January 26 th, Dr. Andrew Rawicz School of Engineering Science Simon Fraser University Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6

Transcription

1 January 26 th, 2011 Dr. Andrew Rawicz School of Engineering Science Simon Fraser University Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6 Re: ENSC 440 Project Proposal for Color Deficiency Aid Device ColorAid Dear Dr. Rawicz: Enclosed is a proposal for our device ColorAid which corresponds to ENSC 440 Project. The project aims to design and implement a device to aid people that suffers from color vision deficiency, otherwise known as color blindness. The objective of the proposal is to present an outline of project we have selected. Below, we will discuss colorblindness, the challenges that individuals suffering from it encounter on a daily basis and how our product will aid these individuals. In addition, we will have our system overview, design considerations, projected budget, sources of funding, project scheduling and some background information about our company and its constituents. Alnair Innovations consists of five students with backgrounds in engineering physics and electronics engineering: Arash Ahmadi, Henry Chan, Jun Hong, Claret Ramos and William Seo. For further inquires about our company and proposal contact our CEO Claret Ramos via at ckr@sfu.ca, or by phone at (604) Sincerely, Claret Ramos Chief Executive Officer Alnair Innovations Enclosure: Proposal for Color Deficiency Aid Device ColorAid Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations

2 D PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR COLOR DEFICIENCY AID DEVICE COLORAID PROJECT TEAM Arash Ahmadi Hin Heng Chan Jun Ki Hong Claret Ramos Wooseuk William Seo CONTACT PERSON Claret Ramos SUBMITTED TO Dr. Andrew Rawicz ENSC 440 Mike Sjoerdsma ENSC 305 School of Engineering Science Simon Fraser University ISSUED DATE January 26, 2011

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Normal Vision Vision with Red Deficiency Vision with Green Deficiency Vision with Blue Deficiency Vision is one of the five senses humans rely on to interpret information from the environment. The eye allows us vision through different cells (rods and cones) located in the retina. The rods are in charge of light perception, and they are responsible for night vision. The cones are in charge of color perception. Normally, there are three types of cones, each containing a different pigment, that react to one of three wavelength of light: red, green and blue. The brain combines the information from the three receptors to give rise to different perceptions of color [1]. When at least one of these three cone receptors is defective or absent, the individual with such deficiency experiences color deficiency otherwise called color blindness. There are different types of color deficiency. Some people have difficulty distinguishing between red and green, others encounter difficulty distinguishing between blue and yellow, others have total colorblindness, in which case their vision is in the shades of gray only. Color deficiency is most commonly cause by a genetic mutation, but it can also occur because of aging or some eye, nerve, or brain damage. When in childhood, the learning process begins, and it is our senses that we use to experience the world around. We learn how Total Colorblindness to speak, and we use words to communicate our thoughts. We learn the names of objects, their shapes and colors. During the pre-school period, painting is one of the first activities children are encouraged to participate, given that it helps the development of their motor skills, problem solving abilities and creativity. However, an activity as simple as painting can become a frustrating and confusing task for a child who suffers from color deficiency. This deficiency most definitely hinders the process, which in turn encumbers much of social involvements and yields eventual, if not imminent misunderstandings. It becomes a complex process for those with the deficiency, their parents, and their teachers. Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations ii

4 The world in which we live is not colorblind friendly. People with color deficiency encounter challenges on a day to day basis. Their trouble to match colors lead to difficulties with even simple tasks such as dressing, driving, cooking, and buying meats and vegetables. They struggle when they watch TV, when they view maps, legends that use multiple shades of red, green, and yellow. They have a hard time when they have to find their way in a complex train system with routes distinguished by different colors. They also have difficulties when they search the web, and when they play video games. Above all is the fact that colorblindness may make it difficult or even impossible for a person to engage in specific occupations, and they are coerced to change the career of choice. Given this problem, Alnair Innovations has taken the steps needed to aid the individuals with color vision deficiency by developing a project with a resulting product called ColorAid. The project aims to design and implement a device to aid people that suffers from color vision deficiency. The main function of the device is to scan the object with the color in question using color sensors and display through an LCD screen the name of the color and other detailed information. About 8% of the populations is red/green colorblind, which is the most common type of color deficiency (being prevalent in men, and rare in women)[2]. ColorAid is an excellent tool that can help not only people suffering from a genetic color deficiency, but also individuals that have lost some color perception due to the aging process or damage. Given the versatility of ColorAid, it can be taken anywhere, and it is designed to be used in daily activities not only by adults but by children, parents and teachers. ColorAid will help people to face life with more confidence, assisting them in their daily tasks, and not only giving them assurance of what they see, but also allowing them to live an independent life with accurate knowledge of the colors that surround them. Alnair Innovations is a company focused in the design versatile technology to aid humans with sensory defects in their daily tasks. It consists of five engineering students with backgrounds in engineering physics and electronics engineering with experience in software programming, digital circuit designs, optics, and project management. The proposed project will be completed in 3 months at an approximate budget of $810, and will comprise research, design and development of a fully working prototype. Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations iii

