields for Customer Information Collection if Desired
• Internal FIFO (First In First Out) Log to Check-Out Longest Charging Devices
• Customized Merchandising Screen-Saver

Central Editing Facility – Manages the Media Content, Experience Creation & Usage Reports

The Central Editing Facility or CEF is web-based and provides the central repository for all management and creation of the tour experience. The CEF is hosted on BarZ’s redundant server and is 100% secure; venue personnel can access their tours via assigned accounts and passwords. The web-based nature of the software allows for remote management of tour content and unit inventory from any internet connected computer.  The CEF software includes these innovative features:

• Flexible Tour Development - Media Files & GPS Coordinates Can Be Linked in Numerous Ways
• Support for Diverse Media Types: .AVI, .SWF, .FLV & .JPG Media Files
• CEF Administration Options to Allow Different Levels of Access for Employees as Needed
• Easy Content Updates through Intuitive Menus & Browse Functions
• Tour Usage Reporting Including Accounting, Customer Information & Bread Crumbing (Tracking Where Visitors Go and How Long They Stay at Each Location)
• Customized Map Uploading & Layout Options
• Tour Stop Trigger Options – Define the Latitude, Longitude and Radius for Content to Trigger Automatically
• Support for Multiple Tours for Any Language, Demographic, Topic or Length of Experience

Contact BarZ to arrange a live-web demo to see the system up-close, ask questions & receive a free, no-obligation price quote that fits your needs.