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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/M06253/01
Title: AUDITORY LOCATION FINDER (ALF) WITH EMERGENCY CALL FACILITY FOR BLIND, ELDERLY & VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE
Principal Investigator: Kirby, Professor Emeritus HR
Other Investigators:
Sharp, Dr J Aspinall, Professor PA Binnie, Dr D
Binnie, Dr TD Hine, Professor JP
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Transport Research Institute
Organisation: Edinburgh Napier University
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 05 January 1999 Ends: 04 April 2002 Value (£): 147,001
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Intelligent & Expert Systems
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The overall aim of this research is to develop and assess the impact of a beacon-based Auditory Location Finder (ALF) for older, blind and visually impaired people in the built environment. ALF comprises of two important functionalities: 1. Messages will automatically in for the user of his/her whereabouts giving the name of streets, junctions, areas, proximity to crossing facilities, bus stops, post office, shops and clinic, as well as special messages on particular safety aspects of the environment; and 2. Provision of a distress call facility to someone such as in-house wardens, in an emergency situation. The proposed system addresses the needs for the elderly in general to feel more confident and sage I the built environment. Confidence and perceived safety are major determinants of levels of personal mobility and independence. The approach taken involves before and after video assessments of subjects' behaviour, questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews of perceptions and confidence in order to assess the effectiveness of such system. Test areas will be chosen with the advice and support of Edinburgh City Council. RNIB will provide important input to the project.
Key Findings
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Summary
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.napier.ac.uk