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Updated: May 25, 2026
09:01
Development of an Audio-based Virtual Gaming Environment to Assist with Navigation Skills in the Blind
Published on: March 27, 2013
PERCEPT: indoor navigation for the blind and visually impaired
Aura Ganz1, Siddhesh Rajan Gandhi, James Schafer
1Electrical and Computer Engineering DepartmentUniversity of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
Summary
The PERCEPT system improves indoor navigation for visually impaired individuals using a portable, on-demand device. This accessible technology offers low-cost, scalable solutions for enhanced environmental perception.
Area of Science:
- Assistive Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Sensory Substitution
Background:
- Visually impaired individuals face challenges navigating indoor and unfamiliar environments.
- Existing navigation aids may be costly, complex, or provide overwhelming information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the PERCEPT system, designed to enhance environmental perception for the blind and visually impaired.
- To present a novel system offering unique features for improved accessibility.
Main Methods:
- Development of a custom handheld device for audible instructions.
- Implementation of an on-demand information delivery system.
- Focus on low deployment cost, scalability, portability, and ease-of-use.
Main Results:
- The PERCEPT system provides essential environmental information audibly.
- The system is designed for scalability in large buildings.
- Features include low maintenance, on-demand data, and a compact user device.
Conclusions:
- The PERCEPT system offers a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for indoor navigation.
- The on-demand, portable design enhances environmental perception for visually impaired users.
- This technology represents a scalable advancement in assistive navigation tools.
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