ScanTalker 2.0 Barcode Solution Released

A powerful barcode scanning application for PAC Mate BX and QX series, the ScanTalker version 2.0, was released by Freedom Scientific. ScanTalker features an extensive product database and support for omni-directional scanning, enabling users with visual disability to access speech and Braille information about products independently.

ScanTalker users identify general items on store shelves with the UPC barcode found on the product labels. The Metrologic omni-directional, USB-powered handheld barcode reader included with ScanTalker is easy for a person with a visual disability to handle. The reader needs to be pointed at the product and the barcode is scanned regardless of its direction relative to the reader.

ScanTalker’s built-in database includes over 1.2 million UPC codes as follows:

• More than 285,000 grocery and over-the-counter pharmaceutical items
• More than 320,000 CDs and DVDs
• More than 90,000 health and beauty items
• More than 500,000 general merchandise goods

The barcode reader should initially be connected to PAC Mate’s USB port and the ScanTalker CompactFlash card be inserted into an available CompactFlash slot. Then items are scanned and if matching items in the database are found, the product brand and name will be spoken. ScanTalker also provides additional information that sighted people sometimes take for granted, like preparation instructions. If a barcode cannot be matched in the database, information about the product can be manually added. Information will be available the next time the item is scanned.

Ron Miller, product manager at Freedom Scientific and a user of the product, felt the product was incredible. He said, “With previous barcode readers, I really could not line up on barcodes and make them work. With omni-directional scanner and ScanTalker, I can tell in seconds whether I have a can of peaches or a can of dog food. It even tells me the dosage for over-the-counter remedies and the cast and rating of my DVDs.”

ScanTalker sells for $985 USD and requires a PAC Mate BX or QX running release 4.0.

Source : Freedom Scientific