NonVisNavi: non-visual mobile navigation application for pedestrians

Current mobile navigation systems often require visual attention. This may lead to both inconvenient and unsafe use while walking. We have developed NonVisNavi application for mobile phones that allows navigation via haptic feedback. Since no visual attention is required during navigation, safety is potentially improved. The system includes haptic direction information via tactile icons and via novel orientation inquiry technique. In addition, navigation route is visible on a map. The application also includes route simulation for demonstration purposes.