fyp proposal 1.2

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Bachelor of I.T. - CSCI324. Final YearProject

LeSign Inc. 2011.

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LeSign Inc. 2011.

Document Control

Prepared by: IT11/1G - LeSign Inc.

Prepared date: 11th February 2011

DocumentType:

Project Proposal

Document Title: CSCI321 Final Year Project

Document Revision History

No.

RevisionDate

Change LogSectionAffected

ChangeOwner

RevisedVersion

1. 11th

Feb2011 Document Created All Jon v1.0

2.15th Feb

2011Proposal Details revised All Jon V1.1

3.27th Feb

2011Proposal Literature/Scope

RevisedScope/Literature

ReviewJon V1.2

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Table of ContentsDocument Control..................................................................................................1

1. Introduction.......................................................................................................3

1.1 Project Background...................................................................................3

1.2 Objectives.................................................................................................4

1.3 Scope........................................................................................................5

1.4 Key Features.............................................................................................6

2.0 Literature Review.........................................................................................8

3.0 Project Management..................................................................................13

3.1 Project Model..........................................................................................13

3.2 Team Structure.......................................................................................153.3 Role Matrix..............................................................................................16

4.0 Software Project Plan.................................................................................17

4.1 Risk Analysis and Management...............................................................17

4.2 Resource Planning...................................................................................18

4.3 Gantt Chart.............................................................................................20

5.0 Bibliography / References..........................................................................21

5.1 Internet...................................................................................................21

5.1 Internet

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1. Introduction

1.1 Project Background

World Bank, World Development Indicatorswww.google.com/publicdata

World population: 6.7 Billion

World deaf population: 70 Million

That is about 1% of the worlds population who are deaf. In percentage, that may

seem like a number of no importance and concern. But in actual fact, we are

talking about 14 times the entire population of Singapore, being deaf. The most

common form of communication for this special group of people? Sign language,in its various forms and different languages.

Signing does not just apply to the deaf we are also talking about the mute and

those who are physically and mentally challenged who require the special

language to communicate their needs everyday. As the world population

increases along with the deaf community, how can we ensure the sustainability

of the sign language? Do those who are born healthy (and those who remain

healthy) see ourselves being able to accept those who are not as complete as

us? Are we able to accept those who are physically challenged in the society,

and perhaps one day, give them more important roles to play in the world on top

of their equal human rights?

How are we able to promote the use of the language? In relation to the deaf

community here in Singapore, we understand that currently there are no

electronic tools that can help/assist the learning process. Learning the language

can be tough, as such in this proposal, we explore ways how we can simplify the

process, making the language fun and easy to grasp.

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http://www.google.com/publicdatahttp://www.google.com/publicdata


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1.2 Objectives

The purpose of this project is to develop a translator tool which accepts Englishlanguage words and sentences, and subsequently output the text as signlanguage to the user. The tool must also allow expandability through an easyand interactive mean.

Sub-objectives will also include how the tool can become an easy and effectivechannel of learning and promoting sign language to the mass, throughinteractive and easy to use interfaces.

It is agreed that within the given specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and

time constraint, we need to achieve the intended objectives that is meant for

any teenagers to adults for learning the language.

The end product will be a Supplementary Tool to Learning Sign Language.

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1.3 Scope

In considering the given task ahead, the team agreed that the tool must

maintain the achievability of being specific and relevant, given the timeconstraint.

The team is looking into the development of a desktop-based product, whichaims to supplement the learning of sign language

Hence, the team will be looking at the project with the following highlights:

1. Development & Product EnvironmentThe product will be developed in a Microsoft Windows environment, meantfor running in the same environment as well. Developmental languageused for the development will be C# in Microsofts Visual Studio.

2. Database EnvironmentInitial number of English language words/pictures available for translationuse will cap at 500; with the option to expand by user with speciallydesigned GUI. Database architecture will be XML structured.

3. Processing/Application ConceptIn processing users queries and interaction, the team will propose theresearch and development of Natural Language Processing, otherwiseknown as NLP. NLP is a fine balance between a static text processingmethod and computer intelligence in processing the English Language as

English teachers would teach. This will be the core framework of thefunctionalities of the product, in identifying English language sentencesmeant to be translated.

4. Educational ConceptTo achieve all-roundedness, the product would include basic language andpictorial quiz and tutorial modules for target users to practice on. Thepurpose of the quiz and tutorials is to supplement the teachings in class,not to act as a replacement.

The scope of the project will not cover the following highlights:

1. End product will not aim to support multi-platforms, yet.2. End product will not require live connection for functionality.

