Navigating by audio-based probing and fuzzy routing

Abstract

In this paper, we present a navigation application, PING!, with a unique combination of characteristics. First, a user can study her/his environment by probing, or sweeping the phone horizontally, upon which points of interest in the pointed directions are indicated with audio feedback. Second, PING! utilizes fuzzy routing. Turn-by-turn instructions are not given and maps are not shown. Instead, the direction of the target is indicated with a simple arrow and binaural audio and the user is free to decide the exact path to take based on this direction information and the environment surrounding her/him. The application, realized in Android devices, was tested in field tests that verified the feasibility of the application concept and revealed directions for further improvement.