Navigation Technologies Powers VisuAide's Navigation Tools for Visually
ImpairedHello,
When I attended the CSun this year, Visuaids was not sure what company they
would use to develop their maps. They were investigating various solutions.
This announcement brings them a step closer. The prototype of this device
looked quite adaptable to everyday use.
Pratik Patel
Navigation Technologies Powers VisuAide's Navigation Tools for Visually
Impaired
September 9, 2002
CHICAGO, IL - Navigation Technologies, a provider of digital maps for
vehicle navigation, Internet/wireless applications and business solutions,
announced that VisuAide, a developer of digital audio solutions for the
visually impaired, will develop a voice-enabled navigation application using
NAVTECH digital map data. The application, which is currently being
developed, will provide a tool for calculating precise pedestrian routes,
allowing visually impaired users to orient themselves and navigate urban
areas.
The application, Victor Trekker, enables access to precise locations,
directions and routing, and detailed descriptions of surroundings such as
points of interest and other coordinates. In addition, the system will allow
users to ask their navigation units for directions to a particular
destination and the system will speak back to them, giving turn-by-turn
directions, using actual street names every step of the way. Further details
regarding the product will be announced later this year.
"Navigation Technologies is excited to be a part of an important application
that will enrich and enhance people's lives," said John MacLeod, Executive
Vice President, North America and World Markets at Navigation Technologies.
"VisuAide's solution will harness NAVTECH digital map data to expand
navigation options, increase independence and offer instant solutions for
the daily routing needs of people who are visually impaired."
"VisuAide strives to develop the most comprehensive and innovate digital
tools to help orient and guide our customers," said Gilles Pepin, President
of VisuAide. "Beyond getting the visually impaired from 'point A' to 'point
B', we aim to increase their autonomy and help them better integrate within
society. This application will address that goal."
NAVTECH maps were selected because of the quality and degree of information
including the 150 critical attributes per road segment, such as direction of
travel and address ranges, as well as positional accuracy. NAVTECH maps
include street names and addresses and 45 categories of destinations or
points of interest such as restaurants, hotels, landmarks and ATMs.
Copyright © 2001-2002 AmComm Holdings LLC. All rights reserved. All product
names contained herein are the trademarks of their respective holders.
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