How to use NavCog

NavCog is a navigation app, similar to GPS navigation used by car drivers. This page explainS how to use NavCog.

Mode Selection

At application startup, select one of the following 3 modes of use depending on your needs:

Visually Impaired Person Mode:
- This mode enables non-visual voice navigation by providing precise auditory direction and distance cues to reach user’s destinations. This mode is designed to be used alongside VoiceOver.
Wheelchair User Mode:
- This mode provides best wheelchair accessible routes. The application also enables user to reach user’s destination by voice navigation, although the number of voice commands used here is fewer compared to the visually impaired person mode.
General Pedestrian Mode:
- Besides this mode provides the shortest route to users’ destination, the application works just like in the wheelchair user mode.

There is an option in settings for users to switch among the three options.

Interface

The main interface shows the environment map, your position, and the traversed path.

Additional 3 elements are available:

Search - Search button is on the top-right corner of the interface, which takes you to the destination search screen.
- Select a destination in the “From” and “To” field right underneath– either by voice search or select from a list of possible destinations.
- User’s recent routes are listed; user may select one of them from the list in the middle of the screen.
- Route options will allow user to set parameters, like elevators or tactile paving, for the navigation
Settings - Settings button is on top left of the interface. This allows user to change app preferences. In addition to general settings, each navigation mode will have other specific settings
- Speech speed: Specify the voice speed for both the navigation audio guide and the dialogue assistant.
- Open Help Page: open this page
Voice Search - On the bottom left of the map screen, tap the microphone icon to start the dialogue assistant and choose your destination by talking to the application. If the application can not determine your current location, the voice search is disabled. Please send feedback if you experience any difficulties.

Instructions for Visually Impaired Users

Start navigating with your free hand by holding the phone in front of you.

Before each instruction, the system will ask for your attention by producing a vibration and short ping sound. Then, you will first hear a high-level description of the route’s destination and length, followed by the first instruction (e.g., go straight and turn left in 30ft).

While you walk, NavCog will periodically tell you the distance and when you are “approaching” the next turning point. Once at the turning point, the phone will tell you to turn. A turn is generally about 90°, whereas a slight turn is smaller–less than 90°.

Be careful how far you pivot your body and device; The phone plays a sound and vibrates when you have turned accurately. The system continues to provide next turning point distance and instructions (e.g, turn left at the end of the corridor. There is a door).

While using the app, it will also share information regarding the environment. For example: when the floor changes from carpet to marble, and when you have features of interest (e.g., restrooms, water fountains, notable places) or obstacles near you while traversing through the environment.

Use that information for avoiding collisions and as confirmation during navigation. The only possible command is a tap on the screen, which states your current status in case you need confirmation on where you are (for instance, proceed 20 feet and turn right).

NOTE: If silent mode is on, sound effects will not be heard.

Specific Settings:

There are specific settings that streamline your NavCog experience. To enter these settings, please go to Settings > Speech/Sound section.

Speech Speed: set to .55 and can be increased or decreased
Preview speed: set at 1 and can be increased

The following settings can be turned on or off:

Preview with Action: allows users to preview routes before starting
Ignore Facility Info: turns off all auditory landmarks revealing Vibration informs user of turning points
Show P.O.I. with Action: if user’s turning this function on at an art exhibit, the app will describe the point of interest and inform user to turn to the painting for further description (This functionality is not used at CMU)
Sound Effect informs users to turn through iPhone speakers
Sound Effect for Bone Conduction Headset: adjusts suitable sound levels for bone conduction headset.
Distance Unit: allows users to switch metric units between meters and feet.

By default, the following settings are turned on: preview with action, vibration and sound effects.

Specific Route Options:

When you enter search page to select a route, there is also a function for route options. User can prioritize routes with tactile paving or specify using elevators, escalators, moving walkways or stairs.

Note: By default, tactile paving, elevator and stairs are turned on.

Instructions for Wheelchair Users / General Pedestrians

Start navigating with your free hand by holding the phone in front of you. Select a route on the search screen and follow the directions.