Glossary
Terms used in accessibility research and practice. Each entry has a definition, common aliases, and category tags.
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- Particle Filtering(also: Sequential Monte Carlo, Particle Filter)
- Particle filtering is a probabilistic localization technique that estimates a user's position by maintaining a cloud of weighted "particles," each representing a possible location. As new sensor data arrives—from GPS, inertial sensors, or other sources—particles are updated,…
- Particle filter(also: Sequential Monte Carlo, Monte Carlo localization)
- A probabilistic algorithm that estimates a user's position by maintaining a set of weighted hypothetical locations (particles) and updating them based on sensor observations such as Bluetooth beacon signal strengths. In indoor navigation for people with visual impairments,…
- Pedestrian dead reckoning(also: PDR, Inertial navigation, Step-and-heading)
- A localization technique that estimates a person's position by counting their steps (to determine distance) and detecting turns (to determine heading changes) from a known starting point, using inertial sensors in a smartphone or wearable device. For blind indoor navigation,…
- Personal-Scale Manufacturing(also: Desktop Manufacturing, Personal Fabrication)
- The use of affordable, accessible manufacturing tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines by individuals or small groups to produce custom physical objects, as opposed to relying on industrial-scale production. In the context of assistive technology,…
- Persuasive Technology(also: Behaviour Change Technology, Behavior Change Technology)
- Technology designed to change users' attitudes or behaviours through persuasion and social influence rather than coercion. In health and wellness contexts, persuasive technologies use strategies such as goal-setting, self-monitoring, reminders, social comparison, and rewards to…
- Physiological Computing(also: Biometric Computing, Biosignal-based Computing)
- A computing paradigm that uses real-time physiological signals from the body to inform system responses and adaptations. Common signals include heart rate (via photoplethysmography), skin conductance (galvanic skin response), respiration, and brain activity (EEG). In…
- Point Cloud
- A set of data points in three-dimensional space, where each point represents a position on the surface of an object or environment, typically captured by depth cameras, LiDAR scanners, or photogrammetry. In accessibility applications, point clouds are used to create virtual…
- Pose Estimation(also: Body Pose Estimation, Skeleton Tracking)
- A computer vision technique that detects and tracks the positions of human body joints, hands, and facial landmarks from images or video. In accessibility contexts, pose estimation is a foundational technology for sign language recognition systems, gesture-based interfaces, and…
- Privacy-Enhancing Technologies(also: PETs)
- Tools and techniques that protect user privacy by limiting the collection, use, and dissemination of personal information online. Examples include VPNs, ad blockers, privacy-focused browsers like Brave, encrypted messaging apps, and Do Not Track settings. For users with…
- Proximity Detection(also: Proximity Sensing, Proximity-Based Localization)
- A method of determining a user's approximate location by measuring their closeness to known reference points, such as BLE beacons or Wi-Fi access points, based on signal strength. In accessible indoor navigation systems, proximity detection is used to localize users at specific…
- Proxy Account(also: Delegate Account)
- A formal mechanism within a digital system that allows an authorized person to perform tasks on behalf of another user with defined permissions and accountability. In financial technology, proxy accounts enable financial delegates to help older adults or people with disabilities…
11 results.