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Audio-Based Interface of Guidance Systems for the Visually Impaired in the Paris Metro

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HCI in Mobility, Transport, and Automotive Systems (HCII 2021)

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Abstract

This article deals with the results of work carried out on the development of audio-based guidance system interfaces for the visually impaired at the THIM laboratory at the University of Paris 8. Research projects with the Paris Transport Authority (RATP) and many other partners have shown the importance of the structure and vocabulary of the instructions generated by the guidance system in guaranteeing the clarity, comprehension and effectiveness of the messages, particularly in conditions of high ambient noise levels. The choice of a vocabulary with optimum intelligibility and the use of structured messages that are as brief as possible ensures easier comprehension of the instructions. This allows the user more time to detect and integrate the audible and other clues to their situation from the local physical environment. This is a critical factor in increasing the safety of the user with visual deficiencies in the complex and unique environment of the Metro. A standard methodology and structure have been developed to integrate these principles in systems tested with success in the Paris Metro system.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the support and collaboration of the RATP, the SNCF, the TCL, the ANR and all partners from other institutions who have collaborated on the projects for the development and validation of the ideas presented in this paper.

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Uzan, G., Wagstaff, P. (2021). Audio-Based Interface of Guidance Systems for the Visually Impaired in the Paris Metro. In: Krömker, H. (eds) HCI in Mobility, Transport, and Automotive Systems. HCII 2021. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 12791. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78358-7_39

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78358-7_39

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-78357-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-78358-7

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