Mobile computing for indoor wayfinding based on bluetooth sensors for individuals with cognitive impairments

Abstract

A novel wayfinding system is presented with an aim to increase workplace and life independence for cognitive-impaired patients such as people with traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, schizophrenia, and Alzheimerpsilas disease. According to psychological model of spatial navigation and the requirements of rehabilitation professionals, PDAs prompting with spatial photos at the right time and place can assist cognitively-impaired persons with navigating indoors or on the road. To do so, Bluetooth sensors which can be imagined as a new traffic sign system, are posted to selected positions on routes. The navigational photos are served on demand to the user who uses the built-in Bluetooth to scan the Bluetooth sensors. A prototype is designed and tested on a university campus. The experimental results show the computer-human interface is friendly and the capabilities of wayfinding are reliable.