Low cost localization and navigation system using Global Positioning for visually impaired users

This thesis presents a time and cost effective Global Positioning (GPS)-based navigation system for visually impaired users to navigate a university campus. Currently, there are neither accurate GPS data for low-level walk routes nor effective navigation systems. This thesis achieves two important aims, namely, to provide users with timely understandable instructions and to accurately let users know their location on a campus.;Two prime requirements for an acceptable solution are that it be cost effective and be implementable in a very short time with little training. We present a means of rapid low-level GPS data collection and localization. Using real time direction headings from a digital compass, we present a means to give the user on-demand, accurate navigation directions. Our sensors and equipment are off-the-shelf, making the system cost effective. We present comprehensive experimental results from localization and navigation experiments conducted on several visually impaired users.