Abstract
People with disabilities face many obstacles in everyday outdoor travels. One of the most notable obstacles is steep slope on sidewalk segments. Current navigation systems/services do not all support map databases with slope attributes and cannot calculate sidewalk slope in real time. In this paper, we present a technique for calculating slopes of sidewalk segments by image data and predict the most suitable route for each individual user through integration with GPS trajectory. In our technique we make use of GPS trajectory data, to identify the sidewalk segment on which the traveler will most probably pass, and images of the identified sidewalk segment. Through edge detection techniques we detect edges of objects, such as buildings, billboards, and walls, in the background. Slope of the segment is then calculated by comparing its line representation in the map with the detected edges. Our experiment result indicates effective calculation of sidewalk slopes.
Highlights
Independent mobility is an important aspect of quality of life for people with disabilities (PWDs)
Navigation systems/services could play an important role in assisting PWDs with their mobility needs and references
We present a technique to calculate sidewalk slope, one type of obstacle that when it is steep would impede travel by PWDs, in real time
Summary
Independent mobility is an important aspect of quality of life for people with disabilities (PWDs). Navigation systems/services could play an important role in assisting PWDs with their mobility needs and references. A navigation system/service designed to address the mobility challenges of PWDs would include information about the accessibility of the sidewalks in its database and assist in avoiding obstacles. We present a technique to calculate sidewalk slope, one type of obstacle that when it is steep would impede travel by PWDs, in real time. Our proposed technique is novel and its major contribution is providing a service for PWDs to avoid steep slopes through calculating sidewalk slope by image data, analyzing the trajectory to determine user’s preference, and recommending a suitable route close to the user.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
