User Guide for VisionHunt Full v2.5
VisionHunt USER's GUIDE v2.5 (Build 1)
===================================
Nov 1, 2010
VisionHunt Lite v2.05 (Build 1)
Vision aid software for Light, Euro and Colour Identification
for Nokia Series 60 3rd Edition Smart Phones.
This guide refers to all four editions of VisionHunt:
(a) VisionHunt Colour, (b) VisionHunt Euro and (c) VisionHunt Full and Lite
VI Scientific Ltd provides this user guide document without representation
or warranty of any kind and reserves the right to revise or withdraw this
user guide document and to update change the information contained in this
user guide document without further notice.
At least one patent may be pending in the United States of America, the European
Union and other countries.
This document is written only in English.
Please refer to released_notes.txt for technical and other issues
regarding VisionHunt.
PUBLISHED BY
===================================
VI Scientific Ltd
February 2010
81, Aglantzia Ave., 2nd Floor, P.0.Box 20537,
1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
http://www.viscientific.com
Copyright (c) 2010 VI Scientific Ltd, All Rights Reserved.
Table of Contents
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0. What’s new and what's comming out soon
1. Mobile Phone Requirements
2. Installing VisionHunt
3. Registering/Licensing VisionHunt
4. Uninstalling VisionHunt
5. Launching VisionHunt
6. Using VisionHunt & Shortcuts
6.0 List of Shortcuts
6.1 Finding Light Sources - The Light Detection Tool
6.2 Identifying Colours on Objects
6.3 Identifying the Light Level of the Surrounding Environment
6.4 Identifying Euro Notes
6.4.1 Training Mode
6.4.2 Fast Mode
6.4.3 Direction Mode
6.4.4 Night Mode
6.5 Identifying US Dollars (Beta)
6.6 Identifying Polish Zlotty (Beta)
6.7 The all-new Scanning Functions (Beta)
6.7.1 Using the Surface Scanner
6.7.2 Using the Table Scanner
7. Tips for Better Results
8. A Guide to colours
0. What’s new and what's comming out soon
===================================
The scanning functions have finally arrived!
VisionHunt 2.5 includes 2 scanning tools, still in beta version,
so that users get to know them and provided us with their feedback
toward improving them. The two tools are:
1. A surface scanner for detection the existence of objects on floors etc, and
2. A table scanner for identifying the existence of dining-related items
on a table, such as bottles, spoons etc.
Also, the US dollar detection tools got another major update, but still, dollar
detection is in beta. The major difference is that, we have added a separate
tool for detection the single dollars. Finally, trying to detect a 100 dollar
bill will result in a message called "flip" in all sides of the bill.
We have removed the Night Detection Tool for bank notes.
We have fixed several directional in the currency training mode (shortcuts 8 and 9).
We urge you to read "tips for better results" toward the end of this document.
Finally, visit our demo videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/ViScientific
for tips and tricks on how to use VisionHunt.
1. Mobile Phone Requirements
===================================
Please refer to "Phone Compatibility", as stated in released_notes.txt.
VisionHunt is designed to run on Nokia S60 3rd Edition Smart Phones. Future
releases will target other platforms such as Windows-based and Android-based
phones. A free space of at least 300KB
on the phone's main memory is recommended for installation.
2. Installing VisionHunt
===================================
To install VisionHunt, launch your phone's PC suite and use the Install
Applications (or similar) tool that is available.
3. Licensing/Registering VisionHunt
===================================
To register VisionHunt, so that the trial period limitations are removed,
please purchase a 16-character token (serial/registration key) from our Website
at http://www.viscientific.com. Please, do not lose your token. Upon receive,
enter your token through the "Register" shortcut in the "Options" menu that
can be launched by pressing the left soft key of your phone. Please enter your
token without spaces.
There are three types of registrations corresponding to the three editions
of VisionHunt. Each registration removes the trial period limitations of the
corresponding tool.
By registering a serial number for VisionHunt Colour, then the Colour Detection
Tool is unlocked. By registering a serial number for VisionHunt Euro, then the
Euro Identification Tool is unlocked. Finally, by registering a serial number for
VisionHunt Full, both tools mentioned above are unlocked.
The Light Detection, Light Level Detection and Euro Training Tools are provided
for free. VisionHunt Lite is the considered to be the unregistered trial version.
4. Uninstalling VisionHunt
===================================
To uninstall VisionHunt, go to your "Applications" menu of your phone (some
phones use the term "My Applications" or "Installed Applications", and find
VisionHunt's shortcut. Then, select press the "C" button and follow the Installer
directions.
