Development of Portable Talking Barcode Scanner

This case study details the development of a portable talking barcode scanner designed for visually impaired users. The project was initiated by a customer specializing in high-tech products aimed at enhancing independence for individuals with visual impairments. Mistral Solutions was tasked with creating an all-in-one device that includes features such as barcode scanning, face and object recognition, currency identification, and live video streaming through Skype. The development process involved hardware design, software development, and product qualification. Mistral utilized its existing EVM platform to expedite the prototype phase, allowing for early software testing and development. The project faced several challenges, including the integration of a unique user interface that combines text-to-speech technology and keypad controls, as well as the customization of video capture features to accommodate the needs of visually impaired users. The case study illustrates Mistral's comprehensive approach to product development, enabling quicker time-to-market and efficient end-to-end solutions.