A Standalone Application to Scan Barcode using Webcam

When you visit any shopping mall or stores, you must have seen a barcode detector machine which read barcode of the product you purchased and calculate the cost. Finally, you get a receipt of shopping having items you have purchased and cost of respective items. Use of barcode scanner in shopping malls reduces paperwork and digitize shopping by a great extent. However, it still requires human effort. Another problem with this is, it comes at a high cost. changes and durability is also an issue with this barcode scanner machine. Therefore, it became necessary to develop such a system which can automate the process of scanning the products and comes at low cost with low maintenance requirement.

Here, a barcode scanner using python has been developed which can read barcode of the product using webcam, decode the cost of item which is encrypted in barcode and calculate the price of the product, finally at the end of shopping you will get number of items you have purchased, date of purchasing, name of items purchased and the corresponding cost. Developed system is found to be cost effective, durable, easy to use, fully automated the billing process i.e don’t require human effort to scan barcode.

For detail explanation and code please visit here
Demo video of project is available at Youtube.

Development of 3D face Recognition System using Matlab

Several machine learning algorithms for image processing and computer vision applications have been proposed over the past decade. LBP, HAAR are some of the popular algorithms which are widely used for face recognition and yield excellent results. But, most of these algorithms are not suitable for real time recognition in unconstrained environment. Recently, state-of-the-art deep learning techniques have become new favorite over traditional machine learning algorithm. Face recognition application works with images which are nothing but combination of pixel values in range (0–255). Algorithm finds a discriminating pattern in those gray values and consider it as a feature which is considered to be unique for each image. However, in 3D images, no pixel information is present, but only position (x, y, z) of each point is available. This makes it difficult to find pattern in 3D images.

Recently, I started working on FRGC2.0 3D face dataset and initially, I was not able to find enough resources to process 3D images. Finally, after some time, i came across a paper based on 3D face recognition , by Ajmal Mian whom I would like to thank for helpful suggestions and references. I also would like to mention my colleague Jayeeta Chakraborty who equally contributed to develop this project. Source code is availabe at my GitHub repository.

For more deatil and explanantion please visit link : https://towardsdatascience.com/development-of-3d-face-recognition-using-matlab-a54ccc0b7cdd

Exploring Andaman without any tour package

Date: 1st March-6th March

Places covered: Havelock, Neil, Port Blair.

Number of persons: 2

Flight details: The price is around rs10,000 per person from Kolkata to Port Blair(round trip economy class). Booking in advance can save you money but the price mainly depends on the season you are going. Try to opt for morning flight and left side seats for awesome views of islands before landing.

Cruise details: As Andaman is a group of islands, cruises are required to go from one place to another. Both government and private ferries are available. Government ferries are cheaper but have to be booked 3-4days in advance and from booking counter only. Those who are planning to go by themselves, private ferries are more efficient as it can be booked online in advance. It takes half the amount of time taken by government ferry. Three private cruise services are available: Makruzz, Green ocean, and Bhagya express. We booked Makruzz for port blair to havelock, Green ocean for Havelock to Neil, and Neil to Port Blair. Two days before the journey, Green ocean cancelled their sailings. In this aspect, we found Makruzz more reliable. Finally, we booked all the tickets from Makruzz. The total cost was 3500 per person(Port blair-> Havelock-> Neil-> Port blair). Contact the cruises 4-5 days earlier than the date of sailing to be ensured of the confirmation of the booking.

Note: You will need a bsnl sim to survive there as the other networks hardly work.

========================================================================

~Our experience~

 ##

Day1: We took an early flight and reached Port Blair by 11am. Our cruise to Havelock was at 2pm that day. We took an auto to the Haddo jetty(this jetty is for private cruises). We finally reached Havelock around 3:30pm and our hotel, Holiday Inn by auto took 10 minutes.

Govindpur beach

Cost break -->

auto - rs150 + rs100

hotel - rs3500 + tax

##

Day2: Early in the morning, we rented a scooty and went to the trekking point to Elephanta beach. This point closes around 2:30pm. We hired a guide to help us reach the beach. The trekking takes 45-50mins. Different water sports can be done in the Elephanta beach but we chose to only click photos. We returned by lunch time and had lunch at Radhangar beach which is at 10mins distance. Radhanagar beach is great for swimming and to watch sunset. We spent our time there till evening and returned to our next hotel stay at Dolphin resort.

trekking path to Elephanta beach

Elephanta beach

Radhanagar beach

Cost break -->

scooty rent - 400rs 

petrol -100rs

trekking guide - 500rs

hotel - 3000rs + tax

##

Day3: We started our day with viewing sunrise at Kalapathar beach. We had to reach there before 4:30am so yes, be ready to sacrifice sleep. Next, we went to scuba dive by 6:30am. Dont miss this experience if you are visiting Andaman. It was 30-40min dive with a 10min prep included. It is highly advisable to go scuba early morning as the water is clearer and corals are more visible. After scuba, we had our cruise to Neil at 10am. By 11.30am, we reached Neil, checked in hotel Sarthak residency. We had lunch there and rent a scooty, and went to Laxmanpur beach 2, which is famous for its naturally formed bridges. Try to go there when tide is low as only in low tide you can watch fishes and other sea creatures in naturally created aquarium. We spent 2 to 3 hrs there and then went to Laxmanpur beach 1 which is famous as a sunset point. After sunset, we returned to our resort.

