Please watch a video of this project: http://youtu.be/KJ8hf_q40N0

1. THE SMART INTERACTIVE
AQUARIUM SOFTWARE
FOR AQUARISTS
HONG KONG
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
SD 5509
PROTOTYPING AND SCRIPTING
Aileen Halim [09529551G]
Eric SIU Man Leong [09693210G]
Joy SHAO Zhouyi [09529391G]
Apostolos Petra [09677639G]
© 2010.01.18

2. TABLE OF CONTENT
INTORODUCTION
RATIONALE OF UI DESIGN
PROTOTYPING
SCRIPTING
STATE MACHINE DIAGRAM
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
APPENDIX
AQUA 1

3. INTRODUCTION
The fish-keeping hobby is a multi-million dollar industry worldwide. The largest market
is United States with retail value for over US$ 910 million in 1993! Research claims that
56% of U.S. households had pets, and 10.6% owned ornamental freshwater or saltwater
fish, with an average of 8.8 fish per household.
However, in many cases fish are maintained in the wrong conditions and therefore live
short lives. Many don’t know that an aquarium can only support a certain number of
fish. Limiting factors include the availability of oxygen in the water and the rate at
which the filter can process waste. Aquarists even have developed a number of rules to
allow them to estimate the number of fishes that can be kept in a given aquarium.
Aquarists also need to consider other important issues such as growth rate, activity
level, social behavior, surface agitation, water temperature, the filtration system, tank
maintenance, the kind of fish being kept and so on. To some degree, it is a complicated
trial and error approach. Furthermore, inexperienced aquarists often attempt to keep too
many fish in their tanks, mistaken in mixing type of fish or introduce too many fish into
an immature aquarium. As a result, large numbers of fish may be sicken and die. This
has given the hobby a bad reputation among some animal welfare groups, such as
PETA1, for treating aquarium fish as nothing more than cheap toys that are simply
replaced when they die.
Thus, We propose AQUA, a new interactive multimedia application of a SMART
AQUARIUM to overcome that problem. The SMART AQUARIUM will record all the
important rules of keeping fish. By using our SMART tank, aquarists could compare
different typologies of fish and asses their compatibility with a given type of tank. An
individual that already owns a tank and wants to purchase new fish can easily know
which fish is compatible for his aquarium by simulating it. Moreover, it will also help an
individual that does not own a tank and has little knowledge regarding fish to purchase
the most suitable tank with their preferred appropriate fish.
The application will be used with the medium of a flat multi touch screen where the
fishes and the tanks will be virtually visualized and evaluated. The user friendliness in
this particular design relies mainly in its simplicity of the natural user interface (NUI).
Interaction design principles are geared toward maximizing the UX by facilitating the
ease with which they can learn, become immersed in and enjoy the software
experience.
1
Peop le for th e E thi cal T rea tmen t of Ani mal s (PE TA ) is an animal rights organization based in
Norfolk, Virginia, USA. With two million members and supporters worldwide, it claims the status of the
largest animal rights group in the world.
AQUA 2

4. RATIONALE OF UI DESIGN
Our vision is creating an advanced medium with intelligence embedded, allowing
aquarists to have a new experience of buying fish in familiar ways in familiar media, yet
give those media new and powerful capabilities to smartly recognize each aquarist.
INTELLIGENCE SYSTEM FOR BUYER AND SUPPLIER
AQUA stores user’s information to keep a track of all the particular information
(necessary for the transaction) of each single customer and each single fish or
relative living organism. Eg. the ability to understand a basic info about fish, give
intelligent suggestions about suitable environment, etc. What is more, it also
enables the supplier as well as its staff to perform efficiently; The functioning of
this particular UI relies in rapidity and efficiency of service without destabilizing
any required factor. That said, the UI is meant to perform a series of services that
the staff would traditionally do but in a faster and more reliable manner.
SEAMLESS NATURAL INTERACTION
By mimicking real-world objects and using virtual capabilities, AQUA introduces a
natural interaction for the aquarists that unfold through the natural human
input.
NEW PURCHASING EXPERIENCE
Our smart aquarium enables the user to have a new experience during the
purchasing process; this consists on making sure that all customers who want
to purchase fish (in a store where AQUA is being used) will have an easier way to
purchase fish conveyed by the seamless interaction. And it will reduce the time
necessary for purchase; Due to the efficiency and easy interface of the software
as well as the database of customer’s information the time involved in the
process could be considerably decreased.
EDUCATIONAL SIDE
This will also enable the user to be educated in an entertaining way, By reading
the different information that will be displayed in the screen, the user is
automatically being educated about the basic info about fish keeping.
QUICK AND EFFICIENT BY REAL TIME FEEDBACK
Users get useful real time feedback about the right way to keep fish by
considering all the important factors and issues embedded. Users can also
simulate fish growth by inputting the period of time. This will minimize the
number of the fish which will be sicken or die due to a lack of experience,
inexperience aquarists may have.
PERSONALIZED AND CUSTOMIZEABLE
AQUA is adjustable for each unique aquarist with different personal preference.
The system could smartly identify and load individual’s tank.
AQUA 3

5. INTERACTION MODEL
Current interaction model
The current interaction model is so complicated for the user, require lots of time and
effort and not convenient. Although there are lot possible ways to gather info about
fish, most users will prefer to talk to the shop assistant. In fact, sometimes even the
shop assistant does not have deep knowledge or the experience one is unavailable. This
one-way interaction requires trial and error and it will make the fish sick and die.
New interaction model
The new interaction will simplify the whole process yet could give a useful feedback to
users. The shop assistant only need to put data for the backend system and could also
conveniently access the stock and purchasing data.
AQUA 4

6. To fulfill all of the elements that we have described, the UI will be implemented using
the following technologies:
MULTI TOUCH SCREEN
Interacting with AQUA is simply by touching. A multi touch LED screen will be
used for a natural user interaction as well as to reduce the number of
components necessary for the adequate use of the software (for evident
production, space reasons and aesthetic reasons). Multi-touch is a method of
interacting with a computer screen. Instead of using a mouse or stylus pen,
multi-touch allows the user to interact with the device by placing fingers directly
onto the surface of the screen. The movement of the fingers across the screen
creates gestures, which send commands to the device. When a finger or an
object touches the surface, causing the light to scatter, the reflection is caught
with sensors or cameras that send the data to software. When a finger touches
the screen, the touch disrupts the panel's electrical field. The disruption is
registered and sent to the software, which then initiates a response to the
gesture.
RFID
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. An RFID tag is a microchip
combined with an antenna in a compact package; the packaging is structured to
allow the RFID tag to be attached to an object to be tracked. The tag's antenna
picks up signals from an RFID reader or scanner and then returns the signal,
usually with additional data (like a unique serial number or other customized
information). Most RFID tags contain at least two parts. One is an integrated
circuit for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating a
radio-frequency (RF) signal, and other specialized functions. The second is an
antenna for receiving and transmitting the signal.
We will create an RFID tag applied to or incorporated into acrylic pictures of each
aquarium items for the purpose of identification using radio waves. User could
get this tag under each aquarium display as they walk around the store.
AQUA will respond to physical objects with RFID tag in it. AQUA’s reader will
decodes the data encoded in the tag and passed it to the computer for display
processing.
VIRTUAL-REALITY
AQUA is a computer-simulated aquarium environment, mimicking the real
aquarium. User will get visual experiences, displayed either on a computer
screen with sound embedded. They can interact with a virtual environment or a
virtual artifact (VA) either through our natural input devices, which are their
gestures.
NETWORKING
A computer network allows sharing of resources and information among devices
connected to the network. Computer networks can be classified according to the
hardware and software technology that is used to interconnect the individual
devices in the network, such as Optical fiber, Ethernet, Wireless LAN, HomePNA,
AQUA 5

7. Power line communication or G.hn. Ethernet uses physical wiring to connect
devices. Frequently deployed devices include hubs, switches, bridges and/or
routers. Wireless LAN technology is designed to connect devices without wiring.
These devices use radio waves or infrared signals as a transmission medium.
All AQUA systems are connected wirelessly to each other and to the shop online
stock and cashier for the purpose of communication through a LAN technology.
A local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network covering a small physical area.
Current wired LANs are most likely to be based on Ethernet technology, although
new standards like ITU-T G.hn also provide a way to create a wired LAN using
existing home wires (coaxial cables, phone lines and power lines).
AQUA 6

8. PROTOTYPING
After the brainstorming process about the idea is done. We start by making a low
fidelity prototype by paper and pen (see appendix a1-5) as a quick way to define the
interface draft and layout. During this phase, we also do the evaluation. Then, we
continue to make a high fidelity prototype by using ADOBE PHOTOSHOP and ADOBE
FLASH CS4.
high fidelity screen shot
start up screen fish in after putting tag
AQUA 7

9. input price input temperature
input time buy fish
close box to check out confirm before check out
AQUA 8

10. STATE MACHINE DIAGRAM
AQUA 9

11. SCRIPTING
AQUA recognizes five gestures movement :
GESTURES MOVEMENT DESCRIPTION
dragging press and then drag
tapping press and then release as a select button and or
open info button
sliding move the button under user’s finger
pulling pull fingers apart as a copy button
apart
crossing make an X sign with fingers as a delete button
AQUA 10

12. AQUA has four basic commands :
ERASE
Action : Making X sign on the unwanted fish or the ornaments
Animation : The fish will disappear
SELECT/DESELECT
Action : Tap to select or click 4 corners to select all;
for deselect just re-tap the selected fish
Animation : The fish will be locked in a bubble and will be released if deselect
DUPLICATE
Action : Pulling apart a fish with 2 fingers
Animation : It will double the fish
AQUA 11

13. BUY THE FISH
Action : Drag the treasure box’s top cover
Animation : Proceed to check out
other animation
1. Click the tail : show the basic info about fish
2. Two hands drag together : duplicate fish
3. Slide on the right side : change the 3D view
4. Recommendation of the fish : advertising fish
5. Tap the fish : select and deselect the fish
6. Tap 4 corners : select all
7. Drag the fish to the t. box : buy the fish
8. Crossing the fish : erase the fish
9. Auto : the fish die or fight if it is not compatible
10. Start up : the water flows up and the fish will swim in
Button and function
1. Calendar : input time
2. Treasure box : shopping cart
3. Thermometer : input temperature
4. Coin : input price
5. Help : how to operate AQUA
6. Fish’s tail : show fish basic information
AQUA 12

14. CONCLUSION
By providing instant feedback to aquarists, adjusting to the individual needs of each
aquarist, and providing useful information about the fish and compatibilities, equipped
with purchasing menu, AQUA will improve fish keeping hobby, by making the process to
more fun and efficient both for the aquarists and the fish suppliers.
Further use of the UI:
1) Interior Design/Furniture
. Size of furniture compared with space
. Resistance of materials to climate (temperature, humidity etc.)
2) Jewellery and fashion:
. Compatibility of materials (e.g.: stones with metals)
. Compatibility of materials to produce a particular piece (e.g.: elasticized denim for jeans)
3) Finance and investment
. Comparison of stock shares for investment
. Investor database
AQUA 13

15. REFERENCES
Owen James. 2009. How many fish can you keep in your tank?
http://aquadaily.com/2009/01/23/how-many-fish-can-you-keep-in-your-tank/
Chris Andrews, Adrian Exell, & Neville Carrington. 1988. The Interpet Manual of Fish
Health, Salamander Books.
Robert M. Fenner . 2008. The Conscientious Marine Aquarist. T.F.H. Publications; Co-
published by Microcosm Books
http://www.peta.org/factsheet/files/FactsheetDisplay.asp?ID=30
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishkeeping
http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Technology-Article.asp?ArtNum=50
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio-frequency_identification
http://www.itu.int/ITU-
T/newslog/New+Global+Standard+For+Fully+Networked+Home.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_network#cite_note-1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-touch
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9138644/How_the_iPhone_works
AQUA 14

16. APPENDIX
A1. Fish information
eBooks
Katy’s Tropical Fish Guide is for freshwater aquariums.
http://www.kingdomofpets.com/tropicalfish/?hop=agm2009
Ultimate Secrets To Saltwater Fish And Invertebrates.
http://www.saltwateraquariumadvice.com/?hop=agm2009
Aquarium forums
Aquatic Community – big forum for freshwater fans
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/
Reef Central – the biggest marine forum on the web, US-based
http://www.reefcentral.com/
Ultimate Reef - the UK’s biggest forum for saltwater fans
http://www.ultimatereef.com/
Aquaria Central - big, well-moderated forum
http://www.aquariacentral.com/
The Reef Tank – reef aquarium forum with a fast-developing blog
http://www.thereeftank.com/
Articles
Aquarium Aquascape Design Ideas
http://www.fishlore.com/aquascape_ideas.htm
So You Want To Fish For A Living? By Bill Wilcox
http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/tournament_fisherman.html
FISHERIES SOCIETY OF THE BRITISH ISLES
BRIEFING PAPER 2 FISH WELFARE
http://www.fsbi.org.uk/docs/brief-welfare-refs.pdf
Intensive Fish Breeding Optimization
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=1506745
Betta Fish Behavior
http://www.wikieducator.org/Betta_Fish_Behavior
All my fish died in my tank and i want to start my aquarium again
http://aquarium-fishtalk.com/all-my-fish-died-in-my-tank-and-i-want-to-start-my-
aquarium-again-its-about-20-gallons/
Fighting fish more than decoration
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1115500491.html
Instrumental conditioning of choice behavior in male Siamese fighting fish
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T2J-48PDK35-
2&_user=107833&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1
AQUA 15

17. 169976243&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000008378&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10783
3&md5=06fff67dc3a0798e8f4f6869e9302c18
Limit your kill; don't kill your limit!
http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=5913
AQUA 16

18. A2. Low fidelity draft by aileen
A3. Low fidelity draft by apostolos
AQUA 17

19. A4. Low fidelity draft by eric
A5. Low fidelity draft by joy
AQUA 18

20. A6. Combined low fidelity prototype
AQUA 19

21. AQUA 20