Synchronized Running: Running Support System for Guide Runners by Haptic Sharing in Blind Marathon

Tomohisa Hirano, Junichi Kanebako, M. H.D.Yamen Saraiji, Roshan Lalintha Peiris, Kouta Minamizawa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Blind marathon is a sport where visually impaired people can run with sighted guides in pairs. In this paper, we present an assistant system for blind marathon runners called "Synchronized Running" that improves the guidance experience for the runners. Our proposed system allows both runners to match their running tempo and synchronize with each other, similar to a three-legged race case, without any direct physical attachment. Two modules are located on the ankle of both runners, that measure the acceleration of the visually impaired runner, and provide haptic feedback to the guide's ankle according the tempo of the running pace. This synchronization allows the guide to grasp a comfortable running pace towards the visually impaired person, allowing seamless running communication between both runners. The evaluation results indicate that our system encourage runners (primarily novice guides) to achieve comfortable guidance running experience toward the blind runners.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2019 IEEE World Haptics Conference, WHC 2019
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages25-30
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781538694619
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019 Jul
Event2019 IEEE World Haptics Conference, WHC 2019 - Tokyo, Japan
Duration: 2019 Jul 92019 Jul 12

Publication series

Name2019 IEEE World Haptics Conference, WHC 2019

Conference

Conference2019 IEEE World Haptics Conference, WHC 2019
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityTokyo
Period19/7/919/7/12

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Sensory Systems
  • Human Factors and Ergonomics

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