VISCompass

A smartphone compass app with audio feedback for visually impaired cruising sailors.

Background

Few sports have the potential for empowering visually impaired people as much as sailing . However when steering a yacht to a course, seeing the compass or surroundings can be difficult or impossible . In some conditions visually impaired sailors can steer (with great accuracy in some cases) to the wind and waves . But in addition , a custom built piece of hardware which gives an audible indication of variation from a set course , similar to the proximity warning sounds of a reversing car, has been used .

VISCompass builds the same functionality into an app using the built in compass of a smartphone. Its focus is empowering VIsailors to helm a course on a passge by a coastal cruising yacht , rather than enabling VIracing sailors to maximise their potential in competion.

Use of a smartphone for this purpose has many advantages such as being much cheaper than using one of the very few hardware systems in existence, enabling the use of standard accesibility features, and individual setting of sensitivity and smoothing for different sea conditions. The use of a smartphone also opens up possibilies for onshore , pre voyage practice , plus pointing the way for future developments such as speech activation , vibrate and stereo operation .

Interaction Model

The Interaction Model around which VISCompass is built is as follows.

Use by mixed sighted and VI crew on yachts and motorboats with a secure steering position operating in coastal or offshore cruising situations.

VISCompass' hardware requirement is currently an iphone running iOS version... or above ; well charged (or supplied with external power) and set to non-sleep operation , plus mono or stereo headphones . If wired , headphones trpically require a lead of at least 1.2 M. The app is optimised for bluetooth stereo headphones .

Depending upon the other uses which the phone is put to , it may require compass calibration (similar to that occasionally required to utilize map/satnav funcionality) before VISCompass will operate. Instructions for this easy 30 second task will be provided by the app if necessary.

The operative iPhone is securelt attached to the vessels structure away from metallic sources of compass interference and accessable by both the VIsailor and the sighted skipper. While autonomous useage modes are envisaged in future , the initial location access priority is for skipper input. If wave and weather conditions require it , the iPhone should be mounted in a waterproof and/or protective case which still allows easy access by all crew and touch screen operation .

Optimum ( but not essential)orientation of the iPhone is along the centreline of the boat. Only in this way do its compass readings and those of the vessel coincide.

Initially the tine and frequency of "beeps" heard through the earphones provide steering feedback to the VISailor . Stereo channel and vibrate communication modes will be developed later. In mono mode the earphone can be used in either ear.

Setting and changing course is done via buttons in the VISCompass app operational navigation screen , and can be done by dialling in a compass bearing , or by selecting an insantanious vesses course for the app (and thus the VISailor) to lock onto. Changing course can be accomplished by keying in a comass course increase or desrease (before commencing the turn) , of by resetting the target bearing after a deliberate turn has been made

Sighted helmsmen rarely steer mre accurately than plus or minus 5 degrees of their target. VISCompass also only starts emitting off course correction beeps at plus or minus 5 degrees , to avaiod oversteering . In-app functionality provides further feedback sensitivity adjustment to suit the VI user.

VISCompass Status

The VISCompass app was deveoped by IT and Sailing experts giving freely of their time , and is made availble to the visually impaired sailing community UK and worldwide free of charge. It may not be integrated into other software or hardware , rebranded , modified , or remarketed without the express consent of the developors (Alchemy consulting?...Matt's company?...whatever)

VISCompass is still in development, and there are many further potential developments to its functionality which would further enhance the sailing experience of visually impaired crew . For example, voice synthasised communication of navigation data (such as boat and winnd speed and direction) using data transmitted wirelessly from the vessel's navigation instruments (typically via NMEA or NMEA2000).

Hence the devlopers would welcome any feedback for users of the current version of VIACompass , and any contact with organisations or businesses interested in partnering the further development of the app. A format for users to provide this feedback on line is integrated in the app.

Proper use of VISCompass

VISCompass does not in any way reduce or replace the skipper's responsibility for the safe conduct of the vessel in which the app is used. He / she should make the decision as to the appropriateness of its use in any given situation , and ensure it is thoroughly commissioned and monitored in use. The developers accept no liability whatsoever for accidents or incidents which take place on vessels on which VISCompass is in use.