Progress (11/14/16)

Today was able to learn MATLAB syntax, and play around with some of the tools in MATLAB. It is great for image recognition. My first task is to import an image with the train number that has some letters on it. My goal is to code in MATLAB, so that at the end, my code only recognizes the number of the train. I was so able to play around with Xcode, even if I wasn't successful at it.
I tried importing some images of the train numbers in MATLAB, as a result, I got a lot of numbers in columns, and rows. I have to further study those numbers in order to move on this process. And for next time, I have to try the images with the train number with some other letters on it because when the app is ready, and when it reads the train sign, the signs have the number of the train and direction of the train, whether it's going uptown or downtown.

Gantt Chart

Navigation Apps For The Visually Impaired: 10/06/16 Powerpoint

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1gFXRnekBTKmv0H_WMY2NbABvE1GhjwQY00_LWwiwP3M/edit

Literature Survey Summaries

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jM_CR1dajkAKa3GpdYiaaFl2C2m90YSFZH_M1aEGYs0/edit

Literature Survey PowerPoint

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1VoxJ6JMThebGSw4CxSMQx0YxxmamYsEFxewYy8CsTaw/edit#slide=id.p

Progress (10/17/16)

- I have a basic idea of how swift works. I have come across a lot of codes by other people who have done something in the similar field (recognizing numbers).
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/39371266/ios-swift-keycommands-reading-numbers-only

- I watched some videos on MATLAB image processor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cSVGwAwZZ4&list=PLEo-jHOqGNyUWoCSD3l3V-FjX9PnHvx5n

Project Description & Merits	My goal is to create an app to help the visually impaired people out there. I have to make an app for the people who can see things like we can. An app that would benefit them to an extent where they can fully rely on it. Subway system Blind people should be able to know when to turn right, left, go down the stairs, go up the stairs. The phone should be able to take a picture of a number or letter of the train, be able to tell the person if it's uptown, and downtown. Problems blind people experience: Most of the subway stations have double staircases. When one wants to transfer to a different train within the station, one might need to use an escalator, either up or down. When the train is crowded, how would someone know if he or she should get on the train. How would one know when the door are open. There are many in the train, when the speaker is not clear about the stops of the train, how would one know when to get off. (There are some old trains) be able to recognize all the trains and numbers. I can record myself saying the train letters and numbers. List all the problems and start solving one by one. Think like a computer.
Group/Team Communication	I’m working alone.
Prior Work/Resource Inventory	There is an app called Be My Eyes that that connects blind people with sighted helpers to solve quick problems such as reading labels or expiration dates on food or navigating a street. The blind people take the picture of the scene, and the helper works with the blind people to work out the situation. My app will be similar, but the computer will perform all the procedures. The camera will take the picture and guide the blind person through the whole experience in the subway system.
Technology Analysis	Coding: Swift MATLAB Understanding Visually Impaired
Competence	I need to be able to code in order to make an app. Understand the idea behind being visually impaired.
Safety	Use the computer carefully. Don’t let any apps harm your computer.
Equipment, Materials & Budget	MATLAB X-code Iphone $0
Schedule	First I am going to fully understand the project I want to work on. Conduct research Who I am trying to benefit? (people who are blind, and can't explore the NYC subway system. The design. Who will be using my app? Then move on to the design of the app after I have fully understood my purpose.

Summer Research Week 1 (07/04 - 07/08)

XCode and OpenCV iOS

• Download and install the new XCode (7.3.1). You might need to set up your free Apple developer account if you don't have one. Once it is done, start launching it and following a beginner's XCode 7 tutorial.
• Download and install OpenCV iOS.
• Follow the tutorial on OpenCV iOS Hello to create a simple functioning OpenCV iOS app.

ObjectiveC and Swift

•  You can choose to use the old ObjectiveC or the new Swift as your programming language. You can start following simple video tutorials for ObjectiveC or Swift at your own pace.