This navigation system enhances walking and sightseeing with a haptic technique that could replace maps. The system's natural, intuitive interface indicates subtle and complex navigation cues that follow the curvature of a road or path.
Conventional navigation systems tell users to “go straight” even when the road or path curves in one direction or another. HAPMAP presents complex feedback through a very simple design. By mimicking the operation and interface of sliding handrails, the it is intuitive and particularly useful for the visually impaired, who need these subtle cues to successfully navigate a winding path. It can present not only right- and left-turn navigation cues, but also subtle navigation cues for a winding itinerary. Using motion capture cameras, it also automatically controls the haptic feedback for real-time navigation.
HAPMAP’s simple design and construction is important to its ease-of-use and function as a portable navigation device. A large, heavy, and/or complex device would not be feasible in these circumstances.
Yuki Imamura
