Team Status Report for 3/8/2025

One of the most significant risks currently facing the project is ensuring stable communication between the RPI Pico W and the Blues Notecard. Initial tests are indicating some reliability issues with maintaining a Wi-Fi connection, which could impact data transmission. To mitigate this, we are experimenting with different network configurations and will consider implementing a fallback mechanism that attempts reconnection in case of failure.

On the software side, integrating cloud services remains a challenge. While we initially planned to use AWS, we are still working within the constraints of the free-tier model. If we encounter limitations, we will most likely have to pay out-of-pocket in available AWS services.

Our contingency plan involves storing data locally on the Pico W and batch uploading it when a stable connection is available.

There are currently no design changes to our system architecture.

Thus, this week, we successfully flash the RPI Pico W and establish a basic Wifi connection. We also set up initial configurations for Blues, though further debugging is required to achieve stable data transmission.

Global Factors (written by William Wang)

GlassMate addresses a global need for effortless journaling by automating image capture and AI-driven summaries. It benefits travelers, professionals, and individuals with memory challenges by reducing cognitive load and eliminating manual documentation.

The system leverages IoT and cloud computing for scalable, secure data management, making it accessible worldwide. Privacy concerns are addressed with configurable capture settings and allowing users to not use glasses when doing sensitive tasks, ensuring ethical data collection. By integrating widely supported platforms like Raspberry Pi Pico W and Django, GlassMate remains adaptable and easy-to-use for all types of interested users.

Cultural Factors (written by Dhruv Dixit)

GlassMate considers cultural sensitivities around photography and privacy, allowing users to control when and where images are taken. Multilingual support in the web app enhances accessibility across diverse communities.

Beyond personal use, GlassMate benefits professionals by enabling automated documentation of fieldwork and events during the day. Its AI-generated summaries cater to both visual and text-based memory-keeping preferences, ensuring broad cultural relevance.

Environmental Factors (Written by Rohit Chand)

GlassMate prioritizes sustainability with energy-efficient components, data compression for reduced cloud storage use, and a modular design for easy upgrades.

Its reliance on cloud-based AI processing minimizes hardware requirements, lowering energy and waste consumption. Future iterations can incorporate recycled materials, reducing e-waste while maintaining product longevity and efficiency.