HOW
DOES
BLINDNAVI
WORK

Navigation mechanismWhere to set beaconsTarget User
1

CORNER

2

LANDMARK

3

REF

0

NAVIGATION MESSAGES
for RELATIVE LOCATION

When you pass by different types of location in the entire journey, BlindNavi will provide the micro location info as the corresponding navigation message to you.

See our rules of composing those navigation messages.

BEACON INSTALLATION                                  

In this mechanism, beacon plays the role like a guiding tile. Combining relevant study result and our own tests, we conclude that  the most efficient way to install beacon is to place them to the following types of location.

1

Turn left. After turn left, proceed on The Main Street.

CORNER

All of our research and test results show that corner is usually where things started to go wrong. So providing assistance at corner is absolutely necessary.

2

Keep going on The Main Street.
A Coffee Shop is on the left side. Prepare to cross the intersection on the right side.

SPECIAL LANDMARK

Special landmarks can be places with vital functions, such as subway exits, bus station, convenience store, and grocery shops. Visually impaired people will also notice places with distinct feature, such as coffee shop with a strong scent of coffee. It will leave an impression in their minds and helpful for building the mental map of their journey.

3

Facing The Main Street, make sure the traffic light is on 9 o’clock position and cross The Main Street. After cross the road, turn left.

REFERENCE OBJECT

Whenever walking through a zebra crossing or open area, BlinNavi will recommend that they find a reference object to help locate, ensure they’re heading to the right direction. Reference objects can be a traffic light, street light pole or transformer box. Stuff that’s going to be permanently fixed on the streets and unlikely to be moved away.

TARGET USER

The target user of BlindNavi is a visually impaired smartphone user with large demand for autonomously mobility. He/she must have the experience of orientation and mobility (O&M) training.Some abilities are required before you go out with BlindNavi.

SKILLS REQUIRED

BECAUSE

Track with white cane. Keep body balanced to walk straight.

Ensure they can safely walk through the zebra crossing.

Recognize clock position. Know how to face the correct direction.

Recognize direction in open area  where there’s nothing can be track by cane.

Differentiate floor textile with white cane, ex pedestrian vs. road.

Avoid walking into the traffic or stepping on other dangerous zone.

Know when to stop walking.
Speculate how wide is the road.

Decide wether to cross the road on their own or get some help.

Find the entrance of zebra crossing by hearing the car noise.

The entrance of zebra crossing is next to motorcycle waiting zone.

Know when to cross the road by hearing the car noise.

Period of engine sounds, from silent to noisy = time for crossing this intersection.