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Here is more in the continuing chain of correspondence on this
subject:
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Date: 21-Feb-94 07:39 PST
From: "Patrick L. Kallewaard" >INTERNET:93701420@VAX1.DCU.IE
Reply to: Re: Navigational Systems for the Blind
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Date: Mon, 21 Feb 1994 15:17:53 +0000
Reply-To: Computer Use by and for the Blind <BLIND-L@UAFSYSB.UARK.EDU>
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From: "Patrick L. Kallewaard" <93701420@VAX1.DCU.IE>
Subject: Re: Navigational Systems for the Blind
Comments: To: BLIND-L@UAFSYSB.UARK.EDU
To: Multiple recipients of list BLIND-L <BLIND-L@UAFSYSB.UARK.EDU>
From: Patrick Kallewaard
In reply to the posting by Curtis Chong.
Once again your posting made me stand back and look at exactly what it
is I am trying to do (as I have done repeatedly since this discussion
started). Firstly, you addressed the problem that such systems tend
to be expensive and are not likely to be installed everywhere around the
world. This is a good point, however, what is expensive now, may be
very affordable tomorrow. The electronics industry has undergone a
revolution in the past few decades, and is still advancing at rates that
are almost incomprehensible. How many people do you know had a PC ten
years ago? Computing power has risen dramitically in the last decade, but
at the same time, the relative price has gone down. This trend is likely
to continue and not just in the computing sector of the industry. It can
therefore be expected that systems that are expensive today can be both
better and cheaper within the next few decades. As for the installation of
such systems everywhere, that is indeed not likely nor is it the aim of this
project. The navigation aid we are proposing should not be viewed as a
substitute for a cane or guide dog, but as a convenience designed to make
life a little easier. As such, it should not have to be installed everywhere
but only in such places where they will be of greatest benefit. If such a
place is not fitted with the system, it should not automatically imply that a
blind person in that place is helpless, but simply that he or she will have
to use their normal travel skills. This supports your point that there
is no substitute for good travel skills. You mentioned that one 'simply
cannot be assured that a navigational aid will be available when it is
needed'. My point here is that it should never be needed, but if it is
available, it will make finding your destination a little easier.
The second point raised was that
> many "experts" in the field of work with the blind
> teach "route" travel and fail to ingender the ability in their students
> to feel confident in unfamiliar surroundings
I am not in any position to comment on training techniques or on what
techniques are used here in Ireland (I will find out in due course).
You also mentioned that it only takes a few days to feel comfortable with
relatively large unfamiliar environments given the correct training. Does
this mean that they can actually find their way to all the places they may
be required to go? That is a very impressive statistic. However, would
a navigation aid still not be convenient despite this training, keeping in
mind that its use is optional, especially in areas that one does not need
to frequent?
To address your point about a naviagation system in (in this case) a
railway station, let me describe the scenario of a railway station fitted
with a navigation as I see it;
Upon arrival at the station, either by train or off the street, a blind
person specifies his/her destination, i.e. exit, ticket agent/machine etc.,
and is then advised as to the best route to this destination. Once a
ticket to a certain destination has been purchased, the system guides the
user to the correct train (at the correct time). Such a system should
therefore be connected to the stations arrival and departure notice
board in order to get the required information.
This kind of system could therefore be used by everyone, not just people
that are visually impaired, thus also making it more financially feasible.
I will look into your suggestions for a non-magnetic compass and a
system that provides a virtual map. Non-magnetic compasses exist and
are not very expensive.
I Look forward to your replies.
__________________________________________________________________________
Patrick Kallewaard E-mail 93701420@vax1.dcu.ie
Faculty of Electronic Engineering Phone +353 +1 7045872
Dublin City University, Phone 01 7045872
Glasnevin, Dublin 9
__________________________________________________________________________
To: Patrick L. Kallewaard >INTERNET:blind-l@UAFSYSB.UARK.EDU
From: Curtis Chong >Internet:73443.1351@compuserve.com
Subject: Navigation Systems for the Blind
Hello, Patrick:
Your point about the continuing reduction in the cost of technology
is well taken, and I heartily agree. I am also glad that, in your
post, you make reference to the fact that a system that might be
used in a railway station could prove beneficial to everyone,
including the blind. With this, I heartily agree. As a matter of
fact, like you, I believe that the more general its use, (i.e., the
more people who are perceived to benefit from it) the more it will
likely be developed and implemented.
I can see instances where an arriving passenger (blind or sighted)
might want to borrow a hand held device to help with directions and
such while in a station or airport terminal. I do think, however,
that any such device should be flexible enough so that it can b
programmed by the user for ANY train, track, or whatever.
I am glad that you recognize that navigational systems for the
blind should make travel a little easier as opposed to replacing
existing techniques. If your work is centered around this premise,
then it should yield some positive results--especially, if you
continue to strive for a cost effective approach.
You raise the question:
"You also mentioned that it only takes a few days to feel
comfortable with relatively large unfamiliar environments
given the correct training. Does this mean that they can
actually find their way to all the places they may be
required to go?"
The answer to this question is an unequivocal "YES!" Bear in mind
that I am not saying that our graduates have the entire college
campus committed to memory. Nor am I saying that they NEVER ask
for directions. It is that they have become familiar with enough
major landmarks that they can handle themselves in any unfamiliar
territory.
Indeed, an optional travel aid could prove useful in an unfamiliar
environment. The key here is that any navigational aid must be
OPTIONAL! Some blind people may want it, others may not. Those
who do not want to use a navigational aid should NEVER be looked
upon as being "overly independent," as has sometimes happened to
those of us who turn down offers of help when we do not need it.
Patrick, I continue to be impressed and happy at your willingness
to seek input for your work. Keep asking for information.
Curtis Chong
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