product analyzed

Aipoly Vision app

Aipoly Vision app

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Overall rating:
4/5
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Technology:

Categories assigned to this product within the main category Technology.

Needs:

Categories assigned to this product within the main category Needs.

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Below is the video of the review.

What does it consist of:

July 2017

 

We have tested the basic features of this app within a comparative analysis of 3 apps of similar purpose.

 

Aipoly Vision is an object and color recognition app that helps blind or low vision people recognize their surroundings. The app works by pointing the phone's camera at the object of interest and pressing any of the recognition buttons at the bottom of the screen to activate the AI ​​tool, which presents recognized objects aloud. You can recognize 1.000 basic objects for free and thousands more through a subscription. For this review, only the free version has been analyzed, which includes the following operating modes:

  • general recognition: Recognize a wide variety of objects . Object recognition does not require an Internet connection.
  • recognize colors: Aipoly can differentiate more than 1400 colors . The list can also be simplified to just a few through the settings.

 

You can check the Aipoly vision website in the following link

 

Forms of acquisition:

The Android application is purchased from the Android Google Play store:
                                                                                                                 
You can download the application for use in Apple terminals at the following link:
                                                                                                                 
In turn, the manufacturer offers adapted versions of the application for companies for other types of electronic devices:
                                          

Warranty and support

The warranty and support options are not well defined on the developer's website, or other additional websites, there is no contact email for support in the websites but in the Google Play application store we find the contact email info@aipoly.com

Price

The version analyzed in this review is the one offered by the manufacturer for free.
Aipoly Vision has the option to subscribe to a monthly fee to unlock a more varied recognition of plants, animals and food, and improve the general recognition of objects by increasing the number of identifiable items. The subscription also allows the reading of text, and identification of currency. This version is known as the premium version.
There is a 1 week trial version of the Aipoly Vision premium subscription. After the trial period expires, a payment of € 4.99 per month will be charged.
   

Technical assessment:

In this technical check we are going to analyze the use and configuration of Aipoly vision on Android. In any case, in the social validation we have worked with the application in the IOS operating system behaving in a very similar way.

The version of the application analyzed is v1.0.2, the application has an average size of 35 MB that increases as the application is used, this is because it has a large image database that allows the use of its general identification functionality even without an internet connection, which we consider a success.

 

 

The application is easy to find and install, although the space dedicated to it in Google Play has the same problems that appear during its use, there are only small parts translated instead of having chosen to translate all the descriptions, and as can be seen in the Google Play image uses unreviewed machine translations with inappropriate language "Sight the blind and partially sighted ...".

In our opinion, dedicating some effort to the correct translation of the functionalities, tutorial and space in Google Play of the application summarizes a lot.

The application has 3 free functionalities and another 6 paid ones. We are going to delve into the free functionalities for comparison with the other 2 chosen applications.

In general, of the 3 free functionalities we will use the general identification functionality and the color identification functionality that are available in the 3 applications. Regarding the “navigation” functionality labeled with an arrow, it should be noted that it is a way of identifying basic objects that can be found on a walking tour of the city.

The first screen that is activated after installation is a tutorial that summarizes the functionalities of the application whose defect, as already mentioned, is that it does not have a translation into Spanish even though we have selected Spanish as the main language in the menu. setting.

 

Configuration options

The configuration options can be found by accessing the “settings” window through the main menu.

 

In this menu shown in the previous image we can find options such as the activation or deactivation of the narration voice, a detail that may be of interest to people who use Talkback or Voiceover since it allows deactivating the automatic reading of results that is too insistent and perform only reading the result every time I put myself in that position with the screen reader.

On the other hand, the language configuration is allowed, in this case the selected language only affects the results that it delivers after each identification, since as we have pointed out previously, the rest of the menus remain in English.

The application allows deactivation of the auxiliary light for the camera, which is automatically activated by default when the identification functionality is active.

This is recommended in cases where the exterior lighting is adequate since the fact that the auxiliary light is on generates a large battery consumption and heating of the terminal.

Another of the configuration options that we mention in the color identification section is the selection of the number of colors that it allows to identify, allowing us to select between 30 or 900, in our case we consider the simplification in 30 colors adequate.

The “Keep awake” configuration option selected by default allows you to keep the application in the foreground all the time, while deactivating it the phone will lock up after a certain time set by default in Android or IOS.

Finally, the option "Show onboarding" serves to show the tutorial again.

