Providing intuitive museum guidance through asset-tracking and mobile applications

Abstract

The tracking of artifacts in museums can be a cumbersome and error-prone process. A system that performs this tracking manually would help prevent mistakes and could be utilized to help attract and retain museum visitors. This thesis outlines the design and implementation of a three-part system for accomplishing this goal. By combining a powerful RFID infrastructure with a server and an intuitive mobile-device application, the project in this thesis aims to provide an automated way to keep track of artifacts, as well as to provide an application that makes the traversal of the museum intuitive and enjoyable for visitors. The application is built on Apple’s iOS platform in order to reach the multitude of users already in possession of iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches. An initial evaluation shows the system behaves as expected and that it could be a useful tool to museums.