Problem Statement

In an ever-developing urban landscape like Singapore, with new routes and roads appearing ever so often, people with visual impairment could be affected by unfamiliar territory, putting them in a precarious position.

Solution

The project aims to create a seamless outdoor and indoor navigation system that can be used by the persons with visual impairment.

The system combines the outdoor positioning function primarily provided by GPS, indoor positioning technology developed by MyrLabs Navistar, as well as an enhanced scheme of GPS and Navistar signals to create seamless transitions between the indoors and outdoors.

This system will be deployed at the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped Campus, to provide:

•  Navigation data through positioning devices

•  Navigation aids (hands-free devices) to guide persons with visual impairment in covered areas

•  Mapping abilities that can facilitate the movement and information dissemination of persons with visual impairment

•  Location-sharing function for persons with visual impairment share their positions with caregivers

Outcomes

The Seamless Navigation for the Blind and Visually Impaired system can do more than just helping persons with visual impairment navigate; the navigation aids can open up new job opportunities for them, such as taking on tour guide roles inside museums or art galleries, and easing their commute to work.

Should the system be deployed at major public venues, persons with visual impairment will then be able to travel independently.