The Design and Evaluation of a Wearable Prototype to Support Non-Visual Wayfinding

Kuber, Ravi; King, Tristan; Nagraj, Anirudh; Vader, Mei-Lian; Bendigeri, Apoorva; Wolf, Flynn

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/117360 Copy

Description

Title

The Design and Evaluation of a Wearable Prototype to Support Non-Visual Wayfinding

Author(s)

• Kuber, Ravi
• King, Tristan
• Nagraj, Anirudh
• Vader, Mei-Lian
• Bendigeri, Apoorva
• Wolf, Flynn

Issue Date

2023-03-13

Keyword(s)

• Blind
• Eyes-Fre
• Wayfinding
• Wearable Prototype and Visual Impairment

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the design of a low-cost wearable prototype de-signed to support wayfinding in scenarios where the visual channel is blocked, restricted or not available (e.g., for nighttime travel, for users with visual impairments). Tactile cues are presented to convey the proximity of obstacles along the user’s route. If obstacles are determined to be impeding the user’s path, corrective action can then be taken. The prototype can detect obstacles at points surrounding the user. It also provides awareness of ob-stacles both above and below waist height. A preliminary evaluation was undertaken with seven blindfolded participants, who traversed a route using the prototype. Once the task was completed, they were then asked to illus-trate the position of objects along their path. Findings from the study have revealed the promise offered by the prototype to support non-visual way-finding, as participants were able to determine the position of multiple ob-jects, including those in close proximity to one another. Further work will focus on refinement of the detection algorithm, and examine ways to reduce overload in environments where multiple obstacles are present.

Publisher

iSchools

Series/Report Name or Number

iConference 2023 Proceedings

Type of Resource

• Other
• text

Language

eng

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/117360

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 is held by Ravi Kuber, Tristan King, Anirudh Nagraj, Mei-Lian Vader, Apoorva Bendigeri and Flynn Wolf. Copyright permissions, when appropriate, must be obtained directly from the author.

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