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... ii INTRODUCTION... 1 SYSTEM OVERVIEW... 2 POSSIBLE DESIGN SOLUTIONS... 3 Colorimeters... 3 Cameras... 3 PROPOSED DESIGN SOLUTION... 4 SOURCES OF INFORMATION... 5 BUDGET AND FUNDING... 6 Budget... 6 Funding... 6 SCHEDULE... 7 TEAM ORGANIZATION... 8 COMPANY PROFILE... 9 Claret K. Ramos (Chief Executive Officer)... 9 Henry Hin Heng Chan (Chief Hardware Officer)... 9 Arash Ahmadi (CHIEF Software Officer)... 9 Wooseouk William Seo (Chief Financial Officer) Jun Ki Hong (Chief Communications Officer) CONCLUSION SOURCES AND REFERENCES Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations iv

6 INTRODUCTION Most of our learning is acquired through sight. Our eyes perceive objects surrounding us, focusing the images on the retina, where rods and three different types of cones react to the wavelengths of the light, transmitting neural impulses to the brain. Cones, the color receptors, are classified according to peak wavelength of their spectral sensitivities (short (S), medium (M), and long (L) cone, or otherwise known as blue, green, and red cones) [3]. The absence or deficiency of one of these cones will cause color deficiency of the human visible spectrum. This means that it can prevent someone from distinguishing hues of colors such as reds, green, blues, and even prevent someone to see colors at all. Given that color deficiencies are normally caused by a mutation of the x-chromosome, damage to eye, or nerve, there is generally no treatment or cure for this type of visual defects [2]. As such, color blindness strongly limits and/or prevents people from engaging in any color related tasks, activities or profession. Statistics suggest the frequency of red-green color blindness in Caucasian and Asian population is about 8% in male, and 0.43% in women, whereas the frequency in male African American population about 3.7% [2]. The objective of our project is to develop a portable device called ColorAid to aid with color recognition. A spectrometer will be used to closely sample the object of the color in question and it will acquire the spectrum of that particular sample. The RGB data obtained from the spectrometer will then be processed by a microcontroller and outputted through an LCD screen, which will display the name and specific data of the color sampled. We are aiming to design ColorAid as a compact, portable and inexpensive device that can be used anywhere, at any time, by anyone. This means that any individual with color deficiency will be able to use the device on a daily basis not only to assist themselves with color perception, but also giving them reassurance on what they see. This proposal will outline the system overview and design solution of our project. Information regarding the sources of funding, budget, timeline, and sources of information will addressed. Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations 1

7 SYSTEM OVERVIEW The process of color detection includes four steps. In the first step the spectrometer, microcontroller, and LCD screen are turned on. In the second step spectrometer gathers the light reflected off of the desired object and determines the wavelength of the reflected light. The wavelength of the reflected light is sent to the micro-controller as raw data. In the third step micro-controller collects the raw data and processes them in order to determine the color of the desired object. Finally the micro-controller prints the color of the desired object on the LCD screen. A complete system overview has been shown in Figure 1 System Overview below. ACTIVATE COLORAID: Spectrometer and Micro-Controller and LCD SPECTROMETER: gathers light reflected off of the intended object MICRO-CONTROLLER: analyses color based on wavelength of the reflected light LCD: color shown on screen Figure 1 System Overview Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations 2

