Navatar, which is designed for people with visual impairments, identifies the position of a person via their mobile sensors. To clarify its position, the user can specify things by touching its proximity.

Man Becomes a Sensor To Refine the Location Indoor

If indoor location systems multiply – witness the latest project of Fraunhofer, who has developed a module that adds the phone – it does not mean that they are accessible to all. So, to enable the visually impaired to take guidance systems indoors and outdoors, a team from the University of Nevada has developed a solution that combines sensors and human-computer interaction. Navatar called, the system uses 2D architectural plans, present in most buildings and basic technologies such as the accelerometer or compass, present in a large majority of smartphone.

A way adapted to the needs of the user

This gives the possibility to locate, track the user in a mall for example. Nevertheless, “the sensors of smartphones used to calculate the number of steps and direction of the user, tend to pick the wrong signals,” said Eelke Folmer, a researcher at the university. And must use the powers of tracking the blind person.

The user becomes a sensor

Indeed, in addition to combining algorithm use probability sensors, Navatar uses the ability to detect landmarks visually impaired. The smartphone guide the user by voice. It interacts through touch or voice to indicate the presence of such an intersection between pins corridors, a door, a stairway or escalator. The route will adapt to the specific needs of the user and providing step-by-step.