Please describe your proposed solution.

Proposed Solution:

The Currency Detector dApp for Visually Impaired on the Cardano Blockchain offers a comprehensive and innovative solution to address the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in identifying currency denominations. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of the Cardano blockchain and incorporating image recognition technology, this dApp provides real-time spoken feedback to users, enabling them to independently detect and differentiate various banknotes.

The proposed solution includes the development of an image recognition system trained on deep neural networks to accurately identify currency denominations. This system will be integrated into a user-friendly mobile application compatible with popular operating systems, ensuring accessibility for visually impaired users. The mobile application will utilize the smartphone camera to capture images of banknotes, which will be processed by the image recognition system for instant denomination identification.

The Cardano blockchain will be utilized to store the image recognition model metadata and transactional data securely. This ensures the integrity and transparency of transactions, enhancing user trust and data privacy. Additionally, the mobile application will be designed to integrate seamlessly with existing assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to provide a truly inclusive user experience.

By providing real-time audio feedback on the detected denomination, the Currency Detector dApp empowers visually impaired individuals to handle currency independently. This solution not only enhances their financial autonomy but also fosters a sense of empowerment and inclusivity within the financial ecosystem. Furthermore, the integration of blockchain technology ensures a secure and tamper-proof environment for transaction verification and data storage.

How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Our proposed solution addresses the challenge by utilizing advanced image recognition technology and the transparency of the Cardano blockchain. The Currency Detector App empowers visually impaired individuals to detect currency independently, promoting financial autonomy and inclusion.

Benefits to the Cardano ecosystem include:

Increased accessibility: Demonstrates the inclusive nature of Cardano by providing a solution for visually impaired users.

Real-world application: Showcases Cardano's practical use cases and potential for social impact.

Adoption and user growth: Attracts a wider user base, including visually impaired individuals, enhancing the diversity and reach of the Cardano ecosystem.

Trust and security: Utilizing the blockchain ensures transparent and secure transactions, fostering trust among users.

Positive social impact: Improves the lives of visually impaired individuals by enabling them to manage their finances independently, promoting financial empowerment and inclusion.

How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

To measure the success of our project, we will employ the following metrics:

User Adoption: Tracking the number of visually impaired individuals who download and use the Currency Detector App will provide insights into its acceptance and relevance within the target user group.

User Feedback: Conducting surveys, interviews, and gathering user feedback through app reviews will help gauge user satisfaction, identify areas for improvement, and validate the effectiveness of the app in assisting visually impaired individuals.

Accuracy and Reliability: Evaluating the image recognition system's performance in accurately detecting and distinguishing currency denominations will be crucial. We will measure the system's precision, recall, and overall accuracy in real-world scenarios to ensure reliable results.

Financial Independence: Assessing the impact of the Currency Detector App on the financial autonomy of visually impaired individuals will be a key indicator. We can measure changes in their ability to manage currency independently and track any reduction in dependence on sighted assistance.

Community Engagement: Monitoring engagement and participation within the visually impaired community, such as user testimonials, community forums, and social media interactions, will provide insights into the app's value and effectiveness.

App Store Ratings and Reviews: Tracking the ratings and reviews of the Currency Detector App on app stores will provide an indication of user satisfaction and the overall perception of the app's performance and usability.

Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

We have a comprehensive plan to share the outputs and results of our project with various stakeholders:

Documentation: We will create detailed documentation that outlines the development process, technical specifications, and implementation details of the

Currency Detector App. This documentation will be made publicly available, allowing interested individuals and organizations to understand the project's methodology and outcomes.

Open-Source Repository: We will publish the source code of the Currency Detector App on a public open-source repository. This will enable developers and researchers to access and contribute to the project, fostering collaboration and further innovation.

Project Website: We will establish a dedicated project website that provides comprehensive information about the Currency Detector App. This website will serve as a central hub for sharing updates, progress reports, and relevant resources related to the project.

Social Media and Blog Posts: We will utilize social media platforms and blog posts to share project updates, milestones, and significant achievements. These channels will allow us to reach a broader audience and engage with the Cardano community and the visually impaired community.

Community Engagement: We will actively participate in relevant forums, discussion groups, and community events to present and share the outcomes of our project. This will provide an opportunity to receive feedback, address questions, and foster dialogue with the community.

Collaboration with Advocacy Organizations: We plan to collaborate with advocacy organizations and institutions supporting visually impaired individuals. By sharing our project's results with these organizations, we can raise awareness about the Currency Detector App and explore potential partnerships to further expand its reach.

