Summary

The main goal of the ARGUS project is to develop innovative tools which could help blind and visually impaired people to move around autonomously and confidently. Such tools could also be used by people working in low-visibility and hazardous conditions.

The ARGUS system will consist primarily of a user-friendly portable satellite-based navigation device with acoustic and haptic user interfaces enabling users to obtain a 3D spatial insight of their surrounding environment, and providing continuous assistance to follow a predefined path in urban, rural or natural areas.

ARGUS will act like a "leading climber", providing users with a virtual safety rope guiding them along a safe track, based on the usage of non-visual interfaces to let the users build and maintain a mental map of the path to be followed.

The system will allow uploading into the device pre-recorded tracks, paths, and points of interest. Once on-route, all what the user has to do is follow the continuous acoustic guidance and instructions provided by the device.

ARGUS is being designed especially for:

• Blind and visually impaired people performing non-critical outdoor activities.
• Emergency and Rescue Teams and Health Professionals
• People practicing scientific or sport activities in reduced visibility or hazardous conditions.

Satellite navigation systems provide information mostly through graphical displays or verbal output, which are not convenient for people who cannot see or have to operate in environments where verbal instructions could interfere with other external sounds.
The challenge that ARGUS aims to meet is the integration of advanced user interfaces based on generated acoustic and haptic signals, with minimal interference on the user’s perception and operation so that he/she can move around autonomously based on a three-dimensional mental map of the path to follow and the key features of the surrounding environment.
ARGUS will lead users along a secure path, warning on the risks that may find along the path and ensuring that the user doesn’t deviate from the safe route.
Users will be able to download pre-recorded tracks from an accessible Website where they’ll find additional services, such as a social network that will enable them to share data and experiences, and will facilitate integration and collaboration.

Features:

• PDA size. Weight: approximately 300 gr.
• Battery autonomy: minimum of 8 hours.
• Multimodal interfaces (acoustic & haptic).
• Satellite-based user position and orientation.
• Itinerary management in real-time.
• Open earphone allowing users to receive verbal and holophonic mapping information, without overriding ambient sound.
• Permanent assistance from a Call Centre.
• Web-based social network allowing users to download tracks, points of interest and alerts, to upload collected data, to share experiences and get support from other users.