Smartactile map: An interactive and smart map to help the blind to navigate by touch

Tactile map is a popular method for the visually impaired to help their independent walking. It is made of protruding dot, line, surface and braille. Visually impaired people can recognize the structure of space by touching a tactile map. However, it is not smart enough to use in their real life. We carried on user interviews with thirty subjects of visually impaired people to define problems from the real situation. In addition, we conducted a field observation how they utilized the tactile map. We analyzed their touching behaviors and reclaimed the problems of existing tactile maps. Based on these findings, we designed prototype of new tactile map with 3D volumetric symbol system, which is potentially deployable to an interactive braille device. We proposed a new way of representing space for navigation with the 3D symbol system. The landmarks and routes are customized by the end users through dynamically scaled symbols with consistency of reading. Adapted by the user’s level of vision, familiarity of the space, and the smart tactile map can customize representation of space so then reinforce perception of the place. We conducted an initial usability evaluation of the new system and discussed about fundamental benefits of such map system.