3. Any other methods/forms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems will not be

explored for the product. (NLP being the only core AI, if it is indeed

classified as an AI system)

4. End product will not include animations that involve modelling

display/interactions.

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1.4 Key Features

The team looks at the following functionalities we aim to achieve for the end

product:

1. Voice Sign Text Translation2. Mousing Around Mouse Over Tool3. SEE Personalized Dictionary Database Expansion4. Lesson & Tutorial5. Interactive Quiz

1. Sign Translator

This feature allows user to query the database of signs; with an option of input

by text or by voice. As the software aims to allow users to master with ease,the team is currently experimenting with the current technology how the ease

of voice input can encourage the use of the software. However, the technology

may not be matured enough and accuracy of voice recognition software is still

questionable. Intensive testing of the voice input capabilities will be explored

during developmental stages. The concept of NLP will also be applied here.

2. Mousing Around Mouse Over Tool

This is an interesting tool which allow user to simply highlight the words they

would like to search and query the database simply by right-clicking and

selecting Translate this. With that, a small box will pop out from the bottomright corner and show the sign language thats found.

There are tool that work the same way and we are confident that we would be

able to develop the same functionality for our own signing tool. Even though

none of us have ever developed or have experience in this kind of functionality,

we believe with much research we would make it available. This would achieve

the ease of learning while surfing, making usability with convenience.

The purpose of the Signing Translator is to provide a tool for user to search the

corresponding sign language of a single word or a sentence. It has more than

500 sign languages available in the database to start off the tool. This tool also

allows users to populate the dictionary of sign languages if certain word is not

available. The tool also provides various ways to search the database for a

specific sign language. Besides the regular way of entering the word with the

keyboard, the tool allows user to speak into the microphone to query for a sign

language. Above all, the tool allows user to query for a sign language just by

highlighting the word or sentence on the desktop with perfect and seamless

convenience.

3. SEE Personalized Dictionary Database Expansion

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There are various forms of databases available in the market namely, Microsoft

SQL, Oracle DB, MySQL and etc. However, we would develop our database using

XML files instead as it allows easy deployment and it easy management without

the hassle of installing databases.

These are known risk as XML serializing hasnt been much look into by either of

us and we would require to research on it further before any development.

The tool would allow user to add a new sign just by providing an image which

comply to a format size and its corresponding word which represent the sign. To

take this to another level, user can simply export the words created by ourselves

and share with other user. Others can in term, import the provided signs into

their own database.

The system will zip up all the files and allow user to share the zip copy of the

database. With a little knowledge of zipping the file, we would need a little moretime into developing this portion of the system.

4. Lessons & T utorial

As a supplementary tool to actual classroom learning, the team will also

incorporate tutorial lessons in the product. Basic communication skills and often

used words/sentences will be introduced in various environments, such as

workplaces & schools. While the product DOES NOT aim to substitute the actual

classroom learning environment, the lessons included in the product will aim to

provide tuition to learners of the language, through interactive environments,

depicting the actual physical environments.

5. Interactive Quiz

Finally, to prepare users/learners for their classroom examinations/tests, the

team has decided to incorporate a quiz environment in the product. The quiz will

allow users to go on trial questions, in forms such as video sign questions &

drag-&-drop sign pictorial questions. This promotes interactivity and allows user

to be adequately prepare themselves confidently for the actual examination.

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2.0 Literature Review

1. Sign Language History:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_language

2. Singapore Association for the Deaf

http://www.sadeaf.org.sg

3. A Critical Literature Review on e-Learning

http://www.ucsi.edu.my/cervie/ijasa/volume2/pdf/08H.pdf

4. University of London (UOL) Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

http://itdl.org/Journal/Jun_04/article02.htm

http://londonexternal.wordpress.com/tag/vle/

5. NLP Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_language_processing

Signing It!Sign language dates back to as early as the 5th Century B.C., where the deaf andmute would have already tried to communicate with one another using handsigns and gestures. It was from the 15th Century onwards that publications werereleased, documenting the teaching of the language.

Schools such asAbbe de lEpee in France and theAmerican School for the Deafwas subsequently set up, further promoting the learning and use of thelanguage.

Signing has come a long way, from the traditional gesturing of intentions, to the

documentation of official representations of the spoken languages/words. Intodays context, the world continues to look at how signing can be promoted tothe general masses, not just limiting to the community for the deaf and mute.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_languagehttp://www.sadeaf.org.sg/http://www.ucsi.edu.my/cervie/ijasa/volume2/pdf/08H.pdfhttp://itdl.org/Journal/Jun_04/article02.htmhttp://londonexternal.wordpress.com/tag/vle/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_language_processinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_languagehttp://www.sadeaf.org.sg/http://www.ucsi.edu.my/cervie/ijasa/volume2/pdf/08H.pdfhttp://itdl.org/Journal/Jun_04/article02.htmhttp://londonexternal.wordpress.com/tag/vle/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_language_processing


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Action speaking louder than words

There are different types of sign languages by different countries; this would

require the instructors to define the specific language that he/she is using in the

system. The instructor must have a significant knowledge about sign languages.

