Work

Indoor Navigation Validation Framework for Visually Impaired Users

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper, we introduce the first validation framework of an indoor navigation system for blind and visually impaired (BVI) users, which is a significant step toward the development of cost effective indoor way-finding solutions for BVI users. The BVI users require detailed landmark-based navigation instructions that will help them arrive at the chosen destination independently. These users will interact with the navigation instructions on a smartphone using an accessible user interface. The validation framework includes the following three main components: 1) virtual reality-based simulation that simulates a BVI user traversing and interacting with the physical environment, developed using Unity game engine; 2) generation of action codes that emulate the avatar movement in the virtual environment, developed using a natural language processing parser of the navigation instructions; and 3) accessible user interface, which enables the user to access the navigation instructions, developed using Sikuli script library. We introduce a case study that illustrates the use of the validation tool using PERCEPT system. It is our strong belief that the validation framework we provide in this paper will encourage other developers to invent indoor navigation systems for BVI users. In addition, we would like to mention that this tool is the first step of validating an indoor navigation system and should be followed by trials with human subjects.

Source: IEEE Access

DOI: 10.1109/access.2017.2761698

Authors: Yang Tao, Linlin Ding, Aura Ganz

Institution: University of Massachusetts Amherst

Language: English

Topic: Digital Accessibility for Disabilities

Subfield: Human Factors and Ergonomics

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,075