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Integration into the iOS application of text recognition options for blind users

05.10.2024

Having vision problems in the modern world is not a reason to refuse to use smartphones. Moreover, the global trend is an inclusive approach, when people with special needs are integrated into ordinary life as much as possible. This is also evident during the development of mobile applications, which should be taken into account by everyone who intends to create their own or buy an Apple Developer account. It is important to understand how exactly to connect a smart camera to the program so that it becomes convenient and useful for all categories of users. Nova.Shop specialists have prepared an overview of the main points that you need to know.

Features of using a smartphone by blind people

Assistants for users with visual impairments are special programs – screen readers. In devices of the Apple brand, the VoiceOver utility is used for this, which is easy to download from the official store. An interesting feature of the perception of information by the blind is that due to the peculiarities of the brain’s processing of external data, robotic voices are preferable for them. An additional advantage of using a synthesizer is the lack of risk of pronunciation errors. If you intend to become an Apple developer and present a high-quality digital product, then it is absolutely necessary to integrate the text identification option. It is important to solve a number of problems:

lack of a clear understanding of the capture area by the blind;
lack of understanding by the user how to move the gadget to recognize the necessary text;
difficulties with changing the position of the phone or surface with text for audio playback of written or printed text.

The cost of developing an iOS utility when adding this option will, of course, increase, but the investment will pay off.

How does a smart camera work?

The essence of such a camera is to identify text with subsequent audio playback. That is, a person activates the application and gives permission to use the camera, then points the gadget at the object that interests him, and then perceives the information by ear. Having access to the Apple console Developer and providing such an opportunity in your utility, it will be possible to expand the target audience and increase the usefulness of the software, which is important for quick verification before publication. In parallel, it is possible to improve the quality of life of people with congenital or acquired visual defects. Indirectly, this will help improve the reputation of the business and increase the rating.

Apple Developer program participants can connect a smart camera to recognize:

bank cards;
product names;
expiration dates;
banknotes;
product composition;
names of medicines and reading instructions for use;
transport schedules;
announcements;
addresses, etc.

Main requirements for a smart camera

Not everyone who can get an iOS developer certificate understands how to approach the integration of functions for blind people. There are many nuances (the theme of the application plays a role), but there are requirements that must be followed without fail:

Fast operation in real time.
Ensuring high quality recognition.
Minimum power consumption and RAM of the device.
Possibility of use for other scenarios.
Launch on devices with different operating systems. It is not necessary to buy an iOS Developer account and create software only for iPhones and iPads – you can switch to cross-platform development and increase the reach of the target audience.

Ideally, recognition in different languages and the option for the user to adjust the ratio of quality and speed should be provided. As for the components, there are three of them: