Vision Impaired Wayfinding with Doppler Velocimeter

描述（由申请人提供）：本项目第二期的目标是使用一种名为多普勒测速仪（DV）的新型创新传感器技术来解决视力受损人士在室内寻路的问题。通过多普勒测量地板相对于行走的人的运动，可以确定沿轨道速度，跨轨道速度和垂直（向上或向下）速度。有了这些测量，就有可能精确地计算出建筑物内部相对于入口起始点的实时位置。与其他针对视力受损人士的室内导航解决方案相比，这项技术的重大创新在于，它不需要在建筑物内安装昂贵的基础设施来提供寻路功能。对于盲人或弱视人士来说，在不熟悉的建筑物中找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活动的能力是这些人在教育机构、工作和社会环境中整合和独立的重要因素。这项提出的技术有可能通过为视障人士提供实用的室内寻路解决方案而产生重大影响。

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.