 

General identification of objects

This functionality is labeled "general" for screen readers.

As mentioned at the beginning, both this functionality and that of color analysis can be used without the need for data connectivity, which is an advantage over the other 2 analyzed applications that need connectivity for analysis.

We have identified numerous objects with the application whose detailed analysis appears in the social validation of this review.

From a technical point of view we can point out that considering that the application does not use the network to contrast the image with an online database, the number of images correctly identified is very satisfactory, although the system fluctuates a lot at the time of transmitting the result and should indicate a unique result for each pointed object.

 

 

During the constant use of the application we appreciate that the consumption is high, this is because the application makes use of the additional light of the phone to improve the illumination of the objects in focus, added to the use of the camera and the internal processing of the information to identify the images.

To solve this problem and at the same time improve the user experience, it would be recommended to implement a stop and start button that allows both the camera, the light and the processing to only be activated at the moments when the user decides to identify an image.

 

Color identification

This functionality is labeled "color" for screen readers.

The quality of color identification varies greatly with light but is quite good in good lighting conditions.

It is advisable to reduce the number of colors offered as a result to optimize identification, for this it is necessary to enter the "settings" menu and select "simple (30)" in the color option.

The following images show some satisfactory color identifications.

 

                      

 

Payment functionalities

To access the payment functionalities that are not the subject of this review, it is necessary to introduce a means of payment, which is a deterrent for users.

We would recommend allowing you to enjoy these functionalities without the need to enter said means of payment.

 

 

Highlights

  • The large number of images and colors correctly identified taking into account that the internet is not used.
  • The usefulness of the functionalities offered for free.
  • The speed of identification.

Improvement points

  • The excessive information that is offered in each identification without the possibility of reducing or managing it.
  • The excessive consumption and heating of the terminal, however, it is positive that some aspects such as the auxiliary light can be deactivated.
  • It is recommended to translate the menus and tutorial into the different languages ​​in which the application is offered.
  • The need to provide billing information for the 7-day trial period of the payment features is a deterrent for the user.

 

The following table shows a comparison of the technical verification criteria of the 3 applications compared.

 

Comparison of technical verification criteria
Criteria aipoly vision taptapsee Camfind
RELIABILITY . . .
SECURITY . . .
USABILITY . . .
FUNCTIONALITY . . .
MATURITY . . .
PORTABILITY . . .
UNDERSTANDING . . .
EASE OF ACQUISITION . . .
EASE OF INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION . . .
ACCESSIBILITY . . .
CONSUMPTION . . .
PRICE . . .
IMAGE IDENTIFICATION . . .

 

 

Technical evaluation scores.

Design and manufacturing:
This item has not been rated/5
This section refers to the physical aspects and details of the manufacturing of the technological product
Technical benefits:
This item has not been rated/5
Description of the quality of the technical specifications of the technological solution
User experience:
This item has not been rated/5
This criterion is linked to the user's assessment when relating to the technical product or application.
Accessibility:
4/5
It is the degree to which people can use or access a product, technological solution or service, regardless of their technical, cognitive or physical abilities

Social valuation:

As in the case of the other 2 compared applications, we have carried out 2 differentiated social validation tests. On the one hand, Andrés (user with zero vision) with an IPhone IOS terminal and on the other hand Domo (user with reduced vision) with a Samsung Android terminal.

                                                        

IOS tests carried out by Andrés.

Andrés, our volunteer specialized in testing products for null vision, has tested the 3 applications of this comparison and in the following lines we summarize his experience of use.

Andrés begins to handle his IPhone 5S terminal with great agility with the help of the Voiceover screen reader, the installation of the application is easy by obtaining it in the Apple Store.

Although this application includes certain paid functionalities, only the general free functionalities that fit perfectly in the comparison have been analyzed due to their similarity with the functionalities available in the other 2 applications. In this case, the 2 free-use functionalities are the identification of general objects and the identification of colors.

To make a comparison under the same conditions, a series of objects commonly used with the 3 applications have been analyzed.

The general mode that appears with a world ball icon and the label "general" has been tested with the following results.