According to Sign It Services, there are a few types of needs that are required:

- Understanding the Interpretation Process

The process of interpretation requires the setting, speed or type of terminology

being used to be as accurate as possible to prevent message from being

conveyed wrongly.

- Types of Interpretation

Different types of interpretation employ intercultural and nonverbal interpreters.

- Code of Ethics

Eg. Interpreters/translators shall keep all assignment-related information strictly

confidential.

Interpreters/translators shall render the message faithfully, always conveying the

content and spirit of the speaker using language most readily understood by the

person(s) whom they serve.

- Deaf Culture

Patterns, traits, products, attitudes, and intellectual/artistic activity associated

with a population is said to have their own unique culture of the deaf community.

- Interpretation Techniques

Hand Position

Hand Orientation

Hand Movement

Facial Expression

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AmericaNo?

In an attempt to understand the preferred sign language to work on, the project

team had approached the Singapore Associate for the Deaf (also known as

SADeaf) to understand what signing is all about.

The Associations Deputy Director, Ms. Sandra Cheong had explained that just

like there are many different spoken languages in the world, there are also many

different languages in the signing community. The team had also found out that

the commonly use language in Singapore is known as the Speak Exact English

sign language, also known as SEE.

SEE aims to represent literal English, as it is spoken. It is derived from the

popular American Sign Language (ASL) in the 1970s. Since the end product is

intended for non-deaf users, SEE is highly recommended as users are able tobetter relate to it, as they are already using the spoken English.

The team had also found out that SADeaf conduct lessons through a classroom

setting, with a deaf instructor. Basic SEE Language classes are broken down into

different modules, and each module require 3 months of classroom learning.

When asked if there are currently any software that automates the learning

process (such as e-learning portals), SADeafs Ms. Sandra Cheong informed that

there is no such system in place, yet.

SADeafs Deaf Access Officer, Mr. Jimmy Wong did mentioned that they are

planning to work on a simple system to upload pictures and instructions onto awebsite for e-learning. The plan however is still just an idea yet to be explored.

Mr. Wong informed the team that if such a system would be implemented,

SADeaf would charge its users for it, just like how the association is currently

charging fees for its sign language courses.

Since the idea of sign language e-learning is still new, the team would like to

explore what can be introduced, with the aim of drastically cutting down time

spent in a classroom for hours. With more than 3 million users of the internet

here in Singapore (including the deaf) and the rapid expansion of the World Wide

Web, the team wants to tap and ride on this vast market, especially for those

who desire ease and convenience while learning a new skill. (in this case picking

sign language)

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Learning Electronically?

Students learning in classroom via interaction with the tutor are the basis of

much of the learning activity in any type of education requirements. These

include writing essays, tests or projects. The approach that they use to set andmanage the learning environment has remained relatively unchanged until

recent years with the use of e-learning tools to supplement the learning process

of students. The focus of this literature review is to analyze the current e-

learning systems have already been implemented in place of most education

institute (Eg. Universities).

The aim of this literature review is to provide a thorough understanding of the

current e-learning systems available in the education line. We will identify the e-

learning techniques, tools and approaches to further analyze the students

learning effectiveness via usage of the e-learning program.

E-learning is gaining popularity in the recent years through education, Schank

(2002), Roffe (2002), Sambrook (2003) and Tsai & Machado (2002) refer to e-

learning as communication and learning activities through computers and

networks (or via electronic means). An example of e-learning by University of

London (UOL), through its Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) it allows students

to access all the course materials, take part in seminar discussions, view videos

online and engage with students on the relevant subjects. Marianne Coleman

(2004) It incorporates an area for each module, which is timetabled for

structured learning activities. Students are divided into groups of about ten, and

each group tutored by an e-moderator. Bleimann (2004) stated that e-learning is

a self-directed learning that is based on technology, especially web-based

technology. He also stressed that e-learning is collaborative learning.

The notion of blended learning, which uses some combination of classroom and

e-learning. This is seen to have distinct benefits over desk e-learning as it

utilizes the benefits and possibilities of e-learning tools (good programmes, self

paced etc.), whilst allowing for the benefits of class room learning (the use of a

facilitator, social interaction, discussion and questioning) (Zenger and Uehlein,

2001; see also Voci and Young, 2001).

