In this project we investigate possibilities for an electronic navigation tool, to be carried by the blind person in an unremarkable way. The system should be able to facilitate walking through streets and travelling by public transport. The research comprises three aspects: obstacle detection, navigation and information feedback. The detection system should cover small and low obstacles (stones, steps, kerbs) but also larger objects (a passer-by, walls, trees) and passages (doorway, gate). With the navigation system the blind should be able to find particular locations in an unknown area, for instance the post office, the railway station and bus stops. This part of the system could be realized using GPS-like instruments.
Finally, all this information should be passed to the blind person in a proper way, not interfering with other sensory feedback as used by the user of this system. |
