Haptic system for eyes free and hands free pedestrian navigation

Abstract

Until now, Augmented Reality was mainly associated with visual augmentation which was often reduced to superimposing a virtual object on to a real world. We present in this document a vibro-tactile system called HaptiNav, which illustrates the concept of Haptic Augmented Reality. We use the haptic feedback method to send users information about their direction, thus enabling them to reach their destination. To do so, we use a turn by turn metaphor which consists of dividing the route into many reference points. In order to assess the performances of the HaptiNav system, we carry out an experimental study in which we compare it to both Google Maps Audio and Pocket Navigator systems. The results show that there is no significant difference between HaptiNav and Google Maps Audio in terms of performance, physical load and time. However, statistical analysis of the mental load, frustration and effort highlights the advantages of HaptiNav compared to two other systems. In the light of the results obtained, we present possible improvements for HaptiNav and describe its second prototype, at the end of this paper.