What is ACCESSIBLE CODE?
Accessible Code (JP Patent No. 6947960) is a QR code-based text-to-speech tool that makes printed information more accessible to visually impaired people (VIP) in their native language.
Using this technology on packaging and signs improves access to essential information that visually impaired consumers need. Without needing to download a specialized app or change any smartphone settings, a consumer can easily access information about ingredients, how to use certain products, safety precautions, and more with a single QR code. This also helps manufacturers to communicate with their entire customer base without the need for braille or multiple languages on their packaging.
It was developed over the course of three years with extensive input from organizations that provide support to VIP in Japan. You can read more about the development process in Our Findings and see how working directly with VIP ensured that Accessible Code would be simple and easy for them to rely on.
The result was a standard, open-source QR code that can be read via the user’s smartphone camera or QR-code reader software of choice. The user is then directed to a webpage where relevant information is magnified and read aloud using Accessible Code’s built-in text-to-speech function. A single QR code supports up to 15 different languages, and the information is automatically set to the consumer’s default smartphone language. A simple, one-code solution for consumers and manufacturers alike.
Key Features
Try it out!
Scan the QR code on the right below with your smartphone’s built-in camera to view or listen to our sample text. No additional software needed.
Multilingual Translation
Translate your content into multiple languages at once. Accessible Code supports 43 languages, with up to 15 translations in one QR code.
Use machine translation to create translations for multiple languages in one go, request translation by our team of professional translators, or add your own translations.
The language displayed when the QR code is scanned corresponds with the user’s device language settings. If the user’s default language is not supported by the selected languages, English will be displayed by default. Other languages may be selected using a drop down menu.
Text-to-Speech
Accessible Code has a built-in audio player that uses AI-powered speech synthesis to read out your text. It is programmed to play back at a slightly faster speed to accommodate for the needs of visually impaired people.
Translation checks by native speakers are also available to ensure that there are no errors in the generated text-to-speech audio. This is essential for conveying information such as food allergens and instructions for taking medicine.
If you prefer a human voice, you can also add your own MP3 file audio recordings.
What sets Accessible Code apart from other barcode generators?
Accessible Code uses a standard, open-source QR code. That makes it easy for consumers to adopt, because there is no need to download a dedicated app or do any setup. They can use whatever QR-code reader software they already have to scan the code and have the information read back to them.
It is difficult to put multilingual information or braille on product packaging, but Accessible Code takes up a relatively small space (a 16 mm square). One code can deliver product information to consumers anywhere in the world, regardless of visual impairment or other disabilities like dyslexia. Seniors who find it difficult to read small writing can easily get the information on their smartphones and magnify the text or listen to it read aloud.
The contents of Accessible Code can be changed whenever necessary without changing the printed code itself, such as in cases of a mislabeling or product recall.
The multilingual speech function of Accessible Code uses the most advanced speech synthesis technology available for each language and is connected via an integrated system. As a result, services are constantly evolving, and the technology never becomes obsolete.
The audio playback produced by Accessible Code is slightly faster than normal speech. This is because the average hearing speed of people with visual impairments is a little faster than that of people with unimpaired vision.
Each QR code is supported by an intuitive management system!
You will have full access to your administrative account with all the data needed to manage your codes, as well as the data collected about codes that were scanned by users all over the world. The Dashboard’s intuitive design makes it easy for new users to navigate, so you can get right into managing your codes and their content. As an added benefit, each time the Accessible Code on your code is scanned, the data is automatically uploaded to the cloud, allowing you to check and download your code’s data analytics in real time.
The technology behind Accessible Code
Accessible Code runs code based on QR Translator, a multilingual text-to-speech application. This service, which has been granted patents in multiple countries, is operated by PIJIN Co., Ltd., an affiliate company of Export Japan. QR Translator alleviates language barriers on signage and printed materials in places like public parks, train stations, museums, city offices, and more. Like Accessible Code, a single code can be displayed in multiple languages, and it is possible to edit and customize the content without making any changes to the printed code. Register for a QR Translator account and create a new QR code to start a free 14-day trial, no credit card required for the trial period.
Manage your Codes
Easily create, edit, and manage all your codes and user data in one place.
