Navigation in Smart Environments Using Mediated Reality Tools
By Torres-Solis, Jorge; Guan, Mei; Biddiss, Elaine; Chau, Tom; Technology and Health Care, Vol. 17, pp. 237-251Publication Date: 2009
Study investigated preferred assistive tools for indoor navigation for use in a proposed mediated reality wayfinding system (MERLA). Mediated reality is defined as the modification of the real world by using computer generated elements to add virtual components, such as an arrow pointing toward a destination. These tools were developed with a view to assisting patients with Topographical Disorientation (TD), a disability associated with acquired brain injury, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and brain tumors that results in the lack or loss of orientation and navigation abilities. To create the virtual environment, the source code of Quake III, a fist person viewpoint computer game set in a three-dimensional environment, was modified. A novel wayfinding metric was designed that can be used in the assessment of navigation tasks similar to a scavenger hunt. This metric is based on a relative energy expenditure ratio and is independent of navigation route complexity. Four sets of tools were investigated, minimap, locator, coordinate display and routing compass, that could be used in a smart mediated reality environment to provide relevant wayfinding information. These tools were designed using different combinations of spatial knowledge including landmark, route, or survey; graphical representation such as compass, text, icon, top or side view; and reference frames, either egocentric or allocentric. Experiments with the MERLA were conducted with 20 adult participants without disabilities. The locator and minimap tools emerged as preferred interfaces, providing the most relevant wayfinding information while minimizing energy expenditure during navigation tasks.
Published by: IOS Press (Website:http://www.iospress.nl)
