Hi, Pertaining to the barcode feature. If no one has mentioned this, I know it can at least read barcodes for coupons, meaning that, if you walk into a store, find the barcode for the coupon or whatever on the iPhone, the cashier can simply scan the screen. I heard it mentioned in the Assistive Technology Show, so more can probably be done with that.
As for the announcing of streets and so on, don't we have Navagon or however you spell that thing? I heard they released a new version of it which announced street names and such. Again, I have only heard about this. I don't actually know, and sadly I can't test it. This is just hearsay, but figured I'd post this anyway in case someone can actually shed some light on this. I'd be curious to know. Regards, Nic Skype: Kvalme MSN Messenger: nico...@home3.gvdnet.dk AIM: cincinster yahoo Messenger: cin368 Facebook: Profile Twitter: http://twitter.com/chojiro On Oct 12, 2009, at 4:56 PM, Chris Blouch wrote: > Not sure the camera really does the OCR function. That's probably > software after the photo is taken. That said, KNFB runs in the Nokia > N82 which has a 5 megapixel camera while the iPhone 3GS is just 3 > megapixels. Not sure how much the megapixels mater but for OCR more > is probably better. If you figure even a relatively low res flatbed > scanner will do 300 dpi, that means an 8x10 image will be 2400x3000 > pixels or 7.2 megapixels so the Nokia is already a compromise. None > of this has to do with the OCR software being able to run on the > iPhone CPU. The OCR software isn't going to do a very good job if > the quality of the image it has to work with is low. > > CB > > Rich Ring wrote: >> >> The camera on the iPhone is not powerful enough to do O/CR. >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: Ryan Dour >> To: MacVisionaries >> Sent: Friday, October 09, 2009 3:49 PM >> Subject: iPhone like KNFB? >> >> Hello, >> >> What apps could be added to an iPhone at this point to provide >> similar functionality to a KNFB phone? The key featuresthat could >> help are: >> >> * OCR of documents, signs, product boxes, etc. >> * Talking pedestrian directions such as "You are approaching the >> corner of North Michigan Avenue and East Heron." When you get to >> the corner, "Turn right." and in a few more feet "Continue to the >> next corner, St. Claire and E Heron." >> * Color detection, providing reasonably good color matching or >> description. >> * Barcode reader with the ability to detect the barcode anywhere in >> the picture frame, not just across a red line on the screen that >> makes use difficult when you're only sure of the general location >> of the code. Ability to pair with external BlueTooth barcode >> scanner as an alternative could be sweet. >> * Talking compass, something very similar to the built-in feature, >> but with names of directions quickly spoken. >> >> Here's the great part, some of the apps exist, but don't offer full >> functionality. >> >> * A Voice Compass - Literally a talking compass with great >> accuracy. It even cuts itself off if you turn it really fast, >> listen to the directions in an audio blur if you so choose. >> * Around Me - Great for POI, but that's where the fun ends. Also, >> great for getting phone numbers to places quickly. >> * Maps - Great for finding out where you are, and general >> directions. However, no warnings about distance as you move. >> >> I've found apps that offer functionality beyond the typical >> blindness offerings that make life just sweet. For me, local apps >> can be fantastic: >> >> * CTA Tracker - Easily the most accessible CTA tracking app. If you >> live in Chicago, this app provides complete details of busses at >> your local bus stops. Find a bus, wait for it to pull up and >> announce itself, then track your way to your destination with time >> estimates. Simply awesome for commuting. If you leave the VO cursor >> on the next stop in the list, and turn Auto Lock off, VO will >> announce the stop the bus is approaching once a minute. Turn on >> your iPod, and let VO be the Dj telling you where you're at as you >> travel without having to keep one ear open for the bus PA system. >> * Chipotle - Order some yummy food while you're on your way home. >> You can put together your order, choose toppings, sides, and a >> drink. You can then place a note on the order to let the great >> staff know you're blind, and to look out for ya when you get there. >> It has been a really amazing experience using this app. My reason, >> sometimes the restaurant is so loud that the staff start simply >> pointing at the toppings and looking for feedback from the >> customer. When you try and explain that you're blind, they don't >> speak up enough, or it really throws them off and they start >> missing toppings. Using this app, you get exactly what you wanted >> without the confusion of the Chipotle assembly line. Even better, >> your credit card never comes out of your wallet. >> >> I've got many other apps, but these are some that I've used in the >> last few days. They provide me with tools that enrich my life. >> There are others out there I know I'm missing, as the app store is >> the hottest most crowded marketplace for software I've ever seen. >> If anyone else has ideas for apps that make the iPhone specifically >> a brilliant tool for a blind user, please let us all know. Beyond >> the Twitter and Facebook apps we all love, I'm looking for apps >> that help enhance real life activities happening in the real world. >> >> Thanks, >> Ryan Dour >> >> >> >> >> > > > --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "MacVisionaries" group. 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