Iwalk: a lightweight navigation system for low-vision users

Smart phones typically support a range of GPS-enabled navigation services. However, most navigation services on smart phones are of limited use to people with visual disabilities. In this paper, we present iWalk, a speech-enabled local search and navigation prototype for people with low vision. iWalk runs on smart phones. It supports speech input, and provides real-time turn-by-turn walking directions in speech and text, using distances and time-to-turn information in addition to street names so that users are not forced to read street signs. In between turns iWalk uses non-speech cues to indicate to the user that s/he is `on track'. Categories and Subject Descriptors H.5 [Information Interfaces and Presentation]: User Interfaces; K.4 [Computers and Society]: Social Issues-Assistive technologies for persons with disabilities General Terms Speech recognition, text to speech, navigation, assistive technology

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2010
• Where: ASSETS
• Authors: Amanda J. Stent, Shiri Azenkot, Ben Stern
• Keywords: ASSETS 2010, Emerging Technology, GPS-enabled Navigation Services, Navigation Services, Smart Phones