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Title: Virtual Guide Dog: Next-generation pedestrian signal for the visually impaired
Accessible pedestrian signal was proposed as a mean to achieve the same level of service that is set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act for the visually impaired. One of the major issues of existing accessible pedestrian signals is the failure to deliver adequate crossing information for the visually impaired. This article presents a mobile-based accessible pedestrian signal application, namely, Virtual Guide Dog. Integrating intersection information and onboard sensors (e.g. GPS, compass, accelerometer, and gyroscope sensor) of modern smartphones, the Virtual Guide Dog application can notify the visually impaired: (1) the close proximity of an intersection and (2) the street information for crossing. By employing a screen tapping interface, Virtual Guide Dog can remotely place a pedestrian crossing call to the controller, without the need of using a pushbutton. In addition, Virtual Guide Dog informs VIs the start of a crossing phase using text-to-speech technology. The proof-of-concept test shows that Virtual Guide Dog keeps the users informed about the remaining distance as they are approaching the intersection. It was also found that the GPS-only mode is accompanied by greater distance deviation compared to the mode jointly operating with both GPS and cellular positioning.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1844238
NSF-PAR ID:
10196119
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Advances in Mechanical Engineering
Volume:
12
Issue:
3
ISSN:
1687-8140
Page Range / eLocation ID:
168781401988309
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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