Kalapathar beach

Laxmanpur beach2: natural bridges

Cost break-->

scuba - rs6500 for two persons

Hotel - rs3500 + tax

Scooty rent - rs500

##

Day4: Again early in the morning, we went Sitapur beach to view sunrise. After spending one hour there, we went Bharatpur beach and did glass boating( a boat that has glass surface underneath so that corals can be viewed) there. It was for 30 minutes. As in scuba diving, this water activity is also best in the morning. Water was crystal clear and large coral reefs were visible. Scuba diving in Neil is highly recommended, also there is option to go scuba in deep water taken by boat unlike in Havelock which was done in shore(less depth). But this will charge rs1000 extra. Next we returned to Port blair (by cruise) by 1:10pm. After checking in our hotel, Milan Manor, We rented a scooty from Saro travels and immediately left for Cellular jail visit as it closes by 5pm. After a small visit to the nearby Gandhi park, we enjoyed evening light and sound show at Cellular jail. We booked this ticket in advance from online website of Andaman government. Then we returned back to hotel.

Sitapur beach

Bharatpur beach

Cellular jail

Gandhi park

Cost break -->

Glass boating- Rs 800 per person

scooty rent - Rs 500 for 24 hours

Cellular jail entry ticket - 30rs per person

Light and sound show - Rs 100 per person

Hotel - Rs 1700 per night

##

Day 5: Early morning by 8.30am, we reached Abeerden jetty and took ferry for Ross island. We spent one hour there, as this island is small and can be visited in one hour. After coming back to Portblair from ross island, we went Samudrika marine museum, and then Chatham shaw mill which can be visited by road. By the time of lunch we came back to hotel, took rest for two hours and then by 3pm we went chidiyatapu to visit sunset. If possible, visit this early as the beach closes by 5pm. It is 27km from center of city and road paases throght forest area so make sure you have enough petrol. By 6pm, we came back to city and enjoyed the rest of night at our hotel. We had to pay 400 rs extra for the scooty as they charged 100rs/ extra hour.

Ross island

Samudrika museum

Chidiyatapu sunset point

Cost break-->

Ross island ticket - Rs 350 round trip per person.

Ross island entry ticket - Rs 20 per person.

Samudrika marine museum ticket - Rs 30 per person

Chatamshaw mill - Rs 20 per person.
Scotty fine - Rs 400

Day 6: We checked out from the hotel, went to airport for flight which was at 11.25am for Kolkata by auto and bid goodbye to Andaman with a heavy heart.

Cost - auto 100rs.

Here are the contact numbers of persons who helped us executing our andaman trip. As these persons live there, they can help you make quick decisions and also can lend a helping hand in time of need.

Jaggy bhai at havelock: 94760 87855
arranged sucba for us

Uttam bhai at havelock:94760 67641
He was our guide for trekking to elephant beach

Ranjan bhai at Neil:94742 22224
He arranged resort and scooty at neil, he also own cab, if you want to explore neil by cab, you can rent.

Javed bhai at Port blair: 99332 40596 he arranged hotel and scooty at port blair.

If you still have any query, feel free to contact us at 8292556170.

We had an amazing experience at Andaman. We look forward to go there again and visit Diglipur, Ross and Smith island, little Andaman, Wandoor beach etc places we have missed this time. 

A Trip to Lahul & Spiti valley

The district of Lahaul-Spiti in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is located at an altitude of 4,300 m is surrounded by high mountain ranges. This is one of the perfect destinations for traveler and tracker. Best time to visit Lahul Spiti valley is from March to the beginning of winter (first two weeks of October). From October to march the road remain closed by HP government due to heavy snowfall.

I with my three other friends visited this awesome valley in last week of September 2017. Here I will tell you how we reached this beautiful place. This may help you if you are planning to go.

Person: 4

Duration: 4 night 5 days

 Actually, we booked a package for our trip from Rohtang travels. It costs 67,000.00 for 4 people. including dinner and breakfast (excluding lunch). We reached Delhi from our home and they picked up us from Delhi. We traveled Delhi to Manali by Volvo bus. The bus journey was a little bit hectic as it was 14 hrs journey. If you are having motion sickness then i will suggest you keep some medicine to avoid vomiting.  Finally, we reached Manali next morning and our journey begins from here so it was day 1.

Day 1: Reached Manali from Delhi in the morning 8am. Took rest and local sightseeing till evening. Overnight stay in Manali.