Conference Presentations and Workshops: We will seek opportunities to present our project at conferences, workshops, and other relevant events. This will allow us to showcase the outcomes, share insights, and engage with experts and stakeholders in the field.

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

We are committed to delivering our project with high levels of trust and accountability. Here are the key factors that contribute to our capability:

Experience and Expertise: Our team comprises professionals with extensive experience in software development, blockchain technology, and accessibility solutions. We have a deep understanding of the technical requirements, best practices, and industry standards needed to deliver a reliable and secure project.

Transparent Project Management: We employ transparent project management methodologies to ensure clear communication, goal alignment, and accountability. We will provide regular progress updates, maintain a project roadmap, and adhere to agreed-upon timelines and milestones.

Quality Assurance: We prioritize quality assurance throughout the development process. Rigorous testing procedures will be implemented to identify and rectify any issues or bugs. This ensures that the Currency Detector App functions reliably, accurately detects currency, and provides a seamless user experience.

Open-Source Approach: By adopting an open-source approach, we promote transparency and encourage community engagement. This enables external experts to review and validate our work, fostering trust in the project's deliverables.

Ethical Considerations: We are committed to upholding ethical standards in our project. Privacy and data protection will be paramount, with appropriate safeguards implemented to ensure the security and confidentiality of user information.

Collaboration and Feedback: We value collaboration and seek input from stakeholders, including visually impaired individuals, advocacy organizations, and the Cardano community. By actively seeking feedback and incorporating user perspectives, we ensure that the Currency Detector App meets the specific needs of its intended users.

Continuous Support and Maintenance: We will provide ongoing support and maintenance for the Currency Detector App, addressing any issues that may arise and ensuring its continued functionality and relevance.

What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals for the project are as follows:

Develop an accurate currency detection system: The primary goal is to create an image recognition system capable of accurately identifying different denominations of currency. We will train and fine-tune the model using a comprehensive dataset of currency images.

Integrate the system into a user-friendly mobile application: The currency detection system will be integrated into a mobile application that is intuitive and accessible to visually impaired individuals. The app will provide real-time audio feedback on the detected denomination.

Utilize the Cardano blockchain for secure and transparent transaction verification: We will leverage the Cardano blockchain to store image recognition model metadata and transactional data securely. This ensures the integrity and transparency of financial transactions within the app.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will undertake the following steps:

Research and Prototyping: We will conduct extensive research to identify the most suitable image recognition algorithms and techniques for currency detection. Prototypes will be developed and tested to evaluate the accuracy and performance of the image recognition system.

Dataset Acquisition and Training: We will acquire a diverse dataset of currency images for training and validating the image recognition model. The model will be trained using deep neural networks and undergo rigorous testing to ensure its accuracy and reliability.

User Testing and Feedback: To validate the feasibility of the mobile application, we will conduct user testing sessions with visually impaired individuals. Their feedback and suggestions will be invaluable in refining the app's usability, accessibility, and overall effectiveness.

Technical Feasibility Assessment: We will assess the technical feasibility of integrating the image recognition system with the mobile application and the Cardano blockchain. This evaluation will include analyzing compatibility, performance, and security aspects.

Collaborative Review and Expert Input: We will seek collaborative reviews and expert input from blockchain developers, accessibility experts, and visually impaired communities to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of our approach. Their insights and recommendations will guide us in refining our solution.

By iteratively testing and validating our approach through research, prototyping, user testing, technical assessments, and expert feedback, we will ensure the feasibility of our project. This validation process will allow us to make necessary adjustments and enhancements to achieve the desired goals effectively.

Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Milestone 1: Research and Development Plan (Duration: 2 weeks)

• Task 1: Conduct an in-depth study of existing currency detection techniques and algorithms. (1 week)
• Task 2: Define the scope and requirements of the currency detection system. (2 days)
• Task 3: Design the overall architecture and technical specifications for the image recognition model. (3 days)
• Task 4: Create a detailed development plan and timeline for the project. (2 days)

Milestone 2: Image Recognition Model Development (Duration: 8 weeks)

• Task 1: Acquire and preprocess a diverse dataset of currency images. (2 weeks)
• Task 2: Implement and train the image recognition model using deep neural networks. (4 weeks)
• Task 3: Fine-tune and optimize the model for accurate and efficient currency detection. (2 weeks)

Milestone 3: Mobile Application Development (Duration: 14 weeks)

• Task 1: Design the user interface and user experience (UI/UX) for the mobile application. (2 weeks)
• Task 2: Develop the front-end of the application, including camera integration and image processing. (6 weeks)
• Task 3: Implement the audio feedback feature for real-time denomination detection. (2 weeks)
• Task 4: Integrate the image recognition model into the application for currency detection functionality. (4 weeks)

