Review of Current Options Using Systems to enhance Navigation for Blind Students traversing UCC campus

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Using Wireless Technology to Facilitate Campus
Navigation
Tracey J. Mehigan Ian Pitt IDEAS Research Group
Dept. of Computer Science University College
Cork
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Introduction

• Who navigates UCC?
• Project background
• State-of-the-Art - issues
• Review of user requirements results
• System

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Who Navigates UCC?

• Average annual visitors
• Visitors through the Visitor Centre in excess of
  15,000
• Glucksman Gallery visitors in excess of 70,000
• Students (2010/2011)
• 1040 Visiting students
• 2400 International students
• 1988 Adult continuing education students
• 10 totally blind students and 28 vision impaired

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Background

• Campus navigation difficult for blind /
  vision-impaired students, staff and visitors
• Sign-posts / maps
• Mobility training
• Potential solution
• Navigation via mobile / wireless technology

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State-of-the-Art

• Cost-effective systems have been developed
• Safe and independent navigation
• Research-based systems
• Exhibitions (Belloti et al 2006)
• Universities (Tee et al 2009)
• Indoor positioning (Nokia Research Labs)
• Commercial systems
• Humanwares Trekker Breeze

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Issues within State-of-the-Art

• Accuracy of feedback provided
• No transition between indoor / outdoor navigation
• Power-drain / battery life
• No conveyance of terrain and environment
• Cumbersome systems
• Isolation and exclusion of user

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Review of User Requirements

• Interviews and walkabouts with students /
  mobility trainer
• Questions
• Comment on campus navigation issues
• Issues associated with specific routes
• Strengths / weaknesses of mobility training
• Describe thought process during walkabout
• Guide dog / cane users

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Results of Review (1)

• Differences between dog / cane users
• Use of environmental sounds / cues
• Primary means of determining position
• Confirm information obtained through other means
• Use of different manholes as route-markers
• Use of the river / wind direction

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Results of Review (2)

• No off-the-shelf system meets UCC's needs
• All systems fall short in following areas
• Accuracy level of feedback
• Reliability of localisation information
• Inability to operate both indoors / outdoors
• Nature of interface feedback

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Navigation Layer

• Bluetooth 4.0 Ultra Low Power
• Can be used to provide location-based information
• Low energy wireless solution
• Multi-vendor interoperability
• Included in new devices iPhone 4S
• Wireless Inertial Measurement Units (WIMU)
• Capture optical 3D motion

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User Interface Layer

• Address issues apparent in other systems
• Retain all beneficial elements from other systems
• Existing systems - TTS and visual feedback
• Extend feedback facilities
• Extend user control facilities
• Facilitate different users
• Ensure no isolating features included

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User Interface Key Components

• 'You are Here' facility
• Route marking facility
• 'Near Me' facility
• Orientation facility
• Map-based visual feedback

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Key Feedback Components

• Audio Components
• Simple audio
• Spatial audio
• Speech
• Haptic components
• Varying levels of vibration
• Text based options
• Size / colour options

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Prototype UI

• Developed by a BIS 4th year student
• Final year project work
• Developed navigation UI for Android devices
• Bluetooth functionality
• Pilot study

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Conclusion

• Who navigates UCC?
• Project background
• State-of-the-Art - issues
• Review of user requirements results
• System

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Questions??