Advancement in navigation technologies and their potential for the visually impaired: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Improvements in technology and navigation tools are leading to more affordable and effective solutions to assist individuals with visual impairments. The progress made in navigation technology has the potential to increase inclusivity for the visually impaired in education, social, and workforce settings. After conducting a thorough review of the literature, we have identified key issues and concluded that collaboration among healthcare professionals, caregivers, programmers, engineers, and policymakers is essential for successfully developing navigation projects for the visually impaired. This study highlights different advances and relevant topics in the development of location-based applications for individuals with visual impairments. Our paper involved an extensive search of eight journal databases spanning from 1993 to 2021. We screened 4550 titles, analyzed 560 abstracts, and ultimately reviewed 35 full-text papers, resulting in the examination of 20 papers. Our findings indicate that the advancement of navigation technology can positively affect the quality of life of visually impaired individuals, particularly through assistive technology, mobile applications, and web services. Dot Waker, Nearby Explorer, Get There, and Google Maps are the most commonly used navigation systems by visually impaired individuals. Overall, our research suggests that continued development in navigation-assisted applications can significantly benefit the visually impaired community.

A Novel Smartphone Application for Real-Time Localization and Tracking for Visually Impaired Individuals

“…Numerous devices have been created to track the locations of visually impaired individuals, utilizing technologies like GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), GPS (Global Positioning System), Zigbee, and Wi-Fi [4][5][6]. While these technologies have yielded promising results, certain critical considerations, such as, communication range and energy consumption have been overlooked [7][8]. Additionally, the choice of localization components can signi cantly impact the overall usability of a system if it relies on one of these components [9].…”

A comprehensive review of navigation systems for visually impaired individuals

“…To begin with, these systems instill a significant boost in self-assurance by providing real-time information about their surroundings and guiding them through routes, enabling them to confidently explore new territories and maneuver unfamiliar settings, consequently leading to better self-reliance in their daily routines [ 5 ]. Additionally, these systems bolster the safety of visually impaired individuals during their journeys, providing vital auditory cues and guidance to help them circumvent obstacles, safely traverse on streets, and adeptly navigate intricate public transportation networks, thereby diminishing the likelihood of accidents and injuries, rendering both outdoor and indoor mobility more secure and manageable [ [6] , [7] , [8] ].…”

Assistive Systems for Visually Impaired Persons: Challenges and Opportunities for Navigation Assistance

“…They explored location methods, obstacle recognition, and feedback mechanisms, alongside discussing specific tools like smart canes and voice-operated devices. Isazade et al [ 12 ] provided an extensive review of the current navigation technologies designed to assist visually impaired individuals. They covered a range of solutions, including mobile applications, web services, and various assistive devices, highlighting the importance of these technologies in enhancing accessibility.Tripathi et al [ 13 ] carried out a systematic review of various technologies aimed at aiding the visually impaired in navigating obstacles.…”