Navigation

ASHIRASE works by connecting the device with the app, providing route and direction guidance to your destination through vibrations on your feet. Once you have completed the initial setup, refer to this page to learn more about the navigation features and vibration patterns.

1. Screen Layout

1-1. ASHIRASE App Screen Layout

When you open the ASHIRASE app, the map screen will appear first. On this screen, you can set destinations and manage navigation settings. Tapping the menu button in the top right corner of the map screen opens the menu list. The menu includes options such as My Page, Navigation Guide, Favorites, My Route, Device, Settings, User Guide, and Help. You can access various settings and support options from the menu.

Once a destination is set, the screen will switch to show the route. This screen is called the “Navigation Preparation Screen.” It includes the following elements:

  • Destination name and address
  • Route selection button (See section 2-3 for details)
  • Start Navigation button
  • Check Route button (Allows you to review the route in advance)
  • Add to Favorites button (Saves the selected destination for future use)
  • Change departure point button (Lets you change the starting point from your current location to another place and check the route)

When you tap the Start Navigation button, the screen will change to navigation mode. Tapping the arrow icon at the bottom of the screen (read as “Open Navigation Menu Button”) opens the navigation menu screen. The navigation menu consists of:

  • Current route and vibration pattern display
  • Route button (To check the route, similar to the navigation preparation screen)
  • Direction confirmation button (Restart direction vibration if you’re unsure of your way)
  • Stop Vibration button (Temporarily stops vibrations)
  • Voice settings button (Stops additional voice guidance, but route instructions will continue)
  • Nearby Facilities button (Displays nearby facilities and allows you to change the destination if necessary)
  • Call button (If the destination has a registered phone number, you can call directly)
  • Stop Navigation button

2. About Navigation

Navigation follows these steps:

  1. Open the app
  2. Set a destination
  3. Choose your preferred route
  4. Walk to your destination using vibrations and voice guidance
    • When Direction Vibration starts, check the direction and begin walking
    • During Forward Vibration, focus on the distance to the next turn. As you approach the turning point, the device’s vibration will increase in speed.
    • Follow the Direction Vibration when you are near the corner to make the turn.
  5. Upon arriving near the destination, use the Tap-Tap feature (Read section 2-6 for more information about this feature) to check the direction of your destination
  6. Use Tap-Tap again to end navigation

2-2. How to Set a Destination

There are five ways to set a destination. Choose the method that best suits your needs.

  1. Search by name or address
    • Enter the destination in the “Destination Input Field” at the top of the map screen.
    • You can search by facility name or address.
    • Use voice input via the microphone button on the iPhone keyboard.
  2. Select from categories
    • Below the input field, you will find category buttons such as “Station” or “Convenience Store.”
    • Tapping a category displays nearby facilities, which you can set as your destination.
  3. Use saved favorites
    • Tap the “Favorites” button in the bottom left corner to select a saved favorite location.
  4. Use My Route
    • Tap the “My Route” button at the bottom of the map screen to navigate using a pre-saved route.
  5. Use Siri to start navigation
    • Activate Siri and say “Navigate with ASHIRASE”.
    • Follow the voice prompt and provide the destination. Navigation will start automatically.

2-3. How to Choose a Route

Once a destination is set, the app automatically suggests a route based on the following criteria:

  • Recommended Route
  • Route with fewer turns
  • Previously walked route
  • Distance-prioritized route

2-4. Types of Vibrations

ASHIRASE offers six vibration patterns, with the four most commonly used for navigation being:

  • Direction Vibration: Indicates the direction to proceed.
  • Forward Vibration: Guides the user in a straight path with distance notifications.
  • Arrival Vibration: Notifies arrival with longer vibrations.
  • Vibration towards destination: Helps locate the exact position of the destination.

2-5. Voice Guidance

Voice guidance provides real-time information about:

  • The meaning of vibrations
  • Distance to the destination
  • Estimated time of arrival
  • Information on upcoming intersections and nearby facilities

If you are unfamiliar with the vibration patterns, it is recommended to use voice guidance for additional support.

2-6. Tap-Tap Operation

Tap-Tap refers to lightly tapping your foot twice on the ground while wearing the device. You can tap either the heel or the toe. If the device does not detect the gesture, try adjusting the speed and strength of your tap.

Tap-Tap can be used in three situations:

  1. Confirming direction during navigation
    • If unsure about your current direction, use Tap-Tap to restart Direction Vibration.
  2. Checking the direction of the destination upon arrival
    • Use Tap-Tap to activate Vibration towards destination without using the app.
  3. Ending navigation
    • Once the destination direction is confirmed, use Tap-Tap again to end navigation.

This concludes the navigation guide.