ODILIA - A mobility concept for the visually impaired

A navigation system for visually impaired people has to take into account the special requirements of these users. Within this group, there is also need for a, customizable man-machine interface tailored to the individual. It, has to be suitable for people depending oil orientation by the sense of hearing or oil tactile orientation, always avoiding disturbance of the user's remaining senses. Oil the other side, the hardware for data input and on-trip control should not, exceed a certain size and weight. To be accepted for daily use, the overall system must, not be stigmatizing the user. Stigmatizing means, that visually impaired users often do not want to be apparently distinguishable from the average pedestrian by wearing noticeable equipment. Another point is reliability and accuracy of the system which are essential features, because a blind person can be reliant on the system when entering ail unknown area. The navigation system developed in ODILIA should provide accuracy, reliability of routing and guidance and the possibility to give the user ail impression of the surrounding area.