TEXT4U - IPHONE APP WHICH CAN READ BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE

With support from the Development of Assistive Technology for Persons with Disabilities Fund (ATDF) under the auspices of the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), HKSB has developed the Text4U app for visually impaired users to access text information in an easier manner by the use of iPhone, so that they are able to read information by themselves without the help of a sighted assistant. For example, prescription instructions and dosage information on drug bags, information on leaflet and name card, labels made for products in supermarket and so on. The user can make use this App to take photo, and the text inside whatever Chinese or English will be recognized and speak out by the built-in Voiceover function of iPhone.

If resources are available, the Text4U would be enhanced in its performance, especially for Chinese, a better Chinese OCR engine should be purchased for the application. Also, the automatic field classification for name card, tables processing and vertical Chinese text processing would be considered to improve. Adding usage modes, for instance, name card mode, envelope mode for users to choose using the suitable mode to read information would be considered for future enhancement.  Lastly, the Text4U would further be developed on Andorid, providing another platform for the visually impaired users’ choice to use in their daily living.

If you want to have further information of the Text4U, please check http://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/shi-du-tong-text4u/id490597630?mt=8。