Author: yujunlee

Before we create the final demo video, we wrapped up the mobile application by updating the UI. Since our main user for the application is elders, the buttons have to be large enough and intuitive for them. Bluetooth connection in the application is added to discover Bluetooth devices near the phone and for connections. We’ve created a video for each part and integration together for the final video.

We confirmed that the mobile application installed in Max’s Android phone can discover the RPi through Bluetooth and read data from it. The integration task will be continued to complete application development. UI needs to be improved for intuitive interaction for users before the final demo, and final integration and project will be done next week.

As we wanted to focus on the integration, we confirmed that the simulated mobile application that I implemented can be installed on Max’s Android phone. Because a Bluetooth library can’t be used in the Expo environment, we decided to eject Expo (deployment platform). We found that there are two available Bluetooth libraries and determine which one is better to use for our application. The integration task will be continued, and once we have a stable application environment, the front-end UI will be completed.

This week I wrapped up on implementing the three major functionalities that I was working on last week. After I received feedback during the interim demo on the mobile application, I adjust them accordingly. Currently, I am trying to find a way to send an SMS text message without the app switches to the SMS application. For next week, Max and I will focus on integrating the app and RPi using a library module that Max found. Current progress is on time, and we are looking forward to completing our project promptly.

This week I set up all the UI pages that we planned for the mobile application by using the NavigationContainer library module. I mainly focused on implementing three major functionalities for the applications; save/delete contacts, timer, and geolocation. As React Native supports both platforms iOS and Android, I had to confirm newly added modules and functionalities work for both platforms. For next week, we are expecting to work on integration with hardware before the final demo.

For this week, I mainly focused on implementing the geolocation features for the application. As we are adjusting our project remotely, we decided to Max holds the RPi for the rest of the semester, so I mailed it to his address. The application’s major features like GPS and sending notification progress are continued, and we will work on the mobile application receiving data either from the RPi or a computer to adjust the current situation.

After team discussion, we decided to transition to React Native from Android App as React Native supports both iOS and Android App as we are working remotely. I began to set up an initial environment for the application and rebuild the major features like getting the current location and sending notifications to the first responders. Also, I worked with Max on connecting networks with RPi for integration. We are still on progress fixing the connection issues. For the upcoming week, we will continue working on the integration before the demo.

For this week, I received feedback from our teammates on the App UI and make sure the UI is intuitive to users, who are mostly elders. Max and I started working together on integrating the App and RPi. We will continue to improve the integration to make it automatic instead of manual pair between phone and RPi after the spring break. Our progress is on track, and we are looking forward to seeing much progress after the break as we approach the end of the semester.

This week, we mainly analyzed and researched how we can collect the fall data effectively. Instead of we physically fall, we decided and ordered a dummy object to collect metadata for the fall detection. On the mobile application side, we’ve been working on sending an alert with a text message. The current progress is on schedule, and we are expecting to complete the notification feature and connect with RPi.