scholarly journals An edge detection framework conjoining with IMU data for assisting indoor navigation of visually impaired persons

2017 ◽  
Vol 67 ◽  
pp. 272-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kit Yan Chan ◽  
Ulrich Engelke ◽  
Nimsiri Abhayasinghe
Keyword(s):  
Edge Detection ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Indoor Navigation ◽  
Visually Impaired Persons

scholarly journals Indoor Navigation Systems for Visually Impaired Persons: Mapping the Features of Existing Technologies to User Needs

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darius Plikynas ◽  
Arūnas Žvironas ◽  
Andrius Budrionis ◽  
Marius Gudauskis
Keyword(s):  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Indoor Navigation ◽  
Public Institutions ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Navigation Systems ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
Visually Impaired Persons ◽  
Head Level ◽  
Outdoor Navigation

Currently, several outdoor navigation and orientation electronic traveling aid (ETA) solutions for visually impaired (VI) people are commercially available or in active development. This paper’s survey of blind experts has shown that after outdoor navigation, the second most important ETA feature for VI persons is indoor navigation and orientation (in public institutions, supermarkets, office buildings, homes, etc.). VI persons need ETA for orientation and navigation in unfamiliar indoor environments with embedded features for the detection and recognition of obstacles (not only on the ground but also at head level) and desired destinations such as rooms, staircases, and elevators. The development of such indoor navigation systems, which do not have Global Positioning System (GPS) locational references, is challenging and requires an overview and evaluation of existing systems with different navigation technologies. This paper presents an evaluation and comparison of state-of-the-art indoor navigation solutions, and the research implications provide a summary of the critical observations, some insights, and directions for further developments. The paper maps VI needs in relation to research and development (R&D) trends using the evaluation criteria deemed most important by blind experts.

scholarly journals Developing apps for people with sensory disabilities, and implications for technology acceptance models

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-40
Author(s):  
Paraskevi Theodorou ◽  
Apostolos Meliones
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Technology Acceptance Model ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Indoor Navigation ◽  
Blind And Visually Impaired ◽  
Acceptance Model ◽  
Visually Impaired Persons

The significance of digital assistive technology in everyday life of people with disabilities has been continuously increasing during the last decade. An important example is that of the development of mobile apps which are suitably adapted for use by sensory-deprived people. We are involved in developing two such initiatives. The first offers interactive indoor navigation for blind and visually impaired persons, while the second offers deaf people a user-friendly environment for text depiction of the verbal speech, even when the articulation is defective, which is usually the case when the speaker is deaf. Despite the possible benefits of these apps, this does not necessarily signify automatic acceptance. This study aims to examine factors that may inhibit take up, in order to obviate these as much as possible. Factors contributing to the acceptance of technology may be complex, such as ‘perceived usefulness’, ‘self-efficacy’ and ‘social influence’. An exploratory study of this issue will accrue qualitative evidence from the potential users. The paper concludes by presenting recommendations for the development of a tentative modified Technology Acceptance Model that considers the special circumstances around technology use by disability cohorts, to be tested as the research continues. Keywords: Technology acceptance model, blind and visually impaired, deaf, mobile apps, qualitative analysis. Keywords: Technology Acceptance Model; blind and visually impaired; deaf; mobile apps; qualitative analysis

scholarly journals Information Technology and Transcription of Reading Materials for the Visually Impaired Persons in Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Nkiko ◽  
Morayo I. Atinmo ◽  
Happiness Chijioke Michael-Onuoha ◽  
Julie E. Ilogho ◽  
Michael O. Fagbohun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Modern Information Technology ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Reading Materials ◽  
Ex Post Facto ◽  
Information Materials ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Visually Impaired Persons

Studies have shown inadequate reading materials for the visually impaired in Nigeria. Information technology has greatly advanced the provision of information to the visually impaired in other industrialized climes. This study investigated the extent of application of information technology to the transcription of reading materials for the visually impaired in Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design of the ex-post facto to select 470 personnel as respondents. A questionnaire titled Information Technology Use Scale (α=0.74), and Interview Schedule (α=0.75), were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The findings indicate that information technology in transcription was low and a significant positive relationship between application of information technology and transcription of information materials (r=0.62: p<0.05). The study recommended among others that Multi-National Corporations should be sensitized to extend their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities to help in procuring modern information technology devices and software to enhance transcription.

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