Another example of e-learning, that is closer to Singapore, is when someone

learns how to drive. As per the team members past experience in learning

driving, driving centres offer computerized mock quiz environments to its

students for their theoretical part of the learning process. Students would need

to pay for these mock quiz, and the quiz can only be taken at the driving centre.

The mock quiz will have a time limit of 30mins for the students to go through,

and the students would be logged out of the system immediately after that.

Students will also NOT BE given result slips after the mock test, hence they will

not be able to learn from their mistakes. The aim of the system is evident; only

to allow students to experience the test environment, and not meant for

learning. This form of paid presentation to students should be questioned; as it

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does not allow students to learn from the questions and it is purely for students

to get used to the environment even for getting used to the environment,

30minutes is definitely not enough.

In this review, e-learning has been defined as an essential part of learningenvironment. The importance of e-learning lies in the challenges of students to

formulate their own thoughts linking to higher level learning outcomes. It has

highlighted that e-learning tools can help students to learn at their own pace,

without stressing to complete on time.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

The goal of team also includes engaging the emerging capabilities of NLP. It is a

concept used for understanding the language of interest, in this case, English.

As we develop this software, it is important that the linguistic requirements are

accurate and correct, especially so when we are developing the tool for learning

SEE (Sign Exact English). The end product should understand sentences and

differentiating them from different grammars in the English language and

translating them accurately to the user/learner. It is a method engaged to

investigate and evaluate the desire of a particular human language by the

machine. The technique is still relatively new and in research currently. The team

is looking into developing this concept into the product.

This technique would greatly enhance the end products capability in language

processing to provide accurate and dynamic translation.

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Requirement

Analysis

SystemDesign

ArchitectureDesignModuleDesign

SoftwareBuildUnit

TestingIntegrationTestingSystemTesting

U.A.Testing


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3.0 Project Management

3.1 Project Model

Project development will be implemented using the V-model softwaredevelopment process cycle. The V-Model, which can be associated as anextension of the waterfall model, allows process to roll back should there be anychanges to the requirements at any stage of the life cycle.

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TimeDurati

on

SoftwareDevelopment

ProjectStart

Project End


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The V-Model Software Process Cycle consist of a few phases mainly theVerification Phase and the Validation Phase. It moves from left to right top down

and back up. At any point of time should there be any requirement changes orsystem bug identified, the process will follow the red dashed arrow [


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3.2 Team Structure

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3.3 Role Matrix

Role Jonathan

Jenny Jacky YanLing

Project Manager Project Budgeting

User InterfaceDesign

Software Design System Analyst

Database Design Programmer

Analyst

Programmer Tester

Tester Design Deployment

Manager

Team Lead Jonathan Lou1. Oversee every aspect of project development and status2. Manage and delegate tasks within the team3. Ensures objectives and tasks are aligned and on track

Design Lead Jenny Goh

1. Responsible for full spectrum of project documentations, including version

controls, meeting minutes.

2. Project Finance Controller

3. GUI Lead Responsible for full spectrum of interface design & test phases

Software Lead Jacky Lim

1. Chief Software Engineer, responsible for software development (& lifecycle)

2. Lead Software Architect

System Lead Low Yan Ling

1. Testing Lead manages full spectrum of formulating and generating test

cases.

2. Database Architect, in sync with Software Leads project development

3. Research Lead

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Cristal NgoProject Supervisor

Jonathan LouProject Team Lead

Jenny GohProject Design Lead

Jacky LimProject Software Lead

Low Yan LingProject System Lead


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4.0 Software Project Plan

4.1 Risk Analysis and Management

This section describes and identify the risk involve in the project. Riskmanagement is the process of identifying factors that may lead to a failure,integrity or availability of an information system. We need to identify the risks,analyze each and every risk factor, plan (or calculate) risks involved and finallymonitor the risk progress.

Risk Subject RiskDescription

RiskImpact

Risk MitigationPlan

RiskOwner

1. ProjectSchedule

Project deadlineoverrun

Severe Project schedulingand monitoring.

