Abstract
Higher brain dysfunction (HBD) is an aftereffect of traumatic brain injuries, cerebrovascular disturbances, encephalitis, and so forth. HBD is an umbrella term that encompasses cognitive dysfunction, e.g., memory defects, inability to pay attention, and topographical disorientation. Topographical disorientation prevents persons with HBD from walking alone outdoors. In this study, navigation software was developed to enable persons with HBD to walk independently. It helps users navigate by showing the route of each sub-goal in turn; these are set by tapping on the map in advance. Messages are output when the user reaches the sub-goal or goes off-route in order to attract attention. In an experiment, three non-disabled persons set sub-goals, and the errors in the coordinates were measured. The results showed that the error distance increased when more sub-goals were set for a route. Six non-disabled persons were asked to evaluate and compare the navigation software with a paper map. The navigation software scored higher. Four subjects with HBD evaluated the software by walking inside and outside the National Rehabilitation Center. One subject could not use the navigation software because he had difficulty with the tapping task. Another subject could not walk outside the center with the paper map but could reach the goal with the developed software. The other two subjects were able to reach the goal with both the paper map and the developed software. Several subjects and their parents suggested that voice or vibration feedback is necessary because gazing at the smartphone during walking is dangerous.
