A Study Incorporating the Use of Wi-Fi Networks to Provide Realtime, Interactive Wayfinding in Enclosed Structures for Individuals Who Have Visual Impairments
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Assistive Navigation: a Study Incorporating the Use of Wi-Fi Networks to Provide Realtime, Interactive Wayfinding in Enclosed Structures for Individuals Who Have Visual Impairments by Benjamin Thorpe Puffer A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Auburn University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Industrial Design Auburn, Alabama August 6, 2011 Keywords: interactive wayfinding, dynamic wayfinding, visually-impaired, assistive technology, inclusive design, Wi-Fi Copyright 2011 by Benjamin Thorpe Puffer Approved by Tsai Lu Liu, Chair, Associate Professor of Industrial Design Christopher Arnold, Associate Professor of Industrial Design Shea Tillman, Associate Professor of Industrial Design Abstract Those who suffer from visual impairments can find their ability to integrate into mainstream society challenged in significant ways. There are a variety of methods that aid an individual‟s ability to navigate his/her way through unfamiliar environments. However, many of these approaches are ineffective and impractical for use by those who are visually impaired. This thesis considers the feasibility of providing a dynamic wayfinding solution based on existing mainstream technology. It also considers the design influence that conventional technologies may exert upon devices specific to the disabled community. The result is a solution that may empower individuals who are visually impaired and increase the level of their interaction in many environments while seeking to reduce negative stigma associated with disability. Ultimately, this solution may prove to be attractive not only to individuals with disabilities, but also to the general public. ii Acknowledgments There are many people I would like to thank for their valuable help and input. Let me start with the students and staff at Auburn University‟s Program for Students with Disabilities. Thank you for the time you have spent with me and your patience. Your insights were incredibly helpful and undoubtedly inspired the direction of this work. I would also like to thank my thesis committee: Tsailu “Lu” Liu, Chris Arnold, and Shea Tillman. Your unwavering assistance and expertise are much appreciated. Your doors have been open whenever I needed, and I am also grateful for your good-natured demeanors that have helped take the edge off uncertain moments for me. Lu, I must offer you special thanks for constantly pushing me to be better than I otherwise would have been on my own. Thank you for keeping after me, and for being a true friend. I am intensely indebted to my supportive wife and children who have offered extraordinary encouragement along the way. There is nothing that can lift one‟s spirits at the end of a rough day quite like children who are happy to see you. And my wife has quietly, patiently, and even cheerfully sacrificed so much, in ways that most will never know. Without her, none of this would be possible. Amanda, you have rarely received the praise you deserve. Please know that I am profoundly grateful for you. With all the sincerity of my heart, thank you all. I hope this work makes you proud. iii Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................... iii List of Figures ............................................................................................................... viii List of Abbreviations ...................................................................................................... xii Chapter 1 Introduction to the Problem ............................................................................... 1 1.1 Problem Statement...................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Effects of Visual Impairments ................................................................................................... 4 1.3 Need for Study ............................................................................................................................ 6 1.4 Study Objectives ......................................................................................................................... 6 1.5 Definition of Terms .................................................................................................................... 7 1.6 Literature Review ..................................................................................................................... 10 The Cost(s) of Insufficient Wayfinding..................................................................................... 11 Essential Elements of Wayfinding. ............................................................................................ 13 Chapter 2 Analysis of Wayfinding Methods..................................................................... 17 2.1 Signage ...................................................................................................................................... 17 2.2 Maps .......................................................................................................................................... 22 2.3 Braille ........................................................................................................................................ 23 2.4 Information Staff ...................................................................................................................... 24 2.5 Interactive Wayfinding Approaches ........................................................................................ 25 GPS Wayfinding. ........................................................................................................................ 25 iv Infrared Wayfinding.................................................................................................................... 27 RFID Wayfinding. ...................................................................................................................... 28 Wi-Finding. ................................................................................................................................. 31 2.6 The Evolution of Wayfinding .................................................................................................. 33 Chapter 3 In-Depth Analysis Of Wi-Finding .................................................................... 34 3.1 Third-Party Administered Wi-Fi Localization ....................................................................... 34 3.2 Wi-Fi Fingerprint Databases .................................................................................................... 37 3.3 Reduction of Fingerprint Database Requirements.................................................................. 40 Cell Identification. ...................................................................................................................... 40 Kriging. ........................................................................................................................................ 40 3.4 Supplemental Tracking Methods ............................................................................................. 41 Inertia Tracking. .......................................................................................................................... 41 History-based Tracking. ............................................................................................................. 42 3.5 Potential Ramifications ............................................................................................................ 43 Chapter 4 Assistive Technology ...................................................................................... 45 4.1 Examples of Proposed Assistive Technologies ..................................................................... 45 Navbelt. ........................................................................................................................................ 45 Smart-Robot. ............................................................................................................................... 46 GuideCane. .................................................................................................................................. 46 4.2 Flaws in Assistive Technology Design ................................................................................... 47 Assumptions of User Abilities. .................................................................................................. 47 Social Rejection of Assistive Technology Designs. ................................................................. 49 Assistive Technology Stigma. .................................................................................................... 50 v Self-Acceptance and Device Acceptance. ................................................................................. 54 4.3 Positive Social Impacts of Assistive Technology................................................................... 55 Chapter 5 Trends in Inclusive Design .............................................................................. 56 5.1 Historical Design Approaches for Individuals with Disabilities ........................................... 56 5.2 Inclusive Design Motivation ...................................................................................................