Abstract
Multimodal interaction refers to situations where users are provided with multiple modes for interacting with systems. Researchers are working on multimodality solutions in several domains. The focus of this paper is within the domain of navigation systems for supporting users with visual impairments. Although several literature reviews have covered this domain, none have gone through the research synthesis of multimodal navigation systems. This paper provides a review and analysis of multimodal navigation solutions aimed at people with visual impairments. This review also puts forward recommendations for effective multimodal navigation systems. Moreover, this review also presents the challenges faced during the design, implementation and use of multimodal navigation systems. We call for more research to better understand the users’ evolving modality preferences during navigation.
Highlights
Navigation is an essential activity in human life
Multimodal technology can be considered as a promising option that can be utilized in the design of effective and accessible navigation systems for users with visual impairments
Multimodal navigation solutions proposed for people with visual impairments were reviewed
Summary
Navigation is an essential activity in human life. Montello [1] describes navigation as "coordinated and goal-directed movement through the environment by a living entity or intelligent machines.". The studies conducted by Al-Ammar et al [10] show that to improve the navigation accessibility of users with visual impairment, one needs to enable navigation as an independent and safe activity Conventional navigation aids such as white canes and guide dogs have a long history [11,12]. Different devices and systems have been proposed for navigation support to users with visual impairments These devices and techniques can be divided into three categories [9]: electronic travel aids (ETAs), electronic orientation aids (EOAs) and position locator devices (PLDs) [18]. EOAs help visually impaired people navigate in unknown environments These systems provide guiding directions and obstacle warnings. This paper, provides an overview of the major advances in multimodal navigation systems for supporting users with visual impairments.
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