8 POSSIBLE DESIGN SOLUTIONS To detect the color of the object in question, color sensors need to be used. Different types of color sensors that can be used to help those with color deficiency are listed below. A few specifications of each color sensors considered include size, accuracy and etc. Colorimeter Colorimeters use tristimulus absorption filters to acquire a range of wideband spectral energy readings from the light reflection of a surface. In theory, a color sense impression can be described with three parameters, the tristimulus values. The tristimulus values, denoted X, Y, Z, are roughly red, green, and blue, respectively. A combination of the tristimulus values have to be matched with the test color, which is the color in question, and the amount of each primary color will be obtained. [4] If the device uses a colorimeter, the functionality of colorimeter enables us to obtain the tristimulus values of a color scanned. However, the purpose of getting accurate color will be defeated since the tristimulus absorption filters used in colorimeters can only isolate a broad band of wavelengths. Therefore, the device will not be able to detect specific colors. Camera Analyzing, having obtained a photograph using a camera is another way to detect the color in question. There are applications on the smart-phones that provide assistance with color matching or color recognition with the use of a built-in camera. An LCD screen must come with the camera for the users to pinpoint on an interested area of the picture. Also, software development is necessary for analyzing color digitally. There is a physical limitation on how accurately a specific part of the picture can be selected, due to the resolution, the actual size of the photo, and etc. One way to overcome this would be introducing a zoom-in feature. However, with this feature, pictures will be pixelated. The quality of the pictures taken will be another prospect to look out for. Colors of a picture taken in an over- or under-exposure environment will be affected and may not reflect the true color of the object. Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations 3

9 PROPOSED DESIGN SOLUTION Our proposed design is the usage of a spectrometer as the color sensor in our device. Spectrometers use prisms, gratings, and interference filters to isolate a narrow band of wavelengths. A spectrum, which is the collection of component colors, will be obtained from light which enters into the spectrometer. For every color, these spectra are different. By acquiring the spectrum of a particular color, with the help of the technology nowadays, one can develop a dependable method to identify colors with the spectra observed. In other words, one can say that the color of an object is a specific color if the spectra of the colors are similar. [5] Spectrometers can also be used under the variable illuminant condition, meaning, the illumination is taken into account with the use of spectrometers, while colorimeters work well only under the constant illuminant condition. With spectrometers ability to acquire a narrower band of wavelengths compared to the colorimeters, specific colors can be easily identified through the process of matching spectra. Using a spectrometer as the color sensor of the device requires the user to place the device close to the object in question, to begin the analysis of the color that the device is scanning. Therefore, selection of a particular part of the object to analyze will be more accurate. To make it even more accurate, we can implement a LCD screen and a camera showing which part exactly the spectrometer is pointing at. However, as stated above, the spectrometer has to be held close to the object for the analysis. Therefore, one would not be able to use the device for an object in distance. We are to finish the project in a limited timeline and funding. The time allotted to complete the project, from the initial design concept to the functioning prototype, is one semester, which is thirteen weeks. Within the same timeframe, we need to include the time required for funding on our own. With these constraints, although pressed, we are able to design and construct a simple device with the ability to scan and analyze color. With a sufficient time and money, our product can be improved in various aspects. We would improve the accuracy of the color detected; therefore, more specific colors, the device will be able to distinguish. We would increase the device s ability to scan objects in distance; furthermore, the accuracy of the area selected would be worked on. Moreover, the size of the product would be considered to improve on since it is to be a pocket able device for usage on a day-to-day basis. Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations 4

10 SOURCES OF INFORMATION In order to complete this project, we will take advantage of various sources of information such as course-related textbooks and notes, specialized books in optics, spectroscopy and human color vision, and datasheet for electronic components. The Internet would be an important source of information. We can find electronic journals, manufacturer s data sheets, and various related projects from SFU and other universities through internet. Textbooks and notes are other useful sources of information. We will have access to specialized textbooks in SFU and UBC libraries. We can also look into our past course related lecture notes or labs and use some of the related prototypes. In addition, we will consult with faculty members and graduate students at SFU, in order to obtain expert advices in the engineering fields relevant to our project. Their advice, will not only help us with the key concepts involved in our project, but also may reduce the cost of our project as predicted previously. Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations 5

