Smartphone-based assistive technologies for the blind

ABSTRACT

This paper describes our experiences with developing cost-effective assistive technologies for the visually impaired, with a focus on using commercial off-the-shelf technologies as much as possible. Trinetra involves three specific technologies--the grocery shopping assistant, the currency identifier and the transportation assistant--all supported on standard mobile phones with text-to-speech, commonly used by the visually impaired.

REFERENCES

• 1: American Foundation for the Blind, Statistics and Sources for Professionals, 2005.
• 2: M. Apuzzo, Judge: Make Bills Recognize to Blind, MoneyNews.com, November 2006.
• 3: Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services, Pittsburgh, http://www.pghvis.org/history.html
• 4: Council for Better Business Bureau, Grocery Stores: Access Equals Opportunity, June 2003.
• 5: Department of the Treasury, The New Color of Money. Safer. Smarter. More Secure. June 2006.
• 6: International Braille and Technology Center, Accessible Cell Phone Technology, The Braille Monitor, June 2006.
• 7: K. Jernigan, If Blindness Comes, National Federation of the Blind, 1994.
• 8: C. Lupsa, Should U.S. Bills Be Blind Friendly? Christian Science Monitor, December 2006.
• 9: Microsoft Research, Lincoln,
• 10: http://lincoln.msresearch.us/Lincoln/Logon.aspx
• 11: National Research Council, Currency Features for Visually Impaired People, 1995.
• 12: Nuance Communications, Inc. TALKS,
• 13: http://www.nuance.com/talks/
• 14: E. Ringlein, 101 Ways to Use Braille, The Braille Spectator, National Federation of the Blind, Summer 1998.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.4 COMPUTERS AND SOCIETY
      K.4.2 Social Issues
          Subjects: Assistive technologies for persons with disabilities

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Input devices and strategies (e.g., mouse, touchscreen); Voice I/O

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors

Keywords:
assistive technonologies, blind, currency identification, retail, smartphones, transportation, visual impairment