EMPWR is an innovative navigational app that employs voice assistance to identify objects, images, text and bar codes in the environment. Simply point your phone in a direction, and the app will verbalize what is in its field of vision. This app, in its first iteration, is the precursor to more sophisticated, augmented reality applications to come. It is an attempt to enhance the lives of people who are blind or who have a visual impairment. We have done extensive field research and have thus planned the app’s default settings with the user who relies on voice assistance in mind. Right now, EMPWR can…
- Recognize objects, even if that object is “person,” with approximately 70% accuracy. When you point your phone in the direction of a dog, for instance, you will hear “dog” aloud or through your headphones.
- Describe images. EMPWR can discern the images on a monetary bill and tell you the denomination or tell you what text and images are on a traffic sign.
- Read text. Take a photo of the page of a magazine or book, and EMPWR will read you the words
- Read barcodes. Using AR technology instead of barcode reader tech, the app can find a barcode anywhere on the screen, even if it is crooked or only part of the image, and read it for you.
EMPWR also allows users to video/audio conference with friends: video for the friend, audio for the user.
EMPWR is not 100% accurate. It is a work-in-progress technology that enhances detection and recognition. Users should employ caution and understand total reliance on the app is not, at this time, advisable. Eventually, EMPWR will be able to help you effectively navigate public spaces and ease and enhance your shopping experience, all through detailed voice guidance.