Day 2: In the morning we headed to Batal (In Lahul and Spiti valley) and reached there by evening, In the way, there was jam due to snowmelt and a car was stuck up there. we helped him to come out of this situation and moved forward. By evening we reached batal, have tea and snacks.We had dinner at chacha Chachi dhaba (a famous savior couple in Spiti valley).  Overnight stay in the tent at batal.

Day 3: In the morning we moved to the famous chandrataal lake. It was 2 hr journey from batal. we had lunch at chandratal and according to package our night stay was scheduled in chandratal camp but due to some film suiting by the son of sunny deol all tent was booked by suiting team so finally, we came back to batal, had dinner again in chacha chachi's dhaba and overnight stay at batal.

Day 4: Early morning we left batal and back to Manali via Rohtang pass. afternoon we reached Rohtang. we stayed 2 to 3 hours there and came back to Manali. we had lunch there on the way. then driver dropped us at Manali bus stand. our bus tickets were included in the package.

Day 5 : In the morning we reached Delhi. One night stay was in Delhi, local sightseeing in Delhi and next day we came back to home. (This day expense was not included in package).

Safar

2 वक्त की रोटी कमाने आज इतनी दूर आ निकला हूँ,
पीछे मुड़ कर देखता हूँ तो मैं अकेला ही अकेला हूँ।

एक एक सेकंड को जोर कर ये जिंदगी ऐसे गुजर रही,
मानो रास्ता स्थिर हो और मंजिल चल पड़ी।


कुछ अजनबी अपने बन गए कुछ अपने हमसे छूट गए,
ज़िन्दगी की सफर में ना जाने कितने रूठ गए।

इस समय के साथ भी अजीब खेल खेल रहा हूँ,
जिस खुशी को पाने निकला था आज उसी को झेल रहा हूँ।


सोफे पे बैठ कर जाना आराम तो लकड़ी की कुर्सी में ही थी,
वो सुकून की नींद अब तक ना सोया जो खुले आसमां के नीचे छत पे मिलती थी।

रेस्टुरेंट की स्वाद अब फीकी पर जाती है जब स्कूल की टिफिन की याद आती है,
dining table छोर कर फर्श पे बैठ जाता हूँ, हर 1 निवाले के साथ बचपन मे खो जाता हूँ।

पैसे कमाने की लालच में मैंने हर शर्त को कबूल किया, कब उम्र बीत गया पता भी ना चला और ज़िन्दगी जीना भूल गया।

                                                                                                                                          - गौतम

DBMS Concepts

DBMS is one of the core subject in the Computer Science and Engineering and most important for those who wants to make carrer in data science like Big data, Database administration.

A database management system is important because it manages data efficiently and allows users to perform multiple tasks with ease. A database management system stores, organizes and manages a large amount of information within a single software application.

Database management systems are important to businesses and organizations because they provide a highly efficient method for handling multiple types of data. Some of the data that are easily managed with this type of system include: employee records, student information, payroll, accounting, project management, inventory and library books. These systems are built to be extremely versatile.

Query language is of two types - Procedural (Relational Algebra) and Non-procedural (Relational Calculas), where RA is basis of SQL and RC (TRC and DRC) is basis of QBE (Query by Example), Datalog. RA deals with how? and RC deals with what? i.e why these are procedural and non-procedural form of query language.

In following link i tried to summarise concepts and examples to save your time during examination preparation. Frist follow class notes and then go through these link if you have sufficient time. Some authors way of representation of a query may be different in case of TRC and DRC, in that case i suggest you to follow class notes or korth standard.

Relational Algebra and Relational Calculus - 1
Relational Algebra and Relational Calculus - 2
Relational Algebra and Relational Calculus - 3

Difference between Relational Algebra and Relational Calculus.

DBMS  written by Avi Silberschatz,  Henry F. Korth and S. Sudarshan  is best for beginers. Here are some links where you can find some e-books, slides, examples.

Database System Concepts by Korth, 4th edition

Database System Concepts, by Korth, 5th edition

Both edition is almost same and for beginers they can opt any edition. Some other reference books are

“Database Management Systems” by Raghu Ramakrishnan

“Principles of Database Systems” by J. D. Ullman

“An Introduction to Database Systems” by Bipin Desai

 But I recommend you to follow korth book.

Now a days there are many tutorial available online with free access. If you have sufficient time during exam time then go through these link once otherwise follow concepts from class notes and korth book.

NPTEL - by MHRD of India

Tutorial Point
DBMS Concepts
RELATIONAL DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

One of the best video i found on you tube is good  for basics of DBMS delivered by Ravindrababu Ravula. you can access some free demo video lectures by clicking the link DBMS Lectures by Ravindrababu Ravula.

Biometric security is an emerging trend in computer science which will directly infuence the enterpises, financial institute and e-marketing.
In next 10 years the concept of ATM cards, online user id and password will be lost means you dont need to remember passwords and login id during e-shoping. If you don't having ATM card with you no need to worry, you can with draw money from any ATM, and this all things is going to happen because of biometric security.