A path-guided audio based indoor navigation system for persons with visual impairment

Abstract

Independent path-based mobility in an unfamiliar indoor environment is a common problem faced by visually impaired community. We present the design of an infra-red based active wayfinding system for the visually impaired. Our proposed system: downloads the floor plan of the building, locates and tracks the user inside the building, finds the shortest path and provides step-by-step direction to the destination using voice messages. The audio instructions include active guidance for impending turns in the path of travel, distance of each section between turns, obstacle warning instructions and position correction messages when the user gets lost. Results from a needs finding study with visually impaired individuals formed the design of the system. We then deployed the system in a building and field tested it with users using a standardized before-and-after study. The comparison of the results demonstrated that the system is usable and useful.