Submission of First Draft

The report was collated and self-edited for submission of the first report.

Acknowledgment, Table of Content, List of Illustrations & Tables, References and Annexes were not included in the first draft of the report. Screen shots and visuals are not included in the first draft.

The first draft of the report was completed and passed to our supervisor, Ms Tan Hwee Bin, on the 31st of December.

Completion of Experimental Videos

We managed to complete all the experimental videos before the start of the new year. The only thing left to do with these videos, is to find a video compressing software which would signitifcantly reduce the big size of the videos.

Although we managed to find a couple of software, it was either, there was a watermark present after the video was converted, or the quality of the converted video was not meant for full-screen views. The video looked blur after converting.

However, that quality is sufficient for uploading onto online streaming websites such as YouTube.

Addition of Audio into the Videos

Software that was used for Audio Editing:

We decided that an added incentive to visuals and animations would be audio. Audio in terms of the insertion of voice. The voice would be one of the group member's which would be edited before being inserted into the video. Basically, the audio would be the narration of the objectives, procedures and explanations.

Two similar programs were used for the audio editing. They are Audacity and AV Voice Changer Software 6.0.

As the title of the programs speaks for itself, AV Voice Changer Software 6.0, is used to edit the pitch, frequency, threshold and more audio related properties. It also has a function to convert a person's normal recorded voice into a different voice. For example, a man's voice can be converted into either a woman's or child's voice.

The other software, Audacity, is used for recording, editing and converting the sounds used into .mp3 format. After recording the audio, noise and echo can be eliminated by the function noise and echo reduction. This provides a much clearer recorded audio.

The last two images are for the software VoiceMX Studio. We downloaded a trail version of the software. basically, the software will read/ voice out whatever the user types.

Report

The report was split up into 3 parts, Introduction, Setup of Project and, Discussions & Recommendations,with each group member taking a part.

The section Setup of Project was initially under the Introduction section. However, due to the slightly large chunk of Introduction, we came to a conclusion that the Setup of Project, being another large section, was to be singled out as another main header.

Introduction consists of :

- Background information
- Theory on Videos
- Scope of Project
- Laboratory Safety
- Experimental Videos

Setup of Project consists of:

- Concepts
- Laboratory Safety
- Experimental Videos
- Resources & Equipment
- Video Software Comparison
- Methodology

Discussions & Recommendations consists of:
- Discussion
- Problems Encountered
- Solutions
- Future Work & Improvement

The conclusion was also included in the part of for Discussions & Recommendations.
The report doesn't include results and findings as our final product would be the developed videos.

Laboratory Safety Videos

After receiving the safety declaration sample questions that we requested for, we related our safety video animations to it and realized that we still have some things to complete before the developed video can be used as an alternative to the safety manuals.

Our safety video lacks some information that can be found in the manual. These information, that were initially considered as redundant by us, will now be researched on and then included in the video.

Developing the Videos

Software for Video Editing:

Even thought the group went to Sim Lim Square to scout for videos, we have decided to use the video editing software, Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0, which was provided by the department of Chemical Life Sciences. This is due to the fact that we had a tight budget. After purchasing the drawing tablets, which was of a higher priority, we realized that we didn't have sufficient budget to purchase the costly video editing software, Adobe Premiere Pro CS3.

However, there was a slight added advantage for us as Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0 was more user friendly for beginners like us. Although Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 has more functions and is much more updated, the group felt lost at times and encountered much difficulties while running the trial version. Due to this reason, we decided to carry out the video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0.

Software for Animation:

The drawing tablet was mainly used while creating cartoon animations. The software used is Macromedia Flash 8.

Shooting of Videos

Shooting of Experiments:

Equipments used:
- Digital Camera: S5700 FinePix Fujifilm 7.1 MP 10X Optical Zoom
- Tripod: Sony VCT - R640


- Microphone : Sony ECM-MS907

We had help from Mr Yeo Yeow Chong, the Technical Support officer for workshop W315. He assisted us while we were filming the experiments, giving notes and feedback.

