Vision Impaired Wayfinding with Doppler Velocimeter

描述(申请人提供)：该二期项目的目标是使用一种名为多普勒测速(DV)的新的创新传感器技术来解决视力障碍者在室内的认路问题。通过执行相对于行走的人的地板运动的多普勒测量，可以确定沿轨道的速度、跨轨道的速度和垂直(上或下)速度。有了这些测量，就可以准确地计算出建筑物内相对于入口处起点的实时位置。这项技术与其他针对视障人士的室内导航解决方案相比的重大创新之处在于，它不需要在建筑物内安装昂贵的基础设施来提供导航功能。对于盲人或视力低下的人来说，在陌生的建筑中认路是一项具有挑战性的任务。一个人在公共和商业建筑内自由行动的能力是这些人在教育机构、工作和社会环境中融入和独立的一个重要因素。这项拟议的技术有可能产生重大影响，因为它为视力障碍者提供了一种实用的室内定向解决方案。 与公共健康相关：目前的估计表明，美国有1200万人患有某种形式的未经矫正的视力障碍，其中约340万人患有低视力或合法失明。由于人口趋势，特别是美国人口老龄化，这些研究预测，到2030年，这些数字将翻一番。提供独立导航的系统，包括确定地点和目的地的方向，是在职业和教育环境中实现充分参与的一个重要方面。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The objective of this phase II project is to use a new and innovative sensor technology called Doppler velocimetery (DV) for solving the problem of wayfinding indoors for the vision impaired. By performing a Doppler measurement of the floor movement relative to the walking person it is possible to determine the along-track velocity, the cross-track velocity and the vertical (up or down) velocity. With these measurements it is possible to accurately calculate real-time position inside a building relative to a starting point t an entrance. The significant innovation in this technology over other indoor navigation solutions for the vision impaired is that it does not require the installation of expensive infrastructure wihin a building to provide wayfinding. Wayfinding through an unfamiliar building for persons who are blind or have low vision is a challenging task. The ability of a person to move freely within publi and commercial buildings is an important factor for integration and independence of these individuals within educational institutions, work and social environments. This proposed technology has the potential of making a major impact by providing a practical indoor wayfinding solution for the vision impaired. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Current estimates suggest that there are 12 million people in the U.S who have some form of uncorrected vision impairment, with approximately 3.4 million having low vision or legal blindness. Because of demographic trends, particularly the aging of the American population, these studies project a doubling of these numbers by 2030. A system that provides independent navigation, including location determination and directions to a destination, is an important aspect in achieving full participation within occupational and educational settings.