This paper proposes a new application framework for group tour guiding services based on RFIDs and wireless sensor networks. We consider a sensing field mixed with multiple independent tourist groups, each with a leader and several members. Members of a group will follow the moving path of their leader, but may occasionally roam around randomly on their own interests. Sensor nodes have to track leaders' locations and maintain guiding paths from members to leaders. A member may inquire where his/her leader is, and a leader may "recall" his/her members. We propose a feasible solution to such an application by using existing technologies and off-the-shelf components. A group guiding protocol is presented. The design enables reliable group guiding at low cost and low traffic load. Our prototyping system is reported and system performance is discussed.

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Numerically controlled flame cutting machines used in shipyards are generally equipped only with line-segment and circle-arc moving capabilities. This paper attacks the problem of how to approximate a given curve of arbitrary shape by a sequence of line-segments and circle-arcs. The given curve is represented by the cubic spline interpolation curve formed by a set of net points on the curve. An efficient method based on the nature of cubic spline is then provided to approximate the interpolation curve by a sequence of linesegments and circle-arcs. This method has been practically employed by the China Shipbuilding Co. in production line. In order to save storage and expedite the approximation, an effective method is also provided for selecting a near minimal set of net points whose cubic spline interpolation curve can adequately represent the actual given curve. Although the techniques are developed for shipbuilding purpose, they can find applications in other fields.