Milestone 4: Cardano Blockchain Integration (Duration: 6 weeks)

• Task 1: Develop smart contracts for secure storage of image recognition model metadata and transactional data. (3 weeks)
• Task 2: Implement the necessary components to interact with the Cardano blockchain, ensuring seamless integration with the mobile application. (2 weeks)
• Task 3: Conduct comprehensive testing to ensure data security, transaction verification, and privacy within the blockchain environment. (1 week)

Milestone 5: User Testing and Feedback (Duration: 4 weeks)

• Task 1: Recruit visually impaired individuals as beta testers for the Currency Detector App. (1 week)
• Task 2: Conduct user testing sessions to evaluate the app's usability, accessibility, and overall effectiveness. (2 weeks)
• Task 3: Gather feedback and suggestions from users and iterate on the application design and functionality based on their input. (1 week)

Milestone 6: Refinement and Deployment (Duration: 4 weeks)

• Task 1: Analyze user feedback and make necessary refinements to enhance the Currency Detector App. (2 weeks)
• Task 2: Finalize documentation, including user guides and technical specifications. (1 week)
• Task 3: Prepare the app for deployment on relevant app stores and ensure compliance with guidelines and regulations. (1 week)

Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Research and Development Plan

Deliverables:

• Comprehensive research report on existing currency detection techniques and algorithms.
• Well-defined project scope and requirements document.
• Detailed architecture and technical specifications for the image recognition model.
• Development plan and timeline for the project.

Outputs:

• Research report
• Project scope and requirements document
• Architecture and technical specifications document
• Development plan and timeline

Intended Outcomes:

• Clear understanding of currency detection techniques and algorithms.
• Defined project scope and requirements for efficient execution.
• Well-designed architecture and technical specifications to guide development.
• Detailed plan and timeline to ensure timely progress and delivery.

Milestone 2: Image Recognition Model Development

Deliverables:

• Trained image recognition model capable of accurately detecting currency denominations.
• Dataset of preprocessed currency images.
• Performance evaluation report showcasing the accuracy and efficiency of the model.

Outputs:

• Trained image recognition model
• Preprocessed currency image dataset
• Performance evaluation report

Intended Outcomes:

• Robust and accurate image recognition model for currency detection.
• Prepared dataset for training and validation.
• Performance evaluation demonstrating the effectiveness of the model.

Milestone 3: Mobile Application Development

Deliverables:

• User interface and user experience (UI/UX) design for the mobile application.
• Developed front-end of the application with camera integration and image processing capabilities.
• Audio feedback feature implemented for real-time denomination detection.
• Integration of the image recognition model into the application.

Outputs:

• UI/UX design for the mobile application
• Developed front-end of the application
• Audio feedback feature implemented
• Integrated image recognition model

Intended Outcomes:

• User-friendly and visually appealing mobile application interface.
• Seamless integration of camera functionality and image processing.
• Real-time audio feedback for visually impaired users.
• Successful integration of the image recognition model into the application.

Milestone 4: Cardano Blockchain Integration

Deliverables:

• Developed smart contracts for secure storage of image recognition model metadata and transactional data.
• Components enabling interaction with the Cardano blockchain integrated into the application.
• Test results and security analysis report for the blockchain integration.

Outputs:

• Smart contracts for storage
• Integrated components for Cardano blockchain interaction
• Test results and security analysis report

Intended Outcomes:

• Secure and tamper-proof storage of metadata and transactional data.
• Seamless interaction between the application and the Cardano blockchain.
• Verified security of the blockchain integration.

Milestone 5: User Testing and Feedback

Deliverables:

• User testing sessions conducted with visually impaired individuals.
• Feedback and suggestions gathered from users.
• Iterations and improvements made based on user input.

Outputs:

• User testing report
• User feedback and suggestions collected
• Updated application design and functionality based on user input

Intended Outcomes:

• Evaluation of the application's usability and effectiveness.
• Valuable feedback from visually impaired users.
• Continuous improvement of the application based on user input.

Milestone 6: Refinement and Deployment

Deliverables:

• Refined application based on user feedback and suggestions.
• Finalized documentation, including user guides and technical specifications.
• Application prepared and deployed on relevant app stores.

Outputs:

• Refined application version
• Finalized documentation
• Deployed application on app stores

Intended Outcomes:

• Application optimized based on user feedback and suggestions.
• Comprehensive documentation for users and developers.
• Successful deployment of the Currency Detector App for public access.

Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Research and Development:

• Research expenses: 8000 Ada
• Development plan and documentation: 10000 Ada

Image Recognition Model Development:

• Dataset acquisition and preprocessing: 12000 Ada
• Model development and training: 12000 Ada
• Performance evaluation: 6000 Ada

Mobile Application Development:

• UI/UX design: 16000 Ada
• Front-end development: 20000 Ada
• Audio feedback implementation: 6000 Ada
• Integration of image recognition model: 14000 Ada

Cardano Blockchain Integration:

• Smart contract development: 20000 Ada
• Blockchain integration and testing: 8000 Ada

User Testing and Feedback:

• Recruitment of visually impaired testers: 8000 Ada
• User testing sessions and feedback collection: 12000 Ada
• Iterations and improvements based on user input: 6000 Ada

Refinement and Deployment:

• Application refinements: 12000 Ada
• Documentation preparation: 8000 Ada
• App store deployment: 4000 Ada

Miscellaneous and Contingency: 8000 Ada

Total requested funds in Ada = 190000

Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Our project team consists of highly skilled professionals with expertise in various areas necessary for the successful development and implementation of the Currency Detector App for Visually Impaired on the Cardano Blockchain. The team members and their roles are as follows:

Tobi Lola - Project Manager:

• Responsible for overall project coordination, planning, and management.
• Oversees the project timeline, budget, and resource allocation.
• Acts as the main point of contact for stakeholders and ensures effective communication within the team.

Raaj - Blockchain Developer:

• Specializes in blockchain technology, particularly Cardano.
• Handles the integration of the Cardano blockchain into the application.
• Develops and tests smart contracts for secure storage and transaction verification.

Daniel - Mobile App Developer:

• Skilled in mobile app development for both iOS and Android platforms.
• Implements the user interface and user experience (UI/UX) design for the application.
• Integrates the image recognition model and audio feedback functionality into the mobile app.

Out Sourcing Team To Be Hired

Machine Learning Engineer:

• Expert in machine learning and image recognition algorithms.
• Develops and trains the image recognition model to accurately detect currency denominations.
• Optimizes the model's performance and ensures its reliability in real-world scenarios.

Mobile App Developer:

• Skilled in mobile app development for both iOS and Android platforms.
• Implements the user interface and user experience (UI/UX) design for the application.
• Integrates the image recognition model and audio feedback functionality into the mobile app.

UI/UX Designer:

• Responsible for designing the user interface and user experience of the mobile application.
• Creates visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces.
• Ensures accessibility and ease of use for visually impaired individuals.

QA Tester:

• Conducts thorough testing and quality assurance procedures throughout the development process.
• Identifies and reports any bugs or issues, ensuring a robust and reliable application.
• Collaborates with the development team to address and resolve any identified issues.

Accessibility Specialist:

• Provides expertise in accessibility standards and guidelines.
• Ensures the mobile application meets the accessibility needs of visually impaired users.
• Advises on assistive technology compatibility and user experience improvements.

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:

By developing the Currency Detector App for Visually Impaired, the project addresses a significant challenge faced by visually impaired individuals. This inclusivity-driven solution enhances financial autonomy, fosters independence, and promotes the overall well-being and inclusion of visually impaired individuals within the Cardano ecosystem.

The project leverages cutting-edge technologies, including image recognition, machine learning, and blockchain integration. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible, it showcases the innovative capabilities of the Cardano ecosystem and contributes to its ongoing technological advancement.

The Currency Detector App offers a unique value proposition for visually impaired individuals, encouraging their adoption and engagement within the Cardano ecosystem. This expands the user base, diversity, and inclusivity, providing new opportunities for user-driven growth and community development.

Trust and Reputation: The successful development and deployment of the Currency Detector App reinforce the trust and reputation of the Cardano ecosystem. By delivering a reliable, secure, and user-friendly solution, the project enhances the perception of Cardano as a trustworthy and socially responsible blockchain platform.

The project's focus on accessibility and inclusive technology contributes to the expansion and diversification of the Cardano ecosystem. It attracts new users, developers, and stakeholders who are aligned with the values of inclusivity, social impact, and technological innovation.

The project's outcomes and successes can foster collaboration and partnerships with advocacy organizations, accessibility experts, and visually impaired communities. This strengthens the Cardano ecosystem by establishing connections with relevant stakeholders and leveraging their expertise and networks.

The cost of the project represents value for money by delivering social impact, driving innovation, increasing user adoption, building trust, expanding the ecosystem, and fostering collaboration within the Cardano community.

The benefits and positive outcomes resulting from the project justify the investment and contribute to the overall growth and success of the Cardano ecosystem.