Comparative analysis of computer-vision and BLE technology based indoor navigation systems for people with visual impairments

Abstract Background Considerable number of indoor navigation systems has been proposed to augment people with visual impairments (VI) about their surroundings. These systems leverage several technologies, such as computer-vision, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), and other techniques to estimate the posit...

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Main Authors: Jayakanth Kunhoth, AbdelGhani Karkar, Somaya Al-Maadeed, Asma Al-Attiyah
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2019-12-01
Series:International Journal of Health Geographics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12942-019-0193-9
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author Jayakanth Kunhoth
AbdelGhani Karkar
Somaya Al-Maadeed
Asma Al-Attiyah
author_facet Jayakanth Kunhoth
AbdelGhani Karkar
Somaya Al-Maadeed
Asma Al-Attiyah
author_sort Jayakanth Kunhoth
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Considerable number of indoor navigation systems has been proposed to augment people with visual impairments (VI) about their surroundings. These systems leverage several technologies, such as computer-vision, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), and other techniques to estimate the position of a user in indoor areas. Computer-vision based systems use several techniques including matching pictures, classifying captured images, recognizing visual objects or visual markers. BLE based system utilizes BLE beacons attached in the indoor areas as the source of the radio frequency signal to localize the position of the user. Methods In this paper, we examine the performance and usability of two computer-vision based systems and BLE-based system. The first system is computer-vision based system, called CamNav that uses a trained deep learning model to recognize locations, and the second system, called QRNav, that utilizes visual markers (QR codes) to determine locations. A field test with 10 blindfolded users has been conducted while using the three navigation systems. Results The obtained results from navigation experiment and feedback from blindfolded users show that QRNav and CamNav system is more efficient than BLE based system in terms of accuracy and usability. The error occurred in BLE based application is more than 30% compared to computer vision based systems including CamNav and QRNav. Conclusions The developed navigation systems are able to provide reliable assistance for the participants during real time experiments. Some of the participants took minimal external assistance while moving through the junctions in the corridor areas. Computer vision technology demonstrated its superiority over BLE technology in assistive systems for people with visual impairments.
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spelling doaj.art-ec90aff77ecc498aa8aeb3e05c38c9822022-12-21T19:00:03ZengBMCInternational Journal of Health Geographics1476-072X2019-12-0118111810.1186/s12942-019-0193-9Comparative analysis of computer-vision and BLE technology based indoor navigation systems for people with visual impairmentsJayakanth Kunhoth0AbdelGhani Karkar1Somaya Al-Maadeed2Asma Al-Attiyah3Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Qatar UniversityDepartment of Computer Science and Engineering, Qatar UniversityDepartment of Computer Science and Engineering, Qatar UniversityDepartment of Psychological Sciences, Qatar UniversityAbstract Background Considerable number of indoor navigation systems has been proposed to augment people with visual impairments (VI) about their surroundings. These systems leverage several technologies, such as computer-vision, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), and other techniques to estimate the position of a user in indoor areas. Computer-vision based systems use several techniques including matching pictures, classifying captured images, recognizing visual objects or visual markers. BLE based system utilizes BLE beacons attached in the indoor areas as the source of the radio frequency signal to localize the position of the user. Methods In this paper, we examine the performance and usability of two computer-vision based systems and BLE-based system. The first system is computer-vision based system, called CamNav that uses a trained deep learning model to recognize locations, and the second system, called QRNav, that utilizes visual markers (QR codes) to determine locations. A field test with 10 blindfolded users has been conducted while using the three navigation systems. Results The obtained results from navigation experiment and feedback from blindfolded users show that QRNav and CamNav system is more efficient than BLE based system in terms of accuracy and usability. The error occurred in BLE based application is more than 30% compared to computer vision based systems including CamNav and QRNav. Conclusions The developed navigation systems are able to provide reliable assistance for the participants during real time experiments. Some of the participants took minimal external assistance while moving through the junctions in the corridor areas. Computer vision technology demonstrated its superiority over BLE technology in assistive systems for people with visual impairments.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12942-019-0193-9Indoor navigationPeople with visual impairmentsComputer visionMobile technology
spellingShingle Jayakanth Kunhoth
AbdelGhani Karkar
Somaya Al-Maadeed
Asma Al-Attiyah
Comparative analysis of computer-vision and BLE technology based indoor navigation systems for people with visual impairments
International Journal of Health Geographics
Indoor navigation
People with visual impairments
Computer vision
Mobile technology
title Comparative analysis of computer-vision and BLE technology based indoor navigation systems for people with visual impairments
title_full Comparative analysis of computer-vision and BLE technology based indoor navigation systems for people with visual impairments
title_fullStr Comparative analysis of computer-vision and BLE technology based indoor navigation systems for people with visual impairments
title_full_unstemmed Comparative analysis of computer-vision and BLE technology based indoor navigation systems for people with visual impairments
title_short Comparative analysis of computer-vision and BLE technology based indoor navigation systems for people with visual impairments
title_sort comparative analysis of computer vision and ble technology based indoor navigation systems for people with visual impairments
topic Indoor navigation
People with visual impairments
Computer vision
Mobile technology
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12942-019-0193-9
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