11 BUDGET AND FUNDING Budget Table 1 Cost of Parts outlines parts needed to be purchased to build our prototype. Tools such as solder, screwdrivers, wire cutters, wires, or electronic components such as diodes, resistors are not included. Since the microcontroller comes with developing package, we do not need to buy extra software license. The estimated cost is in US dollar, so the actual cost will vary within eight per cent range from estimated after money conversion and shipping cost included. PARTS Table 1 Cost of Parts ESTIMATE COST Light Sensor (Spectrometer) $ Microcontroller (Arduino) $ LCD Screen (LCD-08884) $ Battery $40.00 Casing $30.00 Speaker $20.00 TOTAL COST $ Funding In order to ease the burden of financial shortage, all Alnair Innovations employees are agreed not to be paid during start up of company. Since there is no wage, the most of the expenditure will be incurred by making a prototype product. Even though there is no wage and no software fees, still significant amount of production cost is expected. We have applied the Engineering Science Student Endowment Fund (ESSEF) to pay the equipment. The Wighton Fund is another source we will apply at the end of semester. In case of budget shortage, all employees of Alnair are willing to and agreed to share the burden by donating from own money. Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations 6

12 SCHEDULE Table 2 Gantt shows the Gantt chart of planned schedule for next four months. For the beginning of two months we are focusing on the designing and planning. Next two months, we will focus on implementation. Figure 2 Milestone Chart shows important due dates. Table 2 Gantt chart Dec/10 Jan/11 Feb/11 Mar/11 Apr/11 Research Proposal Functional Specification Design Specification Order Part Test Part Build Module Integration Testing Debugging Demo Final Report Figure 2 Milestone Chart Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations 7

13 TEAM ORGANIZATION Alnair Innovations is a joint effort of five talented and diligent engineering science students at Simon Fraser University: Arash Ahmadi, Hin Heng Chan, Jun Hong, Claret Ramos, and William Seo. All members are fourth year undergraduate students with Arash, Claret, and William specializing in Electronics Engineering option while Hin Heng and Jun specializing in Engineering Physics option. These five individuals are enthusiastic, and with their diversity of interests, skills, and experiences, they will contribute to accomplish a common goal in mind for this product. Each individual s specific skills and past experience are highlighted in the next section, Company Profile. In order to complete the project successfully in a well-organized manner, each member in Alnair Innovations is given a specific role and is responsible for corresponding field. However, it is challenging for the company to aim for the successful completion of the product with the constraint stated in previous section, Proposed Design Solution. Therefore, some amount of work will be shared among the five members in the company. Claret Ramos, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), is in charge of the overall progress of the project and is responsible to lead the company. She will also be managing organizational conflicts and setting strategy and timeline of what have to be done. William Seo, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), is responsible to manage the financial planning such as proposing the budget, funding, and resolving financial issues. Arash Ahmadi, Chief Software Officer (CSO), is in charge of the software development of the product, including programming and testing. Hin Heng Chan, Chief Hardware Officer (CHO), is responsible to all hardware development of the product, including building and testing. Jun Hong, Chief Communications Officer (CCO), is responsible to manage vendor relationships, contact parts suppliers, and product marketing and sales. To maintain group dynamics and professionalism, the team has designated a meeting time at least once a week to report the progress of individual tasks. Therefore, CEO will be able to keep track of everyone s progress and to make sure that the members are following the timeline. Members are encouraged to meet in person rather than to discuss online due to possible networking failures or misunderstandings. The tasks will be allotted based upon each individuals strengths and weaknesses. By having discussion of splitting the tasks, the members can achieve the highest efficiency to work on the project since harder and bigger tasks can be broken into little pieces for each of us to work on. Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations 8

