Indoor Orientation and Wayfinding AId for Vision Loss
David Ross, MEd, MSEE
(2003 - 2004)

Objectives: The goal is cost-effective provision of indoor orientation and wayfinding information for veterans with severe vision loss. The objective is an aid that provides equivalent access to indoor spatial structures at a distance, so that these veterans can independently orient to and find their way through unfamiliar indoor settings. Methods: Cyber crumbs  tiny solar-powered infra-red transmitter beacons that store and transmit information on demand  are being developed for inconspicuous placement over doors, exits, and other salient landmarks. A user badge is being developed to (1) obtain crumbs of information relevant to the persons destination, (2) determine the direction and distance of crumbs marking salient landmarks, and (3) present spatial information using stereo-positioned output. Subjects are evaluating this system in the hallways of the Atlanta VA Medical Center. Results: To date, a 6-month feasibility study has been conducted. Constructed prototypes have a range of 22 feet. Solar-powered operation limits the location of these initial prototypes to well-lit indoor locations. The initial badge prototype voices information from every crumb encountered. Subjects evaluating this prototype independently found their way to random destinations when told what landmarks (crumbs) to listen for on the way. Projected cost of crumbs in mass production is $10, and projected user badge cost is $250.

Conclusions: This technology holds the promise for cost effective, viable and ubiquitous provision of needed indoor orientation and wayfinding information.

Implications/Impact: Future research should refine this technology so that it can effectively fulfill its potential in terms of ubiquity and cost effectiveness.