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Published on: March 27, 2013
Development of voice navigation system for the visually impaired by using IC tags
Norihiko Takatori1, Kengo Nojima, Masashi Matsumoto
1Department of Electrical Engineering, Tokai University, Japan.
Summary
A new intelligent white cane system with colored navigation lines and IC tags helps visually impaired individuals navigate indoor spaces independently. This system provides vibrational and voice guidance, proving effective in trials.
Area of Science:
- Assistive Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Significant population of visually impaired individuals, particularly the elderly, face challenges with traditional white cane navigation.
- Need for advanced guiding systems to enhance independent mobility for the visually impaired in indoor environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an intelligent white cane system to support independent indoor navigation for visually impaired persons.
- To assess the efficacy of a system integrating colored navigation lines with IC tags and a smart cane.
Main Methods:
- Development of a system comprising colored floor navigation lines with embedded IC tags and an intelligent white cane equipped with a color sensor, IC tag transceiver, and voice processor.
- The white cane detects colored lines via its sensor, providing vibrational feedback. IC tags at landmarks offer voice-guided information.
Main Results:
- All ten blindfolded subjects successfully navigated using the colored lines and vibrational feedback.
- The IC tag-based landmark information system functioned effectively during testing.
Conclusions:
- The developed intelligent white cane system demonstrates significant potential as a valuable tool for improving the independent mobility of visually impaired individuals in indoor settings.
- The system's combination of visual cues (colored lines), tactile feedback (vibration), and auditory information (voice prompts) offers a comprehensive navigation solution.
