The researchers said this device combines local sensor information with data from environment models. Users can access the information acoustically or in Braille when they're on the move. The model and sensor data are compared on a continuous basis.
Launched in January of this year, the ASBUS (Assistance for people with sensory disabilities at the University of Stuttgart) project aims to map the entire university. An independent navigation within the university's public spaces, in accordance with United Nations (UN) conventions and access, would offer key support for users who need it.
The VIS Group is collaborating with the Study Centre for Blind and Partially Sighted Students (SZS) at the University of Karlsruhe in Germany, and other research and public institutions have expressed an interest in receiving navigation support for the visually impaired.
According to the researchers, they constructed digital hierarchical two-dimensional (2D)-environment models to help users navigate their way around campus. These models include augmented information and key landmarks including elevator switches and doors equipped with radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags.
The VIS Group also developed the TANIA (Tactile Acoustical Navigation and Information Assistant) system, which is being used to help blind users access information about their current position and other mapped objects in the area.
The team, which is headed by VIS Group's Dr Andreas Hub, said the system offers users navigation options and augmented information including contact data.
They added that most location-based text information can be integrated. This includes useful items such as the opening hours of a library or the cafeteria. To date, blind users of TANIA have been able to navigate their way around the computer science building and the subway station of the University of Stuttgart.
The next phase is to expand the system to other subway stations. This is expected to be developed with help from the public transportation firms. The objective is to make the university's downtown campus and the path between both sites accessible to all.
Meanwhile, the researchers noted that the implementation of accessibility laws concerning public buildings and spaces can benefit everyone; people without any visual impairment often have difficulty orientating themselves in various areas on campus. Information collected and provided by the ASBUS project will make navigation a lot less challenging.
The ASBUS project has received over EUR 370 000 in funding from the University of Stuttgart.
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University of Stuttgart, http://www.uni-stuttgart.de/index.en.html
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