  • Pen: identifies it as a pen the first time.
  • Mug: identifies it as a coffee mug, the problem is that it oscillates and begins to give other names such as coffee machine and so on.
  • Paper cup: identifies it as a disposable cup, sometimes introduces some other option, it should not oscillate so much.
  • Chair: identifies it the first time as a chair and does not change.
  • Smartphone phone: identifies it as a mobile phone without oscillating.
  • Water bottle: identifies it at the first time without oscillations as a water bottle.
  • Computer mouse - easily identifies it as a computer mouse
  • Keys: identifies it as keys at the first time without varying.
  • Wallet: identifies it as a bag, which is not correct.
  • Notebook: with the notebook it takes a long time, it says that it is not sure and does not finish identifying it.

 

Another of the functionalities offered by the Aipoly vision application is color analysis. To test this functionality, Andrés has used various colored cards.

                                                                     

The results of color identification are as follows:

  • Pink: identifies it as dark pink.
  • Blue - Correctly identifies it as blue.
  • Green - Identifies it as bluish green.
  • Orange: identifies it as orange, reddish or tomato
  • Yellow: it ranges with many names, avocado or dark gold.
  • Brown: it oscillates a lot and does not quite identify it.
  • Red: identifies it as strawberry or tomato.
  • Purple: identifies it as amethyst.

 

General impressions:

  • In general, the application is not bad at identifying objects and has improved a lot compared to a previous version that we tested.
  • This application has a problem in the number of times it speaks for a single ID. It is recommended that you only return one result for each identification, even if it takes longer to do so. It is important to note that if the name of the object or color does not change, it does not make sense to continue repeating it.
  • Despite the fact that the information on identified objects is very correctly translated into Spanish, all the additional configuration and tutorial information should also be in Spanish since Andrés has difficulties with English and finds it somewhat complex.

 

Android tests carried out by Domo

Juan Carlos Domonte (Domo) is our volunteer specialized in product testing for people with reduced vision.

Domo's viewing area is very small so you can only see something in the central area up close and up.

Domo uses an Android terminal, getting very close to see the screen. It uses the screen zoom function, and with a Samsung S8 it handles very well.

Regarding the tutorial screens, Domo has the impression that they are not of interest because they are not translated into Spanish. So you start using the application if there is no indication, in this case accessing the general menu is very simple since it is the mode that starts by default, but accessing the other menus is less intuitive.

The first impression of Domo is that the application offers too many voice responses.

We analyze the same objects on Android that Andrés already analyzed with the same application installed on iPhone to check their similarity.

  • Pen: the pen is correctly identified.
  • Cup: the cup of coffee is correctly identified.
  • Paper cup: the disposable cup is well identified.
  • Chair: identified the first time.
  • Smartphone phone: correctly identified the first time.
  • Water bottle: correctly identified.
  • Computer mouse: first identify as headphones, stethoscope and finally get to say computer mouse, it oscillates a lot.
  • Keys: correctly identified the first time.
  • Portfolio: it identifies it as a charger, battery, it does not finally succeed in identifying it.
  • Notebook: identifies it as a table lamp, you are not sure and you cannot finally identify it.

 

The results of color identification are as follows:

  • Pink: bubblegum pink.
  • Blue: sky blue and other types vary greatly.
  • Green: light turquoise and greenish blue.
  • Orange: dark peach.
  • Brown: Identifies it as gray.
  • Red: Pale red.
  • Purple: light purple light lavender.
  • Yellow: hazelnut-colored khaki green.

 

general impressions

  • The application is useful in identifying colors and when identifying objects.
  • The application should have some method of stopping, perhaps a "Start" and a "Stop" key to control the number of voice results it offers.
  • With colors he mixes too many answers.
  • The phone gets very hot, because the flashlight, camera, etc. turn on.

 

The following table shows a comparison of the social validation criteria of the 3 applications compared.

 

Comparison of social validation criteria
Criteria aipoly vision taptapsee Camfind
USABILITY . . .
COSTE . . .
RELIABILITY . . .
IMPACT . . .
UTILITY . . .
UNDERSTANDING . . .
ACCESSIBILITY . . .
IMAGE IDENTIFICATION . . .

 

Social valuation scores.

Impact and utility:
4/5
Describes to what extent the functionalities of the product are useful and impact on improving the life of the user
Design and Ergonomics:
This item has not been rated/5
Assessment of how the design of the technological solution adapts to the person to achieve greater comfort and efficiency when using it
Usability and accessibility:
3/5
Possibility of the device to be used, understood and taken advantage of under equal conditions for anyone
Ease of acquisition:
5/5
It refers to the possibilities of accessing and acquiring a technological solution by the user.

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