QBillete: banking application for visually impaired people in Cuba - IPS Cuba

If something has been missing in the emerging software development in Cuba, it is an inclusive vision for all people, especially those who live with disabilities. For this reason, proposals that imply a universal design or accessibility for people with some type of visual or hearing disability are almost non-existent.

Then, QBillete arrives, a banking application for the recognition of bills and cards used in Cuba, which could make the interaction or monetary exchange of people with some type of blindness, low vision and even deafblindness more accessible.

Although already in use, the app is still in constant testing and improvement phases, for greater optimization, with a deployment that promises, not only because of the features it has, but also because of the constant testing carried out with the target community.

Its recent versions can be accessed and interacted with its developers, from its Telegram channel, although it is worth noting the need for it to be better promoted and with a national reach, including its availability on the main application platforms such as CubaApk or Apklis .

QTicket, designed for and with users

The application is the only one of its kind in Cuba and allows automatic recognition of Cuban paper money of different denominations, from one to one thousand pesos. This can make it easier for users not only to know with what amounts they are paying, but also to know the change they make in a purchase or payment of services.

The result of a diploma thesis from the José Antonio Echeverría Technological University of Havana, this proposal works on the Android operating system, with computer vision and pattern recognition techniques.

Due to the user community to which it is addressed, the software does not have a graphical interface. For people with visual disabilities or deafblindness, it uses a system of vibrations and sounds.

Anyone know how to solve this issue with Amazon? How can it be out of Stock- it's print on demand! https://t.co/sxQBwIUnyV

— Vampire Emily ( by Fifi Pottier) Mon May 17 18:01:21 +0000 2021

Middle box:

App recognition system according to tones:

Likewise, by tapping, double tapping, sliding backwards, up, down or to the sides, several functions are activated or deactivated: the application is minimized, the camera and cell phone lighting are activated or closed, among others.

In its new variants it includes the recognition of the current version of the identity card, as well as Euro banknotes. Cards are also incorporated, either for monetary accounts or for other banking services frequently used in the country, such as AIS, Telebanca, Multibanca, Banco Popular de Ahorro, Banco Metropolitano, Banco de Credito y Comercio, and Collaborators. In the case of monetary cards, the development team warns that only the type of card is recognized, not the type of account or currency that it operates, be it CUP or MLC.

For its correct use, the development team recommends, in its Telegram orientations, listening to the updated help in order to have greater skills and practices in its use. It is always advisable to use it several times at home, before using it in public spaces.

Other advice is to use the recognition of banknotes on both sides to have more certainty in the result, keep the banknotes and devices aligned and stable, place the cards slightly inclined so that the reflection of light does not influence the result, and do not put cards very close to the device so they do not demagnetize.

But beyond its necessary features, the developer team maintains frequent interaction with the user community, looking for comments, bugs and suggestions for optimizing the application.

With around 200 followers on Telegram, its creators are updating the versions and compiling criteria of interest, although the community could be even larger if you take into account, apart from technology, that the National Association of the Blind in Cuba has around 30,000 people. .

However, the national secretariat of the organization has already distinguished in the national press the value of this proposal as "a practical solution that contributes to autonomy, the quality of life of blind and low-vision people in Cuba and their social inclusion. in equal rights”. (2021)