Enhancing the Travel Experience for People with Visual Impairments through Multimodal Interaction: NaviGPT, A Real-Time AI-Driven Mobile Navigation System

He Zhang, Nicholas J. Falletta, Jingyi Xie, Rui Yu, Sooyeon Lee, Syed Masum Billah, John M. Carroll

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Assistive technologies for people with visual impairments (PVI) have made significant advancements, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time sensor technologies. However, current solutions often require PVI to switch between multiple apps and tools for tasks like image recognition, navigation, and obstacle detection, which can hinder a seamless and efficient user experience. In this paper, we present NaviGPT, a high-fidelity prototype that integrates LiDAR-based obstacle detection, vibration feedback, and large language model (LLM) responses to provide a comprehensive and real-time navigation aid for PVI. Unlike existing applications such as Be My AI and Seeing AI, NaviGPT combines image recognition and contextual navigation guidance into a single system, offering continuous feedback on the user’s surroundings without the need for app-switching. Meanwhile, NaviGPT compensates for the response delays of LLM by using location and sensor data, aiming to provide practical and efficient navigation support for PVI in dynamic environments.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationGROUP Companion 2025 - 2025 ACM International Conference on Supporting Group Work
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages29-35
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9798400711879
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 12 2025
Externally publishedYes
Event2025 ACM International Conference on Supporting Group Work, GROUP Companion 2025 - Hilton Head, United States
Duration: Jan 12 2025Jan 15 2025

Publication series

NameGROUP Companion 2025 - 2025 ACM International Conference on Supporting Group Work

Conference

Conference2025 ACM International Conference on Supporting Group Work, GROUP Companion 2025
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHilton Head
Period1/12/251/15/25

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Computer Science Applications
  • Information Systems

Keywords

  • accessibility
  • AI-assisted tool
  • disability
  • llm
  • mobile application
  • multimodal interaction
  • navigation
  • People with visual impairments
  • prototype

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