Mobile Product Barcode Reader for Thai Blinds

The product specification, more or less, influences the buyer´s decision making, when purchasing consumer products. However, it is impossible or difficult for the visual disabled themselves to purchase products from the stores. In order to improve quality of life and to support independent living for the blind, this article presents an approach to developing the mobile application of product barcode reader using image processing discipline integrated with Text-to-Speech synthesis technology. With today technology, smartphones can be used as a barcode reader device to capture the barcode image and vocalize the product detail to assist the blind for product buying. The implemented application suits for the blind who have skill in photo taking with smartphones.