14 COMPANY PROFILE Claret K. Ramos (Chief Executive Officer) I am a fourth year Engineering Electronics student at Simon Fraser University. I am highly interested in biomedical application of electrics engineering. I worked at Glentel Inc. for four months as Junior Systems Administrator. Additionally, I worked as Website Developer for the different courses of the Engineering Communication Program at Simon Fraser University. My fields of knowledge include microelectronics, electronic systems design, communication networks, multimedia communications, computer aided design and manufacturing, and optical and laser engineering applications. I have prior experience programming in C++, HMTL and Assembly Language. I am a proficient user of laboratory equipment, a skillful breadboard user and I also have soldering experience. I am highly analytical, resourceful team player and have a great interest in hands on work in electronics especially in the biomedical field. Henry Hin Heng Chan (Chief Hardware Officer) I am a fourth year Engineering Physics student at Simon Fraser University (SFU) with four previous co-op terms (sixteen months) experiences. I have worked at Ericsson (formerly called Redback Networks Inc.) and Contigo Systems Inc., with eight months each, in the Quality Assurance (QA) positions. I have prior experience in programming with C++, PERL, Shell Script, and Assembly Language by both taking courses at SFU and working in industries. I pay lots of attention to details once it comes to testing a product as I was a QA for all four of my co-op terms. Beside all my technical skills, more importantly, I am a team player who is willing to share work among group-mates. However, I am not confident in public speaking, but I am continuously working hard to improve on it. Arash Ahmadi (CHIEF Software Officer) I am a fourth year Electronics Engineering student at Simon Fraser University. During my time at SFU, I have gained experience with designing, testing, and troubleshooting electric circuits, where I have managed to display an NTSC encoded image on an oscilloscope. I have also learned several programming languages such as C/C++, MATLAB, Visual Basic, and assembly. Through my software skills I managed to program sensors, develop multimedia codec, and implement Type-1 FIR filter based on given specifications. Beside my academic education, I also developed information technology skills while worked at Chevron Canada Limited as an IT Helpdesk Analyst during my co-op work term. With such broad experience and knowledge, I can be a great asset to assist Alnair Innovations within the area of programming and circuit design. Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations 9

15 Wooseouk William Seo (Chief Financial Officer) I am a fourth year Electronics Engineering student at Simon Fraser University with three co-op term experience (Broadcom and BCTC). At Broadcom, as a QA member I diagnosed to find system error using script language written in tcl/tk and Perl. I graduate in computer and electrical engineering program from BCIT. I practiced and trained so many hours in hands on skills such as designing PCB board layout using AutoCAD, building a power supply and testing flow control system. Jun Ki Hong (Chief Communications Officer) I am a fourth year Engineering Physics student at Simon Fraser University (SFU). I have worked at Light-Based Technologies (LBT) as a research intern. There I have performed experiments based on past studies to better understand possible chromaticity shifts occurring when dimming LEDs, due to varying methods in the market today. At LBT, I have received NSERC Industrial USRA. I have experience in programming with C++, java, and Assembly language through courses taken at SFU. I am interested in biomedical applications such as optical coherence tomography and nano sensors, along with other applications such as fuel cell technology. I am analytical, result driven, but above all a team player. Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations 10

16 CONCLUSION Color deficiency is a real obstacle for actual people, and it does require special attention without any segregation. Alnair Innovations is committed to assist those suffer from color deficiency through applying technology to suit their needs. People with the deficiency will have the needed assistance on a day to day basis. Along with it will come a better amalgamation of those who are color blind with the world where color represents many unspoken words. The device we propose, ColorAid, will empower those who are unsure of any color with sure knowledge. ColorAid will assist children with their learning process; eventually assist with much of social involvements. This device will also help adults with various tasks such as dressing, viewing maps or finding their way in a complex train system. Our proposed device can and will provide its users to be sure and confident about many decisions that need to be made based on color. The milestone and Gantt charts show the feasibility of this project within the allotted time frame. With this competent and motivated team, the project will be completed. In the proposal, we have highlighted and focused on the problem, and our solution and the strategy to implement the solution. A real problem that needs a solution will have its solution through the aid of technology. Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations 11

17 SOURCES AND REFERENCES [1] Carroll, J. M. Neitz, H. Hofer and D. Williams Functional photoreceptor loss revealed with adaptive optics: An alternate cause of color blindness. National Academy of Science of the United States of America. Volume: 101, [2] Clements, F Racial differences in colorblindness. American Journal of Physical Anthropology.Volume: 14, [3] Gegenfurtner, K Color vision: from genes to perception. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. [4] HunterLab, XYZ - CIE Tristimulus Values Insight on Color [online], Vol. 8, No. 1, June 2008, available from World Wide Web: < [5] David Scott, How a Spectrometer Works [online], Seattle, Washington: ehow, Sept. 2009, available from World Wide Web: < Copyright 2011, Alnair Innovations 12