Assistive Navigation
LAN-VI Taxonomy
The following table maps the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J3016 standard to the domain of assistive technology for the visually impaired. It defines the division of responsibility between the human user and the assistive system regarding the Dynamic Ambulation Task (DAT).
Standard
Levels of Automation
Levels of Autonomous Navigation for Visually Impaired (LAN-VI) is adapted from SAE J3016 for visually impaired navigation. Each level clarifies who steers, who watches, and who handles fallback.
Level
Name
Narrative Definition
Execution of Steering / Propulsion
Monitoring / Fallback
Level 0
No Navigation Automation
The user performs all aspects of the dynamic ambulation task (DAT), utilizing only passive aids like a white cane or biological guide dog.
Human
Monitoring: Human
Fallback: Human
Level 1
Navigation Assistance
The system provides continuous Object and Event Detection and Response (OEDR) information (e.g., semantic audio warnings) but does not execute physical steering or propulsion.
Human
Monitoring: Human (System augments perception)
Fallback: Human
Level 2
Partial Navigation Automation
The system executes Lateral Control (steering/centering) via active braking or wheels. The user retains Longitudinal Control (propulsion) and must constantly supervise the path.
System (Steering) & Human (Propulsion)
Monitoring: Human
Fallback: Human
Level 3
Conditional Navigation Automation
The system performs the entire DAT (Steering & Propulsion) within a specific Operational Design Domain (ODD). The user acts as the fallback-ready user if the system encounters a failure mode.
System
Monitoring: System
Fallback: Human
Level 4
High Navigation Automation
The system performs all DAT tasks within a geofenced ODD (e.g., airports, museums). No user intervention is required. If the system fails, it enters a minimal risk condition automatically.
System
Monitoring: System
Fallback: System
Level 5
Full Navigation Automation
The system performs all DAT tasks under all environmental conditions navigable by a skilled human pedestrian (e.g., unstructured trails, crowds).
System
Monitoring: System
Fallback: System
Table: Levels of Autonomous Navigation for Visually Impaired (LAN-VI) — Adapted from SAE J3016