• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.28 no.11
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• pp.147-154
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• 2023

In this paper, we propose a barrier-free course route navigation service named "Theme Road" aimed at improving the mobility and convenience for elderly electric wheelchair users with walking disabilities. To achieve this goal, we conducted a user survey through shadowing and in-depth interviews to gather insights on the challenges experienced by elderly electric wheelchair users. We identified potential solutions for each inconvenience through co-creation workshops, resulting in a set of design considerations and app functionalities. Using persona development and service scenarios, we designed and implemented the "Theme Road" service as a dedicated navigation application for barrier-free course navigation. Unlike conventional route navigation and mapping services, our study stands out by offering a unique approach that combines recommended destinations and safe routes based on experiential analysis from elderly electric wheelchair users.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Information and Commucation Sciences Conference
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• 2013.05a
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• pp.93-95
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• 2013

The conventional assistive tool for visually impaired people provide Simple service using a ultrasound, or an RFID tag to identify the obstacles. It is impossible to clear guide and has a vulnerability to unforeseen circumstances because of short recognition distance, The ARM Cortex-A9 Platform based implementation of the Portable Navigation System and Service Center will help the visually impaired gait. The Service Center will also provide solution for the lack of jobs due to the increase of the aging population. Navigation System that the visually impaired can carry possessing devices such as a camera, GPS, Audio, Ethernet transmit Image shown at the location of the visually impaired, GPS information and Sound Via TCP / IP. The staff of the service center receives information and can provide directions by communicating with them. So, the system can provide effective guidance to the visually impaired.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Information and Commucation Sciences Conference
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• 2012.05a
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• pp.191-193
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• 2012

the existing developed route guidance services for the visually impaired aids for using RFID tags attached to the cane, the extent to which the cover blocks and RF communication was a simple walking guide service. It has a detection range of RFID readers in short, clear obstacles to location, size and shape can not be determined. And the risk of escape routes in case of questions or directions Measures are urgently needed. Today, due to the Smart Device Development convenience to users and offers many benefits. And the Android platform, Client and Server (PC) between the socket stream, using real-time video and voice information, location information by sending a dangerous situation for the visually impaired to take immediate action on the system and 1: N is to implement the service.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Information and Commucation Sciences Conference
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• 2019.05a
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• pp.45-48
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• 2019

Detection of crosswalk is an important issue for the blind to walk without the help of others. There is a braille block on the sidewalk, which helps the blind to walk. On the other hand, crosswalk is more dangerous due to the moving vehicles. However, there is no appropriate means to induce the blind. In this paper, we propose a method to detect crosswalk in front of a blind and estimate its direction using an image sensor. We adopt multi-ROIs and make their binary versions. In order to determine whether it is a crosswalk, two features are extracted; one is the number of crossing in the binary image and the other is the ratio of white area. We can also estimate the direction of the crosswalk through the slope of the projection data. We evaluated the performance using experimental dataset and the proposed algorithm showed 80% accuracy of detection.

• Journal of the Korea Computer Graphics Society
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.11-20
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• 2019

In this study, a novel virtual reality (VR) experience environment is proposed for enabling walking adaptation of visually impaired people. The core of proposed VR environment is based on immersive walking interactions and deep learning based braille blocks recognition. To provide a realistic walking experience from the perspective of visually impaired people, a tracker-based walking process is designed for determining the walking state by detecting marching in place, and a controller-based VR white cane is developed that serves as the walking assistance tool for visually impaired people. Additionally, a learning model is developed for conducting comprehensive decision-making by recognizing and responding to braille blocks situated on roads that are followed during the course of directions provided by the VR white cane. Based on the same, a VR application comprising an outdoor urban environment is designed for analyzing the VR walking environment experience. An experimental survey and performance analysis were also conducted for the participants. Obtained results corroborate that the proposed VR walking environment provides a presence of high-level walking experience from the perspective of visually impaired people. Furthermore, the results verify that the proposed learning algorithm and process can recognize braille blocks situated on sidewalks and roadways with high accuracy.

• Journal of Service Research and Studies
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.186-200
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• 2023

This study aims to improve the usability of the white cane, which is walking equipment that most local visually impaired people use and carry when going out, and to contribute to the prevention of safety accidents and the walking rights of visually impaired people by providing improvement and resolution measures for the problems identified. Also, this study is a study on the visually impaired, primarily targeting the 1st to 2nd degree visually impaired people, who cannot go out on their own without walking equipment such as a white cane, corresponding to 20% among approximately 250,000 blind and low vision people in the Korean population. In the study process, the concept has been developed from the user's point of view in order that the white cane becomes a real help in the walking step of the visually impaired and the improvement of usability of the white cane, the main walking equipment for the visually impaired, are done by problem identification through the Double Diamond Model of Design Thinking (Empathize → Define → Ideate → Prototype → Test (verify)). As a result of the investigation in the process of Empathy, a total of five issues was synthesized, including an increase in the proportion of the visually impaired people, an insufficient workforce situation to help all the visually impaired, an improvement and advancement of assistive devices essential for the visually impaired, problems of damage, illegal occupation, demolition, maintenance about braille blocks, making braille block paradigms for the visually impaired and for everyone. In Ideate and Prototype steps, situations derived from brainstorming were grouped and the relationship were made through the KJ method, and specific situations and major causes were organized to establish the direction of the concept. The derived solutions and major functions are defined in four categories, and representative situations requiring solutions and major functions are organized into two user scenarios. Ideas were visualized by arranging the virtual Persona and Customer Journey Map according to the situation and producing a prototype through 3D modeling. Finally, in the evaluation, the final concept derived is a device such a smart cane for guidance for the visually impaired as ① a smart cane emphasizing portability + ② compatibility with other electronic devices + ③ a product with safety and convenience.