5. Launching VisionHunt
===================================
IMPORTANCE NOTICE:
++++++++++++++++
IF YOUR PHONE'S MAIN CAMERA (USUALLY THE ONE ON THE BACK) IS EQUIPPED WITH A COVER,
DO NOT FORGET TO OPEN IT PRIOR TO LAUNCHING VISIONHUNT. ALSO, CLOSE THE CAMERA
SOFTWARE THAT MIGHT BE LAUNCHED AS A RESULT OF THIS ACTION. IN ADDITION, CLOSE ANY OTHER
APPLICATIONS THAT ARE USING THE CAMERA.
SINCE VISIONHUNT USES THE PHONES MAIN CAMERA, WHICH IS USUALLY THE BACK CAMERA,
DO NOT TO BLOCK THE CAMERA’S VIEW, NOR THAT OF THE FLASH, WITH YOUR FINGERS.
ON CERTAIN PHONE MODELS, SUCH AS THE NOKIA N95 8GB, THE CAMERA FLASH IS PLACE IN SUCH
A POSITION THAT IT IS EASY FOR THE USER TO BLOCK ITS VIEW BY MISTAKE.
Upon installation, VisionHunt would be available in the "Applications"
menu. On specific phone models, VisionHunt is available in the “My Own”
Menu, under the “Applications” menu. You can also define a shortcut on the phone's
standby screen, typically through "Tools", "Settings", "General", "Personalization"
and then "Standby".
6. Using VisionHunt & Shortcuts
===================================
The 6 tools provided by VisionHunt are accessible via the corresponding numeric
keys of the phone. Some of them are also accessible through the "Options" menu that
can be launched with the phone's left soft key.
6.0 List of Shortcuts
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Numeric 0: Switching between normal initial functions and scanning functions
Numeric 7: Repeat last result for any functions
For the initial functions (light, color, currency detection):
Numeric 1: Detect Light Sources
Numeric 2: Detect Color
Numeric 3: Identifying Light Level
If Detecting Euros:
Numeric 4 or 5: Detect Euro with Fast Detection
Numeric 6: Training Mode for Euro Detection
Numeric 8 or 9: Directions Mode for Euro Detection
If Detecting Dollars:
Numeric 4: Detect Single Dollar bill with Fast Detection
Numeric 5: Detect Dollar bill with Fast Detection other than the single dollar bill
Numeric 6: Training Mode for dollars
Numeric 8: Directions Mode for Dollar Detection other than the single dollar bill
Numeric 9: Directions Mode for Single Dollar Detection
For the scanning functions (still in Beta):
Numeric 1: Identify the existence of objects on a table.
Numeric 2: Repeat last identification more thoroughly
Numeric 5: Start the surface scanner
Numeric 4: Scan for smaller size items
Numeric 6: Scan for larger size items
6.1 Finding Light Sources – The Light Detection Tool
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Light Detection Tools is used for locating light sources such as switched on lamps or TV sets
during dark conditions (night).
Hold the phone so that the main camera is facing outwards. Press numeric 1 and move the
phone around. The phone will beep a higher pitch sound when its camera is facing
a light source with increased intensity. Examples are switched-on lamps, open windows
etc. After 10 seconds, the sound stops. The sound can also be stopped by pressing
again 1. To increase or decrease the volume of the sound, press the up and down keys
respectively.
6.2 Identifying Colours on Objects
----------------------------------------
Please refer to www.viscientific.com for
videos on how to use colour detection. Finally, please read the colour guide (Section 8) at the
end of this document for understanding the nature and behaviour of colours under different
light conditions.
It is very important that after you have launched VisionHunt to move the phone
around so that VisionHunt can adjust to the light of the environment.
Hold the phone over the object that you intend to identify its dominant colours
so that its camera is facing the object. Do not horizontally align the phone
over the object since this might cast shadows just below the phone’s camera.
Instead, hold the phone with a slight angle at approximate
half foot from the object. Then press numeric 2. The software will start making a beep sound
which indicates that the colour detection is activated. Continue to move the phone
around the object so that the camera can get a better view of the object. When the
detection is finished, VisionHunt prompts the dominant colours of the object in order of significance.
For more accurate and thorough results, the user can change the colour detection method from
the options, preferences menu. The available options for colour detection is “faster” and “better”
results while the user has the flexibility of adjusting the balance between “faster” and “better” results.
Faster results is valued as “1” while better is valued as “5”. The default value is 1.
By using a higher value (better results), colour detection requires more time to calculate the
result and gives the user the time to move the phone over the object so that the camera
can observe the object from different angles.
Try to use this functionality in bright environment (have a lamp switched-on
when its night or you are in the dark). In addition, when identifying the colours
on a piece of cloth, try to stretch the part of the cloth that the phone's camera
is facing. Please refer to 7 section below (Tips for Better Results) on how to obtain
better results.
