Campus Navigation System for Visually Impaired Users

Currently, there are few options that can provide a software navigation solution to complex systems of buildings and walkways. We propose a customizable and visually impaired friendly navigation solution with a web page that can be served with Near-Field Communication (NFC) tags. Our Global Positioning System (GPS)-based navigation software allows users to choose destinations based on customized filters, for example, “Find buildings that have accessible bathrooms, and accessible computer lab that has computers with Linux operating system” or “Find buildings that have wireless Internet access and where food can be bought” or “Find a parking lot that has at least 50 parking spots and parking spots for visitors”. Audible commands are used to notify users when they are off-track and walk or drive in the wrong direction. The software is implemented as a web client and can work on mobile devices with popular mobile operating systems, such as Android or iOS. The user needs to have a web browser on their smart phone (mobile phone), Internet connection and GPS location turned on. Phone’s gyroscope sensors are used to detect the direction once the user starts walking or driving. The functionality of the GPS component comes from the browser ‘navigator.geolocation’ API, which can be called in most web browsers. The software prototype is currently being developed and tested in Florida Polytechnic University campus. Due to the modular design and the use of popular software libraries and frameworks, our software can be expanded for any outdoor navigation.