SpeechCode

Accessible Information. The world is full of information, however, 96% of it is presented in written format only. Documents, websites, signage, product information, instructions, larning materials, contracts, etc. In order to consume any printed information, individuals must have the ability to read and understand content. However, only 50% of all people in the western world can do this. The other 50% have restricted access to information, due to illiteracy, language deficits, age, and visual impairments. Population in EU: • 25% aged over 65 • 13% functional illiterates • 10% with language deficits • 3% blind or visually impaired Furthermore, according to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, all individuals should have access to information on all products, services and facilities. The respective EU Directive is aiming at multi-sensory channels for information provision. Yet, only 4% of all information is currently compliant with these regulations. To solve this problem for all people, our solution focused on adding audio format to any written information - accessible, offline and free of charge. In 2012 we started experimental development and came up with a coloured data matrix code, that contains all the information in the code itself - the Speech Code. These codes can easily be printed anywhere for users to scan with the free apps for Android and iOS. Information access is possible any time and anywhere, regardless of internet or phone connectivity. For added personalization, users can adjust the rate of speech, font size, contrast, and language in the app. In 2014 and 2015 we moved to market research and pilot projects. Last year, we acquired 30 paid proof of concept customers in the tourism sector. This industry is an ideal test-environment due to a positive image, international users, access to user feedback, and easy production processes. All customers have extended their annual licenses due to positive feedback from their users. To enable audible information directly on pharmaceutical products, fast moving consumer goods or any other consumer product, we additionally developed the talking Product Label in 2016: These codes read out the information about the product, its ingredients, expiration dates and the correct usage and can warn about individual allergenes. The product labels have the capability to present a full spectrum information in multiple languages in a 2.0x2.0cm square, making it a very cost effective method of information production – suitable for mass production. Less space also means less paper, which makes Speech Code an eco-friendly technology. The text-to-speech technology supports over 40 languages, making our technology globally scalable. As data transmission works offline, data integrity, immutability of content and data privacy of the consumers can be guaranteed. The fields of application to support product safety and social inclusion, are numerous. Some potential uses include: • Package Leaflets and Product Information • Citizen and Patient Information • Instructions and Safety Information • Signage in Buildings and on Streets • Public Transportation • Tourist Points of Interest • Websites, Documents and Collateral Materials We currently establish a distribution partner network with so far 9 partners for tourism in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Bulgaria, Israel and the US. Also we have entered a cooperation with a packaging company for pharmaceutical products to bring SpeechCode into this market and to add an anti-counterfeiting solution into our Speech Codes. While many organisations dealing with accessibility and inclusion, such as the Zero Project Foundation, ENAT/Pantou, the Austrian Federal Health and Food Safety Agency as well as associations of the blind support our technology, the major challenge for us is to create global awareness with the big pharmaceutical and FMCG brands. Local and societal impact /USP: There are a number of people who can benefit from our SpeechCode technology, including the elderly, the blind and visually impaired, individuals with cognitive disabilities and limited literacy, people with allergies, and even tourists in foreign countries. Especially in areas, where connectivity is limited, unreliable or expensive, SpeechCode can be used everywhere at no cost. To assure that no budget constraints will prohibit the use of SpeechCode by NGOs, associations of people with disabities or individuals, we are waiving our license fees for such groups, support them with user manuals, etc., so they can produce and distribute Speech Codes at no costs at all. Enabling information access for all above individuals supports the following UN SDGs: SDG 3 - GOOD HEALTH & WELL-BEING - audible information on health issues and medicines SDG 4 - QUALITY EDUCATION - an easy and economic way to provide education material for visually impaired children SDG 11 - SUSTAINABLE CITIES & COMMUNITIES - providing accessible citizen information SDG 12 & 13 - RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION/CLIMATE CHANGE - Speech Codes requires 40 times less space (=paper) than script. Just one Speech Codes at a central info point can bring written and audible information to the smartphones of hundreds of users and gets stored for later reference We are very proud that Dr. Daniela Bas, Director, Division for Social Policy and Development, UN-DESA, has given us positive feedback: ...It is always impressive to see how new technologies are improving the lives of visually and hearing impaired individuals. I will share these documents with our colleagues dealing with disability matters in the Division for Social Policy and Development and I look forward to our continued collaboration. USPs: • printable 2D datamatrix code • stickable NFC tags • up to 40 minutes of offline speech output • 42+ languages • small size (min. 2x2cm) • offline scan needs neither network nor energy • online DIY code generation (no voice recording) • API available for industrial processes • serialisation • counterfeiting • optional 4-8 PIN protection for closed user groups • free app & offline scan for customers (data privacy) • accessibility by patented ScanGuidance • annual license fees for low unit costs • immutability of content Target group for the product: Everyone with a smartphone.