Your QR codes are displayed in a list format, where you can quickly check settings like which codes are active and what languages they have enabled. Adding new languages or editing language content is simple, and under the Actions column, you can use toggle features for items like sharing on SNS platforms, displaying maps, adding related links, and changing the code’s public status. Duplicating code content, redirecting, and automatic renewals are likewise one-click actions.
Each client has full control of their QR code’s management, but that does not mean you are on your own, because we are here to help. That might look like assisting you with the development of your printed code and its content and fine-tuning the design to suit your brand image, or it might involve having our international staff check the quality of the multilingual translations and fine-tune the pronunciation of the text-to-speech audio. We strive to match our services to the needs of each client, so you can customize your Accessible Code experience as much as you can customize the code itself.
Total Customization
When it comes to the HTML development and translation options, a wide range of features are available to fit different client needs. We match the contents of each QR code with product packaging, employ global-standard coding, and continually improve the quality of text-to-speech audio. Because our QR codes lead to a page that operates in the same way as a website, you can also add images, videos, and links back to your company’s official website. The multifunctionality of each QR code has ever-expanding potential.
Print Specifications
Adding Accessible Code to your products generally requires a redesign of your product packaging to ensure that consumers with visual impairments will be able to locate and successfully scan the code. We have recommendations for the size, location, colors, and tactile marks surrounding the code, but this still leaves room for Accessible Code to be customized to suit your product’s unique packaging. Visit the "Implementation" page to learn more about print specifications and how to get started with Accessible Code.
Post-Sales Analytics
Manufacturers who use Accessible Code can gain insights into what preferred language each QR code was scanned in, as well as the general geographic area the code was scanned in, what time it was scanned, and more. In addition to downloading this data in CSV format, you can also download the intuitive charts and graphs.
Point of sale (POS) data used to only be collected at retail storefronts, but today it is becoming more and more common for products that are sold domestically to be used overseas. With Accessible Code, you can collect accurate data about the demographics of your international market.
Visit the "Post-Sales Analytics" page to learn more about the features of the Dashboard and how this information can guide your global business strategy.
Development Team
Accessible Code is comprehensive, barrier-free communication technology created by Export Japan Inc., a Japanese company established in April 2000. We support Japanese companies, government agencies, and other organizations in their global activities by providing a variety of multilingual communication services and solutions. The Accessible Code team is composed of multinational staff, each of whom brings diverse linguistic abilities and production knowledge to the creation of each QR code.
Kenji Takaoka
CEO
F. Izumi
K. Wozniak
S. Liu
M. Wong
Our Advisors
We continue to work closely with the following advisors to understand the needs of visually impaired people as we further optimize Accessible Code. Our advisors are an integral part of the development process, and we greatly value their advice and guidance.
Arakawa Akihiro
Managing Director of Rabbit Ltd.
Born in Tokyo in 1966, Mr. Arakawa lost his sight at age 9 due to retinal detachment. He started walking with his first guide dog, Quartz, in 2008, and Gumi became his second companion in 2017. He is now accompanied by Kara. From early in his career, Mr. Arakawa focused on the role that IT can play in bridging the information gap caused by visual impairment. He currently manages a consulting company that provides know-how, advice, and technology for visually impaired people (VIP), and works with smartphone makers to create user guides for VIP. Mr. Arakawa also serves as the executive director of the Japan Council of Social Welfare Facilities for the Blind, and is the executive chairman for Sight World, the largest exhibition in Japan for VIP-oriented services.
Wada Kaori
Chair of Kobe Lighthouse
Ms. Wada joined Kobe Light House in 2008 at the recommendation of the organization’s former chair, who managed the clinic Ms. Wada visited for back pain following her graduation from the Osaka College of Music. Ms. Wada’s passion for welfare further developed through her interactions with those who used the Continuous Support B Center she helped launch in 2012. In 2018, she became a certified care worker. In March 2021, she graduated from the Faculty of Human Welfare at Chubu Gakuin University, and became a nationally-certified social worker and mental health welfare professional. Ms. Wada is also a certified music therapist who provides music therapy for children in after school care programs.
