An innovative system for both Greek and European standards to support people with visual impairments developed by Data & Control Systems Company.

Few foods have product description recording using Braille code. Currently drugs recording is implemented, still none of the reported cases, neither food nor drug is listed or presented in a manner readable by the visually impaired, the product expiration date.

Data & Control Systems has identified this weakness. People which are blind or partially sighted have trouble in recognizing the expiry date in products. Having worked closely with the Lighthouse for the Blind, DCS has designed, installed and integrated food systems Tracking platform so as to allow specific users and consumers to update key elements of the main product and most important import the required expiration date.

DCS has created a system based on QR Code, which produces a sticker containing information about the product, Production Company, size and expiration date. The sticker is placed at an obvious spot on the package making this information easily accessible to all consumers, using a smart phone.

The visually impaired users will use a smart phone to help with the product “identification” procedure. The user will be assisted with the scanning process by the phone. Following a successful scan all product information will be vocally described to the user.

This application created by Data & Control Systems is currently available on smart phones running Android OS and shortly will be on IPhone, Windows Mobile and Symbian. This system will assist visually impaired people to identify all product information and most important to recognize expiration date.

Corporate Social Responsibility has lead many companies to integrate this label to their products. These products will be very soon available on the Greek market facilitating the everyday life of people with visual impairments. The application for smart phones will be distributed free by the Lighthouse for the Blind.