Algorithm

World Wide Web

Engineering

Participatory design

Augmented reality

Computer graphics (images)

Parallels

Computer science

Projection (relational algebra)

Virtual reality

Orientation and Mobility

Computer-mediated reality

Low vision

Mechanical engineering

Mixed reality

Citizen journalism

Artificial intelligence

Medicine

Visually impaired

Optometry

Human–computer interaction

Computer vision

Multimedia

Current low-tech Orientation & Mobility (O&M) tools for visually impaired people, e.g. tactile maps, possess limitations. Interactive accessible maps have been developed to overcome these. However, most of them are limited to exploration of existing maps, and have remained in laboratories. Using a participatory design approach, we have worked closely with 15 visually impaired students and 3 O&M instructors over 6 months. We iteratively designed and developed an augmented reality map destined at use in O&M classes in special education centers. This prototype combines projection, audio output and use of tactile tokens, and thus allows both map exploration and construction by low vision and blind people. Our user study demonstrated that all students were able to successfully use the prototype, and showed a high user satisfaction. A second phase with 22 international special education teachers allowed us to gain more qualitative insights. This work shows that augmented reality has potential for improving the access to education for visually impaired people.

Towards a Multisensory Augmented Reality Map for Blind and Low Vision People