6.3 Identifying the Light Level of the Surrounding Environment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hold the phone so that the main camera is facing outwards and press 3. The software
will prompt "Dark", "Dim", "Moderate" or "Bright" depending on the light level
of the surrounding environment.
6.4 Identifying Euro Notes
-----------------------------------
VisionHunt provides 3 tools for identifying euro notes.
The first tool, called Training Mode, uses sound beeps in order to train the user how
to scan a euro note with the phone.
The second tool, called Fast Detection Mode, is used for fast detecting a euro note
and does not have training functionality.
The third tool, called Directions Mode, uses spoken directions in order to train the user
how to scan a euro note with the phone.
Note that, we have removed the night detection tool.
6.4.1 Training Mode
------------------------
This tool is a training utility that prepares the user on how to align the euro note with
the phone before attempting an identification. Note that failure to hold the euro in the
suggested way will result in false or no results.
There are two ways you can use the training mode. You can either hold the euro note
in your left palm or have the euro note resting on a dark surface.
In the first way, the euro note must be placed in the left palm of the user, while its metallic strip is
facing the user on the right side. The user must place the left lower side of the euro note
on its palm, while holding the left upper side with its thumb. In this way, the printed value
of the euro note is visible. Also, the user must rest the lower edge of the euro note
on its small finger. Please refer to www.viscientific.com for a training video on how to
hold the euro note and ask for assistant from a sighted person.
In the second way, the euro note is simply placed on a dark surface such as a table
or a chair. The metallic strip must also be facing the user on the right side.
Then, the user places the phone on the left bottom corner of the phone so that the phone’s
Main camera is touching that corner. Press number 6 and start moving up the phone vertically from
the euro note, no more than 8 centimeters. VisionHunt will beep a higher pitch sound when the
phone is better aligned with the euro note. Move the phone to any directions, so that you get a
higher beep.
To increase or decrease the speed of the fast detection mode, press the right and left arrows
respectively. Adjust the volume of the beeps using the up and down arrows.
6.4.2 Fast Detection Mode
--------------------------------
The fast detection mode is suitable for use only in non-dark conditions. Tests have shown
that it can produce accurate results even in dim conditions provided that there is adequate
light on the euro note. To ensure this, the user must hold the euro note horizontally aligned
to the floor so that more light is shed on the note.
Once the phone is aligned with the euro note, press numeric 5 and maintain the position
of the phone over the euro note. VisionHunt will prompt the results as soon as this is available.
If the user is unable to obtain a result, then the training mode can be reinitiated by pressing the
Numeric 6 in order for the phone to be better aligned with the euro note.
6.4.3 Directions Mode
---------------------------------
To identify a euro note with this new method, simply
place the euro note on a dark surface such as the bottom of a dark chair
or a dark desktop. Make sure that the dark surface does not have stripes,
in other words, it is a solid color dark surface. The front face of the euro
should be facing up. Also, the metallic stripe should be on the right side.
Hold the phone over the euro note at about 20 cm with the phone’s camera
phasing downwards to the euro note. The phone should be horizontally aligned
to the surface. Then press numeric 8.
After a second, VisionHunt will give you 1 or 2 directions to which
you should move the phone to. Move only 2-3 cm each time. If the direction
is a rotation, then rotate slightly to the suggested pointed direction. When rotating,
keep the phone horizontally aligned to the surface. If the direction is a “retry”,
it means that VisionHunt does not have a clear view of the note, or you are
very closed on the euro note. Simply repeat numeric 8 slightly above your current position.
When the phone’s camera is at about 6 to 10 cm above the left bottom corner of
the euro note, you should get the result.
6.5 Identifying US Dollars (Beta)
-----------------------------------
Please note that this is beta version.
Results may not be 100% accurate. Run detection 2-3 times
on every try to be sure.
The procedure is similar to identifying euros,
however, with dollars the user has to scan for the bottom right
corner at the back side of the dollar bill where the high contrast large print value resides.
If the user gets a result called "flip", then it is aiming at the wrong bottom corner,
and he or she needs to flip or rotate the dollar bill.
The major difference from the previous verson of VisionHunt is that,
the user uses two difference tools to detect single dollars bills or other o higher value.
To detect single dollar bills in fast mode, the user uses the numeric shortcut 4.
To detect single dollar bills with the direction's mode, the user uses the numeric shortcut 9.
Note that this beta version does not support the 100 dollar bills and it will
result in a "flip".
6.6 Identifying Polish Zlotty (Beta)
-----------------------------------
Please note that this is beta version.
Results may not be accurate.
The procedure is similar to identifying euros,
however, with the zlotty the user has to scan for the top left
corner of the zlotty bill where the high contrast large print value resides.
If the user gets a reply of "flip", then it is aiming at the wrong bottom corner,
and he or she needs to flip or rotate the zlotty bill.
6.7 The all-new Scanning Functions
-----------------------------------
VisionHunt 2.5 provides 2 scanning tools.
The first scanning tool is the Surface Scanner. It can locate items on floors and other
smooth surfaces. For example, it can locate a shoe or a wallet
dropped on the floor. However, it cannot identify the type of the item.
The user can specify the relative size of items that he are she is trying to locate.
The second tool is the Table Scanner. It can identify the existence of dining related
items on a table or other similar surface and it uses the flash of the phone.
For example ,it can identify the existence of bottles, plates, glasses, spoons
and other shining items, However, in this Beta version, it cannot identify the type
of items that are found. You can use this tool as an additional method
for checking if an items is left on your table, after a nice dinner with your friends.
To use the two scanners, the user must switch to the surface scanning keys
by pressing the numeric shortcuts 0. Once done, the user will be prompted. To switch
back to the initial functions of visionhunt, press again numeric 0.
6.7.1 Using the Surface Scanner
-----------------------------------
Press the numeric 5 key and point the phone's camera to the floor
a couple of feet infront of you. The phone starts making a low beeping sound
which can get louder by pressing the up arrow key.
This initial sound is a low C (if you know a bit about music).
When 1 object is detected in the camera's view,
then this sound goes higher to an E.
If 2 objects are detected at the same time, then this sound
goes to a higher G and so on.
When done, press numeric 5 again and the scanning stops.
If you want to hear a summary of the scanning findings,
press the numeric 7 key, which normally serves for "repeat answer".
You will get a small experimental summary such as:
"2 objects found. 1 round object. 1 rectangular object".
Try to use the numeric 7 to get a scanning summary
for 1 nearby scanning so that you do not mix the
results or 2 separate locations.
You can specify the relative size of objects that the scanner
is trying to detect by decreasing or increasing
the object size threshold. Use numeric 4 or 6 to decrease or increase
the minimum allowed size of detectable object.
You will be prompted accordingly.
Note that this surface scanner of VisionHunt
makes a best effort to ignore shades, chair and table legs,
as well as the boundaries of large tiles (about 20cm and higher)
It is impossible to ignore small tile boundaries or fuzzy and shady surfaces.
6.7.2 Using the Table Scanner
-----------------------------------
The table scanner works by taking pictures
of table surface from a distance of about 2 feet and
from a relatively higher position than the surface.
For example, an adult from a standing position can
aim the phone's camera toward a dining table
from the height of his/her chest, a couple of feet
away from the table.
When in the right position, use numeric 1 to take a picture.
After the picture is taken, please allow for a couple of seconds
for the result to be available. You will be prompted like "1 item found" etc.
If you get a "0 items found" but you are still sure that there are
items on a table, press numeric 2.
VisionHunt will re-examine the picture taken more thoroughly
and a new result will be prompted.
7. Tips for Better Results
-----------------------------------
Tip 1: Adjust the camera's sensitivity from the options, preferences menu. This
will increase the quality of the results, especially for black, grey and white objects.
For phones with large cameras, such as the N95, adjust this setting to 1.
For phones with smaller cameras, such as the E51 and E66, adjust this setting to 4.
To accommodate all phones, the default value is 2.
Tip 2: For better results on identifying colours, always hold the phone in upright position so that its main
(back) camera is away from you. Then turn it toward the object you wish to identify
its colour and immediately press 2. By doing this trick, better results are obtained
(especially for blacks, greys, browns and whites) since you allow VisionHunt to auto-calibrate.
Tip 3: If you try to recognize many colours one after one by pointing the phone and pressing 2 consecatively,
you might start getting wrong results. This effect happens because you don't allow VisionHunt to auto-calibrate
correctly. In order to get optimal results, hold the phone always in upright position so that its main (back) camera is
away from you. Then point instantly and press 2 for colour recognition. Afterwards bring the phone again in
upright position. Holding the phone in upright position 1-2 seconds before recognizing colour will improve
substantially the results even in low lighting (DIM) conditions.
Tip 4: Do not hold the phone too close or on the object you wish to recognize its colour.
This does not allow the phone's camera to collect adequate light and it will lead to
wrong results. Always ascertain you hold the phone at least half a foot away from the object.
8. A Guide to Colours
---------------------------
Colours are related in many ways. Under dim conditions, red may appear as brown,
orange may become brown, brown may become black, yellow may become green,
green may appear as blue, dark colours become black and white may become grey.
Under Bright conditions, red may become pink, light green may become yellow
and grey may become white.
Thank you! Please send your comments at support@viscientific.com