MOBIC - DESIGNING A TRAVEL AID FOR BLIND AND ELDERLY PEOPLE

This paper presents the research for the development of a new travel a id to increase the independent mobility of blind and elderly traveller s. This aid will build on the technologies of geographical information systems (GIS) and the Global Positioning System (GPS). The MOBIC Trav el Aid (MOTA) consists of two interrelated components: the MOBIC Pre-j ourney System (MOPS) to assist users in planning journeys and the MOBI C Outdoor System (MOODS) to execute these plans by providing users wit h orientation and navigation assistance during journeys. The MOBIC tra vel aid is complementary to primary mobility aids such as the long can e or guide dog. Results of a study of user requirements are presented and their implications for the initial design of the system are discus sed.