Experimental Videos

Familiarizing with Experiments:

Before shooting any videos regarding experiments, the group went to the workshop W315 and did a trial run on all the 7 experiments. This was done so that we could familiarize and put ourselves in the shoes of the students. Laboratory manuals for the modules CP5047 (Chemical engineering Principles B and CP5034 (Chemical Process Principles A) were requested for in both hard and soft copy. After the experiment, results were recorded and we did a discussion and summary, which includes precautions and advices, for each experiment. We also took down notes on which part has to recorded as a video and which part has to be taken as a photo before inserting into the video.

Week 23 - 25

First character was developed on the 16th of September, Tuesday.
Character Name: Professor Dumbo

Professor Dumbo was created and labeled as the main animated character of the safety videos. After researching on cartoon images regarding laboratory coats, scientists, laboratory equipments and safety, we came to a conclusion that Professor Dumbo would be the culprit and victim for some laboratory accidents. As shooting real life videos of accidents would be very dangerous, we have decided to make a re-enactment via animation.

The professor would initially be animating clumsy actions or being careless, before facing the consequences of his actions. The precaution will then be shown in the animation to bring across the message to the viewers that precaution is better than cure.

The character was created after much familiarizing with Macromedia Flash 8.

Week 22

Monday, 8 September '08
- We went to Sim Lim Square to scout for video editing software & drawing
- Conclusion: Buy drawing tablet, but download video editing software online

Tuesday, 9 September '08
- We completed all the practicals, achieved data for each practical
- Noted down remarks regarding safety related to the experiment & things that are important has to be in the experimental videos that we would be making

Wednesday, 10 September '08
- Tested out downloaded flash program

Friday, 12 September '08
-We went around snapping photographs for our videos' background and video animations.








:)

Week 21

Updates:
-One of our FYP members was away for the whole week ,namely Sanee :)
-We have completed the summary on the experiments of CEPB & CPPA
-Meeting MS Tan Hwee Bin on Monday, 10.30am.

We went to w316 to try out videoing in the lab of the hazards and precautions.
Here are some of the pictures:
























To-do-list:
-Pay SIM LIM SQUARE a visit to look for:
-drawing tablet
-Adobe Premiere Pro CS 3
-Adobe Flash CS 3 Professional
-Get soft copy of practical manuals
-Start DCHE video taking and editing

Week 18-20

ALL THE BEST TO US AND OTHER STUDENTS OF SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC FOR THIS 3 WEEKS OF EXAMS. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO OUR BELOVED SUPERVISOR.





PS: pause on FYP :)

Week 15 -17

Updates:
-completion of DCHE safety video story boarding list
-completion of DCP safety video story boarding list
-completion of DOPT safety video story boarding list

While coping with these lists, we were able to familiarize ourselves with the adobe flash program which is an animation software. We encountered problems with the Adobe Premier Pro. This prevented us from trying to edit videos at the same time familiarizing with the particular video editing program.

We will start on the experimental videos on the modules Chemical Engineering Principles B (CEPB) & Chemical Process Principles A (CPPA) for the next 3 weeks while also preparing for our end-of-semester exams.

Also, there was the POLY 50 event. ALL 3 of us participated in the grueling and tiring running event after all the rigorous training. Hence, the inability to progress further.

Week 13-14

We have just realized that we have to come up with a storyline (storyboarding)
Without this storyboarding, the video would be considerably messy and incomplete.

Hence, in the current situation, due to lack of time we are trying to complete the two different videos at one time progressively(safety videos & practical videos)

For the practical videos, we have to have a comprehensive understanding of the experiment first before we are able to do any video of the experiment. Starting off, we shall start doing a synopsis of each experiment. Hence, achieving lesser time spent in completing the experiment with good understanding and familiarization.

