An analysis of the semantics used by the GPS based applications for the blind compared to the semantics used by the human guide

Abstract

This master’s research is based on the study of the semantics used in GPS based mobile applications available for the blind navigation. For a blind person the main source of information is words and how to improve the effectiveness of the explanation using machines for them is tested in this research. The long term goal of technology is to create a portable, self-contained system that allows visually impaired individuals to travel through familiar and unfamiliar environments without the assistance of guides The experiment for the research took place at MFB (Malaysian Foundation for the Blind) using existing GPS based mobile applications using google maps and the results were used to prove the hypothesis that the blind are at a considerable disadvantage because of the lack of information and developing a framework for the semantics used in the GPS navigation applications for the blind pedestrians that would help them to navigate independently would enable them to take up GPS for independent navigation in unknown environment. The information derived from the research can further help in creating the GPS based navigation technology for the blind pedestrians in an unknown environment confidently.