Uni-Voice 5.0.70

The application under review offers users a unique method for accessing Japanese and multilingual content through the innovative use of Uni-Voice audio codes, which can be scanned using the smartphone's camera. This service efficiently directs users to company and product information pages, as well as resources providing precise translations in multiple languages. The information is gleaned from printed materials available across various locations in Japan.

The app's functionality includes an automatic reading feature that utilizes the smartphone's text-to-speech (TTS) capabilities to vocalize translated content stored on servers or within the Uni-Voice audio codes.

Permissions Required:

• Camera: Essential for scanning; without this permission, the application cannot function.
• Location: Necessary for utilizing the NAVI/SPOT code feature; access is required to enable navigation functions.
• Storage: Required to save Voice/Navi/SPOT codes locally; without this, files cannot be saved.

Usage Instructions:

• Initiate the app by tapping the camera button.
• Hold the guide marker approximately 5 cm above the Uni-Voice audio code and gradually lift the smartphone about 8 cm until the screen focuses, at which point content will be automatically imported. The text will be displayed for reading.

General Features:

• Users can save imported text data in a library file.
• The filename can be edited for organizational purposes.
• Tapping on any telephone number or URL within the text enables direct calling from that screen, but a communication network is required for this action.

About Uni-Voice:

The Uni-Voice audio code is a two-dimensional barcode, developed by JAVIS (Japan Association For the Visually-Impaired Information Support), capable of recording up to approximately 800 characters for mobile reading. Users can display and save imported text by scanning these codes. Various formats, including audio, text, and multilingual translation information, are made accessible via devices such as Raku-Raku-phone Basic 3 (NTT DOCOMO) and smartphones (iPhone, Android), among others.

Introduced in April 2012 as part of a personal information form in the 'Regular Pension Mailer', Uni-Voice has since been integrated into healthcare management systems through notifications from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Anticipated collaborations with government welfare services are on the horizon as part of an inclusive design initiative following the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act in 2016.

This robust system promises expanded accessibility under universal design principles aimed at enhancing hospitality in line with international tourist initiatives such as the Visit Japan Project.

Operational Requirements:

• The application is optimized for Android version 4.0.4 or newer, with confirmed compatibility starting from Samsung Galaxy S3 and later models. Other devices may also function adequately.

Please Note: Performance inconsistency may occur depending on device settings, especially if the auto text reading option is disabled. Additionally, while compatibility is promoted under recommended settings, it cannot be guaranteed across all operating systems or updates released subsequently.

Creation of Uni-Voice Codes:

An order for creating Japanese-to-foreign language translations along with Uni-Voice codes can be submitted via this link.