Week 12

After recovering from our MST's,we were chasing up to complete the assignments due.
Next, we were searching around more for the videography program.
We manage to get some program from mr ting heng Luan( previous 'acting cool but cool' teacher) We gratefully thank him for sharing his 'facilities' with us. However, there was a minor setback. We were given the video camera with everything needed except for the charging cable and the cable that could connect to our laptop. Hence, we had to squeeze out some time to go to Sim Lim square to buy the cable.

During this period, we were also trying to familiarize ourselves with the videography program.
We would try to complete the videos as soon as we have booked the laboratory.

Week 7- week 11

Our preparation
Our MST TEST are coming.
With that, more revision to do.
With that, more tutorials to complete.
With that, more questions to ask.

good luck to both teachers and students.
Counting down to the date
04/07/2008

Week 6

This week we have finalized the method that we would use to create the safety videos . Classifying the videos by their courses would be a great separation, as one student from a single course would require to view only 1 video.

We have also sourced out a few videography programs. After obtaining the program, we would try out with all of them and choose the most appropriate one.

We also did a research on the different types of labs. However,since this is a school to provide a safe place for knowledge and education to be shared, there are many safety precautions already taken. Hence, most accidents are spared except for a few occasional and common accident.Examples are cuts;burns;slips.

we would be coming out with our content list for each course as soon as our we complete our assignment(S) during this week.

Here are some photos taken:

Week 5

On the 5th week, we have completed the content list needed for creating the safety videos and start reading up on the CEPB and CPPA manuals.

The objectives of doing this content list is to improve efficiency when doing up the videos so that the video will be effective for understanding. The videos should be comprehensive enough so that the year 1's can understand as they have no background information about the lab.

We are reading up on the CEPB and CPPA manuals to get a rough idea of the experiment and hence enabling us to apply the general information across the safety video.

We are also currently searching for a reliable and easy-to-comprehend video program.

Week 4

On the 4th week of the FYP, we received all the manuals, for both modules & all the different lab safety manuals. We also received a copy of a past-year final project video.

We also visited Mr Ken, the TSO for W318, and queried about the availability of the labs so that we can start filming. We were told that we had to inform the TSO's of the workshop we will work in, in advance (a week at least) before we can start any work.

We will have to confirm the different types of labs there are in CLS and collect all the risk assessments for the practicals before we progress on the videos.

Gantt Chart

Activity Chart

Week 3

We have completed the Gantt chart, one week in advance. We took a laptop for our group, which is strictly for school purpose!

We have submitted a request for the safety & practical manuals and we are currently waiting for a reply. We also have to get a risk assessment for the practicals as soon as possible.

We proposed to the supervisor to not do the safety videos for each department, instead it would be for each type of lab ( e.g. bio lab, chemical lab, pilot plants, optometry lab and food lab). And our proposal was accepted.

Good start to the FYP, carry it on!

Week 2

After sweating it out in the challenge for our FYP title in the balloting, we got our 2nd choice.

It is:
DCHE 0822: Design a learning package for CEPB (CP5047)

We went to meet our supervisor, Ms Tan Hwee Bin, who briefed us in detail what our FYP title is about. We were told that we had to do safety videos for each department (eg course such as DCHE, DCP and etc) and also videos on all practicals for the CEPB & CPPA modules. Thats mounts up to at least 11 videos altogether.

It wont be easy, but we're gonna put in our best effort, for everything we do.

PS: Gantt chart completion by week 4

Week 1

We were given the titles for FYP that were available for balloting and were told to select 4 titles of our choice.

Our choices were:
DCHE 0810: Study on feasibility of developing eco-friendly, water conserving cleaning agent
DCHE 0817: e-learning package on biochemical engineering using production of Riboflavin as a case study
DCHE 0822: Design a learning package for CEPB (CP5047)
DCHE 0828: Water technology through an aquarium

Start Of Fyp

This blog is set up for the sole purpose of recording what has been done for the final year project (FYP). It will be used as an alternative logbook.

Thus all that has been done will be recorded on this blog by:

Mohamed Aminuddin 0620912
Mohamed Hamardeen 0620714
Sanee Neo 0620954