Spatial representation framework for better indoor navigation by people with visual impairment
Journal of Enabling Technologies
ISSN: 2398-6263
Article publication date: 25 September 2019
Issue publication date: 19 November 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to validate a framework for spatial representation, aka the spatial representation framework (SRF), to define spaces and building information required by people with visual impairment as a foundation of indoor maps for indoor navigation systems.
Design/methodology/approach
The SRF was first created with seven main components by a review of the relevant literature and state-of-the-art technologies shown in the preliminary study. This research comprised of two tasks: investigating problems and behaviors while accessing spaces and buildings by visually impaired people (VIP) and validating the SRF where 45 participants were recruited (30 VIP and 15 experts).
Findings
The findings revealed a list of problems and challenges were used to validate and redefine the spatial representation, which was validated by both VIP and experts. The framework subsequently consisted of 11 components categorized into five layers, each layer of which is responsible for a different function.
Research limitations/implications
This framework provides essential components required for building standard indoor maps as a foundation for indoor navigations systems for people with visual impairment.
Practical implications
This framework lays the foundation for a range of indoor-based applications by using this SRF to represent indoor spaces. Example applications include: indoor navigation by people with disabilities, robots and autonomous systems, security and surveillance, and context and spatial awareness.
Originality/value
This paper presents the validated spatial representation for indoor navigation by people with visual impairment with its details and description, methodology, results and findings of the validation of the SRF.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The questionnaires for the visually impaired and expert participants in English and Thai can be downloaded at https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/427175/
Citation
Jeamwatthanachai, W., Wald, M. and Wills, G. (2019), "Spatial representation framework for better indoor navigation by people with visual impairment", Journal of Enabling Technologies, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 212-227. https://doi.org/10.1108/JET-12-2018-0068
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited