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Comparison between audio and tactile systems for delivering simple navigational information to visually impaired pedestrians

Brunel University, UK, Olinkha.Gustafson-Pearce{at}brunel.ac.uk

Eric Billett

Brunel University, UK

Franjo Cecelja

Brunel University, UK

Many of the current GPS (Global Positioning Systems) navigation aids use an audio method to deliver navigation information to the user. For the visually impaired person this method can be problematic. The visually impaired pedestrian relies heavily on information contained within the ambient sound environment; for location and orientation information, navigation information and, importantly, safety information. In this article we present the design of an innovative tactile interface and verification of results obtained through experimental trials. This pilot study compared the efficiency of the tactile interface to an audio method of delivering simple navigational information. The findings indicate that the tactile interface could be used successfully by blind and sighted pedestrians and may offer advantages over auditory interfaces.

Key Words: audio interface • navigation • navigation aid • street noise • tactile interface • Tugs

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