An Indoor Routing Algorithm for the Blind: Development and Comparison to a Routing Algorithm for the Sighted

Abstract

This paper presents a prototypical implementation of a non‐network‐based indoor routing algorithm for the sighted and the blind. The spatial abilities of the visually impaired are discussed. Former approaches of outdoor navigation systems for the blind are analyzed and deemed inappropriate for the purpose of modeling indoor navigation. The proposed routing algorithm for the blind calculates routes based on physical characteristics of traveling with a long cane. The algorithm distinguishes between clues, landmarks, obstacles, and hazards along the feasible paths and selects the optimal route by trading off distance and the number of landmarks and clues along a route. Subsequently, the routes for the blind are compared to routes calculated by the routing algorithm for the sighted. The paper asserts that the proposed indoor routing algorithm leads to more suitable routes for the blind.

Keywords:

• non‐network‐based routing algorithm
• indoor navigation
• wayfinding
• visually impaired

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the editor and three reviewers for their support and constructive comments. Their feedback helped us to improve the quality of the paper and provided us with valuable suggestions for future research efforts.