시각장애인용 음향신호기 기능 개선을 위한 연구 = A Study on the Functional Improvement of Accessible Pedestrian Signal for the Blind People

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study aimed to explore ways to improve the functionality of accessible pedestrian signals implemented to ensure safe passage rights for the blind people.
It investigated the actual conditions and characteristics of the blind people's mobility environment, as well as prior research related to mobility support for the blind people. A survey was conducted to investigate the use of accessible pedestrian signals by the blind people and ways to improve them. Based on this, prototypes were developed, and through pilot operations, it was confirmed whether they operated stably in the actual field, and blind people directly experienced and evaluated the improved functions.
The improvements included shortening guidance messages, informing remaining time, guiding diagonal crosswalks, installing additional speakers, and transmitting pressure button alarm sounds. As a result of the pilot operation, shortening guidance messages received positive feedback for reducing unnecessary messages and providing necessary information to help with walking. The feature of informing remaining time showed high satisfaction with informing red and green signal times.
The diagonal crosswalk guidance function helps with auditory perception, but it may cause danger to pedestrians depending on the road environment, so sufficient review appears to be necessary. The installation of additional speakers is expected to be positively received when introduced at intersections with high traffic or pedestrian volume. The function of transmitting pressure button alarm sounds was evaluated as convenient for blind people to find pressure buttons attached to poles by relying on their hearing.
This study is significant because it suggests directions for revising the "Standard Specification for Accessible Pedestrian Signal for the Blind People" based on the results of direct experience and evaluation by the blind people.