Real-Time Navigation
Receive detailed navigation instructions and orientation information from anywhere within the venue
Researched and Developed at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the 5G Mobile Evolution Lab
Independent navigation through unfamiliar indoor spaces is beset with barriers for Blind and Visually Impaired (BVI) users. A task that is trivial and spontaneous for the visioned population has to be planned and coordinated with other individuals for BVI users. Although many improvements and aides are available to assist the visually impaired to lead an independent life, there has yet remain to be a challenge to develop a system that combines independence with scalability and affordability of indoor navigation.
PERCEPT system developed at the University of Massachusetts 5G Mobile Evolution Lab was developed with the cooperation of the Massachusetts Orientation and Mobility division from Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. PERCEPT generates landmark based navigation instructions automatically for a specific indoor environment. To the best of our knowledge, PERCEPT is the only indoor navigation system for BVI users that can generate navigation instructions automatically. Bluetooth Low Energy tags are deployed at strategic locations in the indoor environment. Using a Smartphone based PERCEPT app (in both the iPhone and Android) the user will receive audial navigation instructions to the chosen destination within the building. The user seamlessly interacts with the environment and the app vision free user interface.
Receive detailed navigation instructions and orientation information from anywhere within the venue
Designed from ground up to be accessible for the blind and visually impaired
Extensive usability studies with blind and visually impaired community has shaped every aspect of the system
Some venues are complex, but no matter where you are, PERCEPT can get you back on track
Have the confidence to travel in unfamiliar settings, knowing PERCEPT is there to assist you at any point
Collaborated with Orientation and Mobility Specialists to ensure the navigation instructions follow best mobility practices
The Percept system just fills in the blanks for me. The Percept system gives me enough information about where I'm at, the direction I'm headed, the landmarks I'm encountering,... it even gives me compass directions, and it allows me to get to my destination with just a few swipes on an iPhone.
-Darren
With the ability that PERCEPT has to tell me how many sets of stairs there are, up or down, where the escalators are, whether I have to go to my right at 3 o'clock or my left to 10 o'clock to find something and roughly how many feet it is, if there are walls or how many polls are in my way. That takes away allot of the fear factor of knowing what I'm doing and where I'm going.
-Jonathan
With PERCEPT I was able to go into a station that I've never been in which is normally a stressful experience because you have to ask for help or just guess and hope you figured it out. And I was able to use it without any difficulty.
-Elise
PERCEPT is an App for the blind and visually impaired that works in any PERCEPT enabled venue. Let's take a look at how PERCEPT works in the MBTA subway system in Boston Masschusetts. PERCEPT works in three simple steps.
Open PERCEPT App on smartphone. PERCEPT provides what station you are currently at, what subway lines it services, and where you are located within the station.
Select the destination on the screen. PERCEPT will then provide detailed navigation instructions to get you to your chosen destination.
These instructions are provided in easy to digest steps. Follow these instructions until you reach the destination. At any time you can shake your device to receive detailed rerouting instructions to your destination.
