## Inspiration

Blip emerged from a simple observation: in our fast-paced world, long-form content often goes unheard. Inspired by the success of short-form video platforms like Tiktok, we set out to revolutionize the audio space.

## What it does

Our vision is to create a platform where bite-sized audio clips could deliver maximum impact, allowing users to learn, stay informed, and be entertained in the snippets of time they have available throughout their day. Blip is precisely that. Blip offers a curated collection of short audio clips, personalized to each user's interests and schedule, ensuring they get the most relevant and engaging content whenever they have a few minutes to spare.

## How we built it

Building Blip was a journey that pushed our technical skills to new heights. We used a modern tech stack including TypeScript, NextJS, and TailwindCSS to create a responsive and intuitive user interface. The backend, powered by NextJS and enhanced with OpenAI and Cerebras APIs, presented unique challenges in processing and serving audio content efficiently. One of our proudest accomplishments was implementing an auto-play algorithm that allows users to listen to similar Blips, but also occasionally recommends more unique content.

## Challenges we ran into

The backend, powered by NextJS and enhanced with OpenAI and Cerebras APIs, presented unique challenges in processing and serving audio content efficiently. We had to make sure that no more audio clips than necessary were loaded at anytime to ensure browser speed optimality.

## Accomplishments that we're proud of

One of our proudest accomplishments was implementing an auto-play algorithm that allows users to listen to similar Blips, but also occasionally recommends more unique content. It allows users to listen to what they are comfortable with, yet also allows them to branch out.

## What we learned

Throughout the development process, we encountered and overcame numerous hurdles. Optimizing audio playback for seamless transitions between clips, ensuring UI-responsiveness, and efficiently utilizing sponsor APIs were just a few of the obstacles we faced. These challenges not only improved our problem-solving skills but also deepened our understanding of audio processing technologies and user experience design.

## What's next for Blip

The journey of creating Blip has been incredibly rewarding. We've learned the importance of user-centric design, found a new untapped market for entertainment, and harnessed the power of AI in enhancing content discovery and generation. Looking ahead, we're excited about the potential of Blip to transform how people consume audio content. Our roadmap includes expanding our content categories, scaling up our recommendation algorithm, and exploring partnerships with content creators and educators to bring even more diverse and engaging content to our platform.

Blip is more than just an app; it's a new way of thinking about audio content in the digital age. We're proud to have created a platform that makes learning and staying informed more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their busy schedules. As we move forward, we're committed to continually improving and expanding Blip, always with our core mission in mind: to turn little moments into big ideas, one short-cast at a time.
## Inspiration

Over one-fourth of Canadians during their lifetimes will have to deal with water damage in their homes. This is an issue that causes many Canadians overwhelming stress from the sheer economical and residential implications.

As an effort to assist and solve these very core issues, we have designed a solution that will allow for future leaks to be avoidable. Our prototype system made, composed of software and hardware will ensure house leaks are a thing of the past!

## What is our planned solution?

To prevent leaks, we have designed a system of components that when functioning together, would allow the user to monitor the status of their plumbing systems.

Our system is comprised of:

>
> Two types of leak detection hardware
>
>
> * Acoustic leak detectors: monitors abnormal sounds of pipes.
> * Water detection probes: monitors the presence of water in unwanted areas.
>
>
>

Our hardware components will have the ability to send data to a local network, to then be stored in the cloud.

>
> Software components
>
>
> * Secure cloud to store vital information regarding pipe leakages.
> * Future planned app/website with the ability to receive such information
>
>
>

## Business Aspect of Leakio

Standalone, this solution is profitable through the aspect of selling the specific hardware to consumers. Although for insurance companies, this is a vital solution that has the potential to save millions of dollars.

It is far more economical to prevent a leak, rather than fix it when it already happens. The time of paying the average cost of $10,900 US dollars to fix water damage or a freezing claim is now avoidable!

In addition to saved funds, our planned system will be able to send information to insurance companies for specific data purposes such as which houses or areas have the most leaks, or individual risk assessment. This would allow insurance companies to more appropriately create better rates for the consumer, for the benefit of both consumer and insurance company.

### Software

Front End:
This includes our app design in Figma, which was crafted using knowledge on proper design and ratios. Specifically, we wanted to create an app design that looked simple but had all the complex features that would seem professional. This is something we are proud of, as we feel this component was successful.

Back End:
PHP, MySQL, Python

### Hardware

Electrical

* A custom PCB is designed from scratch using EAGLE
* Consists of USBC charging port, lithium battery charging circuit, ESP32, Water sensor connector, microphone connector
* The water sensor and microphone are extended from the PCB which is why they need a connector

3D-model

* Hub contains all the electronics and the sensors
* Easy to install design and places the microphone within the walls close to the pipes

## Challenges we ran into

Front-End:
There were many challenges we ran into, especially regarding some technical aspects of Figma. Although the most challenging aspect in this would’ve been the implementation of the design.

Back-End:
This is where most challenges were faced, which includes the making of the acoustic leak detector, proper sound recognition, cloud development, and data transfer.

It was the first time any of us had used MySQL, and we created it on the Google Cloud SQL platform. We also had to use both Python and PHP to retrieve and send data, two languages we are not super familiar with.

We also had no idea how to set up a neural network with PyTorch. Also finding the proper data that can be used to train was also very difficult.

## Accomplishments that we're proud of

Learning a lot of new things within a short period of time.

