Accessible Crosswalk Assistance App for Visually Impaired Pedestrians

The municipality faces difficulties in ensuring safe crossing experiences for visually impaired pedestrians in low-speed urban areas lacking signal-controlled crossings. Existing measures are insufficient, leading to safety concerns and reduced mobility for this demographic.

A municipal government seeking to improve urban accessibility for visually impaired citizens through innovative assistive technology.

• Develop a mobile application that integrates sensor data to inform visually impaired users when it is safe to cross streets.
• Achieve at least 95% accuracy in detecting and conveying safe crossing conditions.
• Enable intuitive interaction through voice prompts and vibration feedback, minimizing reliance on visual cues.
• Ensure reliable connection and data relay from street-side sensors within a 45-meter proximity range.
• Incorporate user feedback to optimize usability, safety, and customization options.

• Sensor connectivity module to detect proximity and communicate with external traffic sensors.
• Real-time safety status retrieval indicating approaching or stopped vehicles.
• Voice-controlled interface for user interaction and navigation within the app.
• Vibration pattern alerts customized for different crossing safety signals.
• Visual indicators (for non-visual feedback when appropriate) to support diverse user preferences.
• User settings for vibration customization and notification preferences.
• Compatibility with standard mobile devices and existing voice services.

• Street-side parking sensors or traffic sensors for real-time vehicle status
• Mobile device voice services for interaction
• Notification management systems to suppress unrelated alerts during crossing

• System accuracy of at least 95% in safety status detection
• Reliable connectivity within 45 meters of sensors
• High uptime and responsiveness to ensure timely alerts
• Data privacy and security compliance for user interaction
• Accessible design catering to a diverse range of users with visual impairments

Implementation of this assistive crossing app is expected to significantly improve pedestrian safety and independence for visually impaired users, reducing crossing-related incidents and enhancing urban inclusivity. Achieving high accuracy and seamless connectivity could foster greater trust and widespread adoption, ultimately making city streets safer and more accessible for all.