Rebar Counter Project

Introduction

In this project, we developed a Rebar Counter model to accurately count rebars (reinforcement bars) in images using machine learning and integrated it into a mobile application. The project employed TensorFlow Lite (TFLite) Model Maker for model training and utilized a Flutter-based mobile application for deployment. Firebase was used for database management, while the TFLite library facilitated model integration.

Project Overview

Objective

The primary objective of this project was to create an efficient and accurate model for counting rebars in construction images. This model is intended to streamline construction monitoring and inventory management processes by providing automated rebar counting capabilities.

Tech Stack

• Model Training: TensorFlow Lite Model Maker
• Mobile Application: Flutter
• Database Management: Firebase
• Model Integration: TFLite Library

Steps and Methodology

1. Data Collection

• Objective: Gather a diverse dataset of images containing rebars to ensure the model generalizes well across various scenarios.
• Data Sources: Construction sites, engineering databases, and industry partners.
• Image Specifications: Images were collected in various lighting conditions, angles, and rebar arrangements to enhance the model's robustness.

2. Data Preprocessing

• Objective: Prepare the collected data for model training by cleaning and structuring it effectively.
• Resizing: Images were resized to a uniform dimension compatible with the model requirements.
• Normalization: Pixel values were normalized to standardize the input data.
• Augmentation: Techniques such as rotation, flipping, and brightness adjustments were applied to increase dataset diversity and improve model performance.

3. Data Annotation

• Objective: Annotate images to provide the necessary labels for supervised learning.
• Annotation Tool: Roboflow was used for drawing bounding boxes around rebars.
• Labeling: Each image was labeled with the number of rebars and their positions to train the model in counting and localization.

4. Model Training

• Objective: Develop and train a model to accurately detect and count rebars.
• Model Selection: TFLite Model Maker was used for its simplicity and efficiency in adapting pre-trained models to specific tasks.
• Training Process: The annotated dataset was used to fine-tune a pre-trained object detection model, optimizing it for rebar detection and counting.
• Evaluation: The model’s performance was assessed using metrics such as precision, recall, and F1 score, with adjustments made based on validation results.

Mobile Application Integration

Application Development

• Objective: Create a user-friendly mobile application to leverage the trained model for rebar counting.
• UI Framework: Flutter was chosen for its capability to build natively compiled applications for mobile from a single codebase.
• Features:
  • Image Capture: Users can capture images directly through the app.
  • Rebar Detection: The app uses the TFLite model to detect and count rebars in real-time.
  • Results Display: Detected counts and bounding boxes are displayed on the image for user verification.

Setup and Installation Guide

Overview

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to run a Flutter project from GitHub on your local system and install the app on your device.

Prerequisites

1. Flutter: Ensure that Flutter is installed on your system. Follow the official Flutter installation guide if you haven't installed it yet.

2. Visual Studio Code: Download and install Visual Studio Code.

3. Flutter and Dart Extensions: Install the Flutter and Dart extensions in Visual Studio Code.

   • Open Visual Studio Code.
   • Go to the Extensions tab (Ctrl+Shift+X).
   • Search for "Flutter" and "Dart" extensions and install them.

Steps to Run the Project

1. Clone the GitHub Repository

   • Open Visual Studio Code.
   • Go to the Source Control tab (Ctrl+Shift+G).
   • Click on "Clone Repository".
   • Paste the URL of the GitHub repository and choose a directory where you want to clone the repository.

2. Open the Project

   • Once the cloning process is complete, open the cloned project folder in Visual Studio Code.

3. Install Dependencies

   • Open the terminal in Visual Studio Code (Ctrl+`).
   • Run the following commands:

     flutter clean
     flutter pub get
     flutter upgrade
     flutter run

4. Connect Your Device

   • Connect your Android or iOS device to your system using a USB cable.

5. Enable Developer Mode on Your Device

   • For Android:
     • Go to Settings.
     • Tap on About Phone.
     • Tap Build Number seven times until developer mode is enabled.

6. Enable USB Debugging

   • For Android:
     • Go to Settings.
     • Tap on Developer options.
     • Toggle on USB Debugging.

7. Run the App

   • In Visual Studio Code, select your connected device from the device selector (bottom right corner).
   • Click the “Run” button (or press F5) to start the app on your device.

Troubleshooting

• Ensure that your Flutter installation is properly set up by running flutter doctor in the terminal. This will provide information about any missing dependencies or setup issues.

• If you encounter issues with dependencies, try running flutter pub get again.

• For device connection issues, ensure USB Debugging is enabled and that the device is properly recognized by your system.

Additional Resources

• Flutter Documentation
• Visual Studio Code Documentation

Happy coding!