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Android Mobile Application for TSP

APPLICATION FOR TRAVELLING SALESMAN PROBLEM (TSP) ONANDROID MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEM

CSCI 6838- Spring 2010

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON CLEAR LAKE

Instructor and MentorDr. Alfredo Perez-Davila

Team MembersShravani Reddy Tappati

Tejasri YelamanchiliDivya KarukondaNikunj Tibdewal

Project Website: http://dcm.uhcl.edu/caps10g4/home.html

Semester: Spring 2010REPORT DATE: 30 APRIL 2010

http://dcm.uhcl.edu/caps10g4/home.html


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Our sincere thanks to Dr. Perez Alfredo Davila for giving us effective and valuable guidance that

motivates us to strive for the completion of Android project. We heart fully thank him for

sharing knowledge and for all the constructive feedback during weekly mentor meetings which

helped us better understand the project goals. We are grateful for his continues support, guidance

and encouragement throughout the project.

We would also like to thank our friends and all those people who were directly or indirectly

involved in this project.


ABSTRACT

Android is the first complete, open and free mobile platform. It is developed by the Open

Handset Alliance, which is formed by a group of 30 technologies and mobile companies. It is

supported by Google and this project uses a Google Android Mobile SDK for testing an

application.

The aim of our project is to develop an Android mobile application to solve a classical problem

called as “Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP)”. To solve this TSP problem we implemented

“Android Mobile Application for TSP” for Google G1 development phone using Android

platform. The application allows the user to enter multiple locations that salesman interested to

visit and it finds the optimized route between entered locations and displays it on the Google

map with travelling directions.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction………………………………………………………………6

1.1 Purpose………………………………………………………………..6

1.2 Scope…………………………………………………………………6

2. Software Requirement Specification……………………………………...7

2.1 Problem Definition……………………………………………………7

2.2 Overview……………………………………………………………...7

3. Software Requirements…………………………………………………...9

3.1 Operating Environment…………………………………………….....9

3.2 Dependencies……………………………………………....................9

3.3 User Classes and Characteristics…………………………...................9

4. Technical Details……………………………………………....................10

4.1 Java Eclipse 3.5…………………………………………....................10

4.2 Google Android SDK 1.0……………………………….....................10

4.3 XML…………………………………………………………….........10

4.4 Windows XP (32-bit) or Vista (32- or 62-bit) ……………………….10

4.5 Other Requirements…………………………………………………..10

5. Design & Implementation…………………………………………………11

5.1 Assumptions………………………………………………………….11

5.2 Constraints…………………………………………………………...11

6. System Architecture……………………………………………………….12

7. Design Details……………………………………………………………..13

7.1 Use Case Diagram…………………………………………………....13

7.2 Class Diagram………………………………………………………..14

Android Mobile Application for TSP 7.3 Sequence Diagram……………………………………………………15

7.4 Design of the Application…………………………………………….16

8. Implementation on GUI……………………………………………………17

9. What we learnt……………………………………………………………...18

9.1 Issues faced…………………………………………………………...18

10. Limitations and Future directions…………………………………………19

11. Testing……………………………………………………………………..20

12. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………21

13. References…………………………………………………………………22

14. Appendices………………………………………………………………...23

14.1 APPENDIX A- Project Management………………………..............23

14.2 APPENDIX B-Major Tasks & Contribution………..........................26

14.3 APPENDIX C-Screen Shots ………..................................................31

14.4 APPENDIX D –Acronyms, Abbreviations, Glossary........................45


INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSEThis Project uses the Google Android Platform to develop the mobile application where the user

can enter different addresses and find the shortest route.

The main objective of the project is that the Google map plots out a route if there are only two

addresses i.e. source and destination address and gives an estimated travel time. But if it includes

multiple points, the user has to specify the sequence of locations himself before Google map can

give a route.

The application will use Google maps to plot the locations and helps in choosing the shortest

path.

1.2 SCOPEInteresting thing about the application is, it facilitates the users, displaying the shortest route for

a set of given addresses, where such option is not available with Google maps. This mobile

application benefits the user by saving gas and time so that the user can choose the shortest route

and save his time. It is user friendly.


2. SOFTWARE REQUIREMENT SPECIFICATION

2.1 PROBLEM DEFINITIONThe aim of this project is to develop an Application on Android Mobile operating system. This is

a Mobile Application on G1 phone which works on Android Operating System developed in

JAVA Eclipse. We used the Travelling sales person Algorithm for the development of this

Application. This Application should be used real-time and this work should also enable the user

to find an optimal path when he/she enters a set of desired destinations. This application aims, to

find the optimal path. Project should be extendible such that it can be used for other domains in

the future.

2.2 OVERVIEWMost of us have visited Google Maps (www.maps.google.com) Website. Our application is

based on similar concepts. But, here we generate the shortest path. This is the major difference.

There are a number of customized Google Map applications that have been developed according

to the need of different users and our application is a similar one.

2.2.1 Introduction to AndroidAndroid is a software stack for mobile devices that includes an operating system, middleware

and key applications that uses a modified version of the Linux kernel [1]. Android Inc

developed Android. This Firm was later purchased by Google and then by the Open Handset

Alliance.

Android allows the developers to write code in the Java language, controlling the device via

Google-developed Java libraries. We used the Google Android 1.1 for the development of our

Application.


2.2.2 Implementation of the AlgorithmThe Travelling sales person problem is NP hard and NP complete. There are n! Possible routes

when a user starts from a location and travels n locations. So, therefore when we are finding the

shortest path between those n locations, we call the Google maps square (n) times.

But instead of this we assume that two locations are geographically closer and hence the Google

maps API calls only once for the positions of the locations i.e., latitude and longitude which

would reduce the no of calls.

We used the Nearest Neighbor (NN) Algorithm which is a greedy algorithm. This algorithm

first selects the location which is not visited, and then it calculates the distance between all the

locations and the location which was initially selected. Similar process continues while it

calculates the distance between all the nearest locations which are not visited and all the

remaining locations. There are several other algorithms which can be used, but we selected the

Nearest Neighbor (NN) Algorithm because of its performance and it is less complex compared to

the other Algorithms.


3. SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

3.1 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT Windows operating system for development.

Android Mobile Operating System for deployment.

3.2 DEPENDENCIES The project uses Android Platform. Generally, Android applications are written in Java.

3.3 USER CLASSES AND CHARACTERISTICSMobile application for TSP should cater to the following user classes.

Primary User – It defines a Salesman or a traveler who wants to visit different locations

with an optimized route.

Developer – The role of a developer is to maintain the application. It is assumed that the

user is adept in Google Maps API, Android, XML and Java.


4. TECHNICAL DETAILS

This section will details the technologies used to built this application and the rationale for

deciding on the technologies compared to the alternatives.

4.1 JAVA ECLIPSE 3.5 Since Android supports JAVA, the application was built on it.

4.2 GOOGLE ANDROID SDK 1.0 The Android platform is a software stack for mobile devices including an operating

system, middleware and key applications. Developers can create applications for