A flexible routing scheme for patients with topographical disorientation

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Ubiquitous Computing
• Assistive Technology

Background:

• Topographical disorientation poses challenges for indoor navigation.
• Ambient intelligence systems offer potential navigational aid via embedded devices.
• Auditory or graphical instructions can assist patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an automatic routing engine for ambient intelligence systems.
• To provide navigational assistance for individuals with topographical disorientation.
• To enhance indoor navigation capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Develops an automatic routing engine for indoor navigation.
• Computes minimal cost routes considering patient abilities, physical barriers, and dynamic environments.
• Simulates routing for patients with topographical disorientation and physical disabilities.

Main Results:

• The routing scheme demonstrates potential cost-savings compared to random walks.
• Effectiveness shown even when patients follow only a subset of instructions.
• Successful routing demonstrated with dynamic building changes.

Conclusions:

• The routing method reduces navigational effort for patients with topographical disorientation.
• Considers patient abilities, environmental barriers, and dynamic building changes.
• The algorithm and database are suitable for integration into wearable and mobile platforms.