We've found that different solutions work for different people. And they even work differently for the same people under different circumstances. Like any purchase, you need to consider the cost and the benefit of the various solutions.
It may help to understand what Digit-Eyes is intended to do. Most of the people here sound like they are thinking of it in the context of reading UPC labels. It does do this, but the purpose of Digit-Eyes is to help with labeling -- both creating your own (text or recordable QR code labels) and for reading those created by others (QR code and three barcodes: UPC, Code 3 of 9 and code 128). Some people use it for both labeling and reading; some for just reading UPCs. You can even buy the two functions separately if you want to. Our vision in creating Digit-Eyes was to create a tool that fit the following criteria: a) *small* (does anyone really like to use a device that is awkward or obtrusive -- particularly in public?) b) *portable* (AT isn't much use unless it is where you are, not in another room or left at home) c) *robust and very reliable* (AT equipment that isn't working or that is undependable is very frustrating) d) *working* (electronic devices that are out of battery are worthless) e) *replaceable* (if you lose your iPhone, when you synch up your new one, you'll find all your saved labels are restored from your backup) f) *easy to learn and use* (Digit-Eyes does require some practice -- like many things -- but it is generally very simple to use, just a matter of repetition) g) *both inexpensive and powerful in terms of data* (what good is it to have product identification system that can't identify your item? we have about 28 million UPC/EAN codes and the updates are both continuous and free. Most of the other solutions have about a 50% product identification rate; Digit-Eyes runs 95%+ in most countries and languages) h) *very inexpensive in terms of supply* (our target is 1 cent per label or less) i) * very inexpensive in terms of acquisition* (Our target was to have a product that anyone could easily afford and not have to save up or get a grant to buy. Begging for money isn't fun and our family has a LOT of things to do where $500 or $1000 would come in handy!) I think that in most cases, we did hit the design objectives. The tradeoffs are that you do need to learn to use the iPhone camera and if you are using it to read UPC codes, you need to learn about code placement and (like every other solution), it isn't for everyone. Some people read Braille, some don't. Some people like having a dog, some don't. Some people are very comfortable using JAWS, some are not. Here are a couple of things we've learned: a) a lot of people use the print-it-yourself labels and love them. b) a lot of people use the washable pre-printed labels, ditto. Oddly, we have as many positive comments from sighted spouses as from our intended user base. c) finding UPCs has become simpler because manufacturers are moving the labels from the sides to the bottoms of boxes d) the improvements in the Apple cameras are making it possible for us to analyze much larger image portions all at once, which means that finding codes and labels is easier e) about 1 in 50 customers needs help learning to use the camera and Skype is a great way to do this. Every time I (or one of our staff) works with someone over Skype, we learn stuff about how that app is used. I think if you get Digit-Eyes and learn to use it, that you'll like it (most people do); if it turns out that it is not for you, you can return it to Apple. Cordially, Nancy If you have an existing barcode scanner that attaches to your PC (like the Metrologic one), you can also now use the desktop version if you are so inclined: https://www.digit-eyes.com/cgi-bin/digiteyes.fcgi?action=quickScan On Tuesday, October 2, 2012 9:30:02 AM UTC-5, William F. Gallik wrote: > > I finally joined modern society and ordered an iPhone 5 with a main > objective of using Digit-Eyes. I was advised by a noteworthy techie that > Digit- Eyes is not quite the panacea I may have thought it was. He > suggested that the frustrations of trying to locate the UPC makes the > product pretty much useless. > > I should also say that I listened to one of the audio demonstrations > presented by a gentleman (his name escapes me at the moment) who stressed > the potential frustrations of trying to locate the UPCs. But his ultimate > recommendation was that the efficacy is worth the effort. > > The advice I seek is whether or not others can recommend using Digit-Eyes > or > not? > > Thanks! > ---- > Holland's Person, Bill > - "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on > society." > - US Humorist, Mark Twain (1835 - 1910) > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the "VIPhone" Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
