The Bureau of Engraving and Printing has launched a free mobile application to assist the blind and visually impaired denominate U.S. currency. EyeNote is a mobile device app designed for Apple iPhone (3G, 3Gs, 4), and the 4th Generation iPod Touch and iPad 2 platforms.
EyeNote uses image recognition technology to determine a currency note's denomination, based on an image taken by the device's camera. Fifty-one percent of a note's front or back surface is required to accurately identify the denomination. EyeNote can denominate all Federal Reserve notes issued since 1996.
The app is available for download in the iTunes store; free updates to the app will be issued whenever new U.S. currency designs are introduced.
The EyeNote app is one of a variety of measures the government is working on to assist the visually impaired community with currency denomination. Additional measures under consideration and development include the Currency Reader Program; continuing to add large high contrast numerals and different background colors to redesigned currency; and possibly including raised tactile features on redesigned currency.
More information is available on the EyeNote website or through e-mail at eyenote@bep.gov.
