Route selection algorithm for Blind pedestrian

The vast majority of existing route selection processes is designed for vehicle navigation. In this paper we describe an adapted routing algorithm for visually impaired pedestrians based on users needs. Our aim was to find the most adapted route that connects origin and destination points, and which can provide the Blind with a sparse but helpful mental representation of the itinerary and surroundings. Based on multiple brainstorming sessions and interviews with blind people and an orientation and mobility (O&M) instructor, different classes of objects were defined and tagged in the Geographical Information System. The optimal route was then selected using the Dijkstra algorithm. This method will be used in NAVIG (Navigation Assisted by Artificial VIsion and GNSS), an assistive device for the Blind, whose aim is to improve orientation, mobility and objects localization.