Mobile audio navigation interfaces for the blind

Abstract

In this paper we present a set of mobile, audio-based applications to assist with the navigation of blind users through real environments. These applications are used with handheld PocketPC devices and are developed for different contexts such as the neighborhood, bus transportation, the Metro network and the school. The interfaces were developed with the use of verbalized and sound-based environments. The usability of the hardware and the software was evaluated, obtaining a high degree of acceptance of the sound and user control, as well as a high level of satisfaction and motivation expressed by the blind users. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.