Development and Evaluation of an Electronic Travel Aid System for Improving Mobility of Individuals with Visual Impairments: A Trial Study in a University Building

Abstract

This study developed a prototype for an electronic travel aids (ETAs) system named Navigation Assisting Vest (NaVest) using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons and a smartphone application to address the challenges faced by blind or visually impaired individuals (BVIP) whilst navigating unfamiliar indoor environments. The NaVest employs ultrasonic sensors for obstacle avoidance and indoor navigation functions. Testing and evaluation of the prototype were conducted with 12 BVIP and blindfolded participants in a local university building in the United Arab Emirates. The developed prototype improved the efficiency and safety of navigation tasks, and participants were overall satisfied with the system. Future research should focus on developing ETA systems that combine several functions to help BVIP travel more independently in indoor or outdoor environments. Additionally, ETA systems with multi-language support should be considered to improve accessibility for BVIP.

Keywords:

• Electronic travel aids
• indoor navigation system
• indoor positioning
• obstacle avoidance
• object recognition

Acknowledging these limitations, future studies should aim to address these issues to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the ETA system’s capabilities and limitations in various real-world scenarios and with a broader range of BVIP participants.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

In-Ju Kim

In-Ju Kim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management at the University of Sharjah in the UAE. He earned his PhD degree in Ergonomics/Human Factors and Safety Engineering from the University of Sydney, Australia. He is an active researcher in the fields of industry and occupational safety and injury prevention.

Heba H. Quteineh

Heba H. Quteineh is an Engineering Management master’s student at the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and engineering management from the University of Sharjah and has co-authored published conference papers.