Walking speed of visually impaired people with two talking electronic travel systems

ISSN： 1388-235X

Source： Visual Impairment Research, Vol.2, Iss.2, 2000-08, pp. : 81-93

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Abstract

Two electronic systems for indoor use were tested as a way-finding aid by 25 visually impaired people. The Blind Orientation System (BOS) is a system with talking sign posts that point to a selection of destinations; the Easy Walker (EW) is a talking route system that guides the user to the destination which is entered into the personal receiver at the start. Both systems make use of ceiling-mounted beacons and infrared communication between the beacons and the personal receiver. Results were compared to the way-finding performance after a verbal route description by a passer-by. The walking speed was slower (0.74x) using BOS and faster (1.18x) using EW than after a verbal route description. EW was easy to use in combination with a guide dog. The number of times that additional information was needed or correction was given was about equal with the verbal route instruction and BOS, but about three to four times less with EW. Statements on items of appreciation of the systems were scored in favor of EW by all subjects. Twenty-four of the subjects in our population noted as first preference the EW system for use during a future visit to the hospital. The ‘passer-by' and the BOS were mentioned equally frequently as second preference.