Bengaluru man builds device to help blind identify fake notes

Tiffy Template takes mere 45 seconds to identify a fake note. The tool costs Rs 2 including dispatch.  Fuel a Dream foundation offers it for free, provided they receive a letter of request.

Paul D'souza, a resident of Bengaluru has invented a device that will help visually impaired distinguish between a genuine and a fake note. It is simple to use and cost effective. 

The device he invented is simple to use and named Tiffy template. The name comes from his friend Tiffany Brar who suggested building such a tool. D'Souza has been developing tools for the blind for several years now, and decided to build this tool when Tiffany spoke about the difficulties faced by the visually impaired when identifying a real note from a fake one.

Video Credit: Fuel A Dream

He built the device out of the same plastic that is used in credit cards. Until 2016, he used to build them in really small batches.  But a crowd funding platform called A Dream fuel helped him build it on a larger scale.

The device has a pattern that helps ascertain the length and width of the note - the steps indicate different lengths and there is notch at the side for the width. What was earlier metal is now plastic, making it simpler. So, from September 2016, about 25,000 Tiffy Templates have been dispatched to different parts of the country.

It should be noted that Tiffy template costs Rs 2, which includes the dispatch cost. It is absolutely free for people who need it.