Simulation of Handicapped People Finding Their Way Through Transport Infrastructures

Abstract

This paper presents a research effort put into enhancing existing simulation models by including models for the motion and orientation behavior of handicapped people being unfamiliar with a transport infrastructure. On the tactical level the perception of guidance systems is modeled and makes it possible to simulate agent navigation through an unknown infrastructure using the present signage. The guidance information is determined against relevant influencing factors in a simulated virtual 3D environment. For the proof of concept the applicability of the wayfinding algorithm is demonstrated in three different scenarios. Results show that the proposed simulation model facilitates an agent to find its way autonomously through a transport infrastructure based on signage information only. This makes it possible to evaluate the visibility of the guidance system and can reveal areas lacking guidance information for people unfamiliar with the infrastructure especially for elderly and handicapped people with reduced reception capabilities.