Team Lead

2. Human

Resource

Limited

experience/talentpool withdifferentbackgrounds ofexpertise

Manageab

le

Conduct team

induction,expertisemanagement

Team Lead

3. DevelopmentalTools

Enterprise &developmentaltools license feesmay be costly

Severe Conduct marketresearch forfree/studentdevelopmentaltools

TeamLead/SoftwareLead

4. ProjectCommunication

Miscommunication and breakdownbetween teammembers

Manageable

Ensure channels ofcommunicationsare open withweeklymeetings/conference calls for updates

Team Lead

5. Correctness ofProject

End product maydeviate frominitial statedrequirements &functionalities

Severe Ensure that atevery stage of theproject, a check isconducted to deterdeviation

SoftwareLead/DesignLead

6. Usability End product maynot be acceptedby usersbehavior

Severe Ensure UAT isconducted withstrict adherence tousers

psychologicalbehavior in mind

DesignLead/SystemLead

7. Robustness End product maynot be able tohandleunexpectederrors

Manageable

Test cases shouldinvolve potentialerror input forexceptionhandlings

SoftwareLead/SystemLead

8. Hardwarefailures

Unexpectedequipment ordiskcrash/failures

Severe Implement systembackups, copybackups

SystemLead

9. Maintainability Currentdevelopmentalscope limitingsystem

Manageable

Put in placedevelopment(coding) anddocumentation

All

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expandability standards forfuture references

10.

Interoperability Running thesoftware on adifferent platformwhich productwas developedon

Manageable

Standardization ofinterfaces

All

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4.2 Resource Planning

S/N

Role Number of workinghours

1 Project Manger 350 Evaluation of project Managing of project Monitoring and controlling of project Managing changing requirements -Changing and delivering configuration -Deployment of project -Close-out project -Package product

5060455040353535

2 Project Administrator 280 Project budgeting Designing components Implementing components Managing manpower Ensure project is within the stated budget Resource management (Workstation, meeting

place) Authorization of users for project files

45606530302525

3 Consultant 300 Gather requirements Analyse requirements

Prepare functional design documents Review test packages Sign off test packages Making appointment with customer for UAT Raising and managing change request

5555

4540254040

4 Software Engineer 300 Developing program based on functional

design document Developing software development plan Analyzing any software problem Managing of software changing requests Basic component test

606045454545

5 Solution Architect 300 Subject Matter Expertise Work Force Management, Supervision and

Mentoring Methodology and Quality Assurance Business Development Business Planning and General Management

6060606060

6 Test Analyst 300 Preparing of test package Conduct testing for project Improving test package

Evaluating project while testing Achieving acceptable mission

606060

6060

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4.3 Gantt Chart

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5.0 Bibliography / References

5.1 Internet[1] Sign It Services

http://www.signit.com.sg/index.php

[2] Sign Language Teaching Kithttp://www.nyp.edu.sg/SIT/images/citi/industryproj/sadeaf.jpg

[3] Unqualified Sign Language Interpreters

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/translation/articles/sign-language-

agencies.html

[4] Types of Interpretershttp://www.ehow.com/list_5907488_types-interpretation-health-care-

field.html

[5] Deaf Culturehttp://deafness.about.com/cs/deafculture/a/deafculture101.htm

[6] Techniques for Interpretationhttp://www.suite101.com/content/elements-of-american-sign-language-

a108755

[7] Singapore Association for the Deaf

http://www.sadeaf.org.sg1. Ms. Sandra Cheong

[email protected]

2. Mr. Jimmy [email protected]

[8] World Federation of the Deafhttp://www.wfdeaf.org/

[9] World Bank, World Development Indicatorswww.google.com/publicdata

[10] Sign Language Historyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_language
http://www.signit.com.sg/index.phphttp://www.nyp.edu.sg/SIT/images/citi/industryproj/sadeaf.jpghttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/translation/articles/sign-language-agencies.htmlhttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/translation/articles/sign-language-agencies.htmlhttp://www.ehow.com/list_5907488_types-interpretation-health-care-field.htmlhttp://www.ehow.com/list_5907488_types-interpretation-health-care-field.htmlhttp://deafness.about.com/cs/deafculture/a/deafculture101.htmhttp://www.suite101.com/content/elements-of-american-sign-language-a108755http://www.suite101.com/content/elements-of-american-sign-language-a108755http://www.sadeaf.org.sg/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.wfdeaf.org/http://www.google.com/publicdatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_languagehttp://www.signit.com.sg/index.phphttp://www.nyp.edu.sg/SIT/images/citi/industryproj/sadeaf.jpghttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/translation/articles/sign-language-agencies.htmlhttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/translation/articles/sign-language-agencies.htmlhttp://www.ehow.com/list_5907488_types-interpretation-health-care-field.htmlhttp://www.ehow.com/list_5907488_types-interpretation-health-care-field.htmlhttp://deafness.about.com/cs/deafculture/a/deafculture101.htmhttp://www.suite101.com/content/elements-of-american-sign-language-a108755http://www.suite101.com/content/elements-of-american-sign-language-a108755http://www.sadeaf.org.sg/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.wfdeaf.org/http://www.google.com/publicdatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_language

fyp proposal 1.2

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