Output details

Haptimap Toolkit

The Toolkit is a modular software library arising from the HaptiMap EU-FP7 project that aims to deeply embed accessibility into digital maps and mobile LBS. The Toolkit provides developers with a suite of adaptable multimodal interface components and context aware algorithms. It was the first of its kind for smart-phones (IOS/Android/Symbian), through the project’s demonstrator applications (with > 28,000 downloads) and in many of the project’s 129 peer reviewed publications it has exemplified the benefits to be gained by using all mobile device’s functionality . By demonstrating explicitly the advantages of multimodal inclusion it ensures that developers cam leverage thir applications and have the “need for multimodal inclusive design” right on top of their agenda. It provides unique ‘pluggable’ components,. It pioneered the TouchOverMap. Touch-over maps will become standard on mobile devices (e.g. IOS6’s Map App is almost there.) It has two specialist APIs: LocPP helps developers embed ‘friend finder’ functionality endowed with optimized tactile and audible multimodality. SCPN (Safe Corridor Pedestrian Navigation) is tailored for pedestrian navigation where non-visual interaction is vital.

Through its extremely efficient coding the Toolkit delivers functionality previously confined to desktop platforms. Toolkit based software has been widely demonstrated, at the Mobile World Congress 2012 and in many of the 190 project dissemination events it attracted great interest, and led to private workshops for major manufacturers (e.g. Nokia Research.) User trials with Toolkit enabled Apps are informing updated OGC standards. It will be used in Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) projects: ASSISTANT, NAVMEM and ENTRANCE. Toolkit usage is growing, it is cited in major German technological news sources, such as Heise Newsticker. Details of its commercial and societal impact can be obtained from BMT London UK (Scientist)), Geomobile Dortmund Germany, (Senior Engineer).