## What we learned

Google Cloud:
Creating a MySQL database and setting up a Deep Learning VM.

MySQL:
Using MySQL and syntaxes, learning PHP.

Machine Learning:
How to set up Pytorch.

PCB Design:
Learning how to use EAGLE to design PCBs.

Raspberry Pi:
Autorun Python scripts and splitting .wav files.

Others:
Not to leave the recording to the last hour. It is hard to cut to 3 minutes with an explanation and demo.

## What's next for Leakio

* Properly implement audio classification using PyTorch
* Possibly create a network of devices to use in a single home
* Find more economical components
* Code for ESP32 to PHP to Web Server
* Test on an ESP32
## Inspiration 🌟

At the heart of Symphonic lies a vision – a world where non-profits can share their stories with powerful, emotion-evoking music, but without the high costs and legal hurdles. Our journey began with an insight into the challenges faced by non-profits in making their voices heard. The cost of quality music production often put it out of reach for many. Symphonic emerged from this need, driven by the belief that every story deserves to be told with the emotional depth it warrants. Leveraging AI/ML technology, Symphonic crafts custom music that not only complements but enhances the narrative of each video. It's our way of empowering these organizations to tell their stories, to reach hearts and minds in a way that truly resonates. 🎵❤️

## What it does 🚀

Symphonic is not just a tool; it's a revolution in video content creation. By harnessing advanced AI/ML algorithms, Symphonic can intuitively generate music that aligns perfectly with the emotional flow and pace of a video. Each frame is thoughtfully enhanced with a musical composition that echoes its sentiment, transforming the viewing experience into something deeply immersive. This technology is especially invaluable for non-profits, who can now create content with the emotional impact of high-budget productions, but within their means. Symphonic is here to ensure that impactful stories are not just told, but are felt. Here is a outline breakdown: 🎶

* **Custom AI-Generated Music**: Tailors unique musical compositions to each video, ensuring the score captures the emotional narrative perfectly.
* **Automatic Effects**: Seamlessly integrates transitions and fades that are in harmony with the music and video tempo, giving a polished, professional finish.
* **Intelligent Filtering**: Applies filters intelligently, considering the context and emotion of the video scene, to enhance visual appeal.
* **Auto Speed Adjustment**: Dynamically adjusts video playback speed to align with the music's tempo, adding a compelling rhythmic flow to the narrative.
* **Integrated Transcript**: Automatically generates a transcript of the video content, increasing accessibility and search engine discoverability.
* **Facial Landmark Detection**: Utilizes facial recognition to apply effects and transitions appropriately, ensuring seamless integration with the speaker's expressions.
* **Emotion Detection**: Analyzes users' emotions in the video to inform music generation, ensuring the soundtrack is in tune with the mood
* **Aesthetic Cohesion**: The intelligent application of filters and effects creates a visually coherent piece that speaks to the viewer's emotions.
* **Rhythmic Synchronization**: The dynamic adjustment of video elements to the music's rhythm brings a new level of sophistication to video production.

## How we built it 🔧

Creating Symphonic was a symphony of technology and creativity. Our team, a blend of AI experts, developers, and creatives, embarked on a mission to harness the nuanced capabilities of AI and machine learning for good. We focused on developing algorithms that don't just understand music but can interpret the emotional context and narrative flow of videos. The process involved selecting and integrating a range of tools and frameworks to create a seamless, intuitive music generation process. Our tech stack isn't just a collection of tools; it's the harmonious integration of various technologies, all working in concert to breathe musical life into stories. 🎹

## Challenges we ran into 🚧

Our journey with Symphonic was filled with learning curves and challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was ensuring that our AI could accurately interpret and reflect the emotional tone of diverse video content. Balancing the efficiency of music generation with the quality of output also presented a considerable challenge. Each obstacle we encountered was a chance to refine our approach, to learn, and to grow. These challenges were not roadblocks, but are stepping stones that helped us evolve Symphonic into the revolutionary tool. 🚀

## Accomplishments that we're proud of ✨

We take immense pride in having created a tool that does more than just generate music; it empowers and amplifies the voices of non-profits. Seeing Symphonic in action, enhancing video narratives and touching audiences, is a deeply gratifying experience. We've managed to break down a significant barrier in digital storytelling, providing high-quality, emotionally attuned music accessible to organizations with limited resources. Symphonic stands as a testament to how technology can be harnessed for social good, making a meaningful difference in the world of non-profits. 🌍🎉

## What we learned 📚

Our journey with Symphonic has been an incredible learning experience. We delved deep into the complexities of emotional storytelling and how music can amplify this narrative power. We've gained invaluable insights into the fields of AI/ML, particularly in audio synthesis and emotional analysis. But other than the technical knowledge, we learned about the resilience and determination of non-profits and the transformative power of technology in addressing their challenges. These lessons have been both humbling and inspiring. 📖💡

## What's next for Symphonic 🌈

Looking ahead, the potential for Symphonic is boundless. Our goal is to further refine our AI's emotional intelligence, ensuring an even deeper and more nuanced alignment between video content and music. We're also exploring partnerships with non-profits and social enterprises, aiming to bring the transformative power of Symphonic to a wider audience. Our vision extends beyond technology; it's about creating a global community where stories are shared and felt, one note at a time. The future is bright, and we're just getting started on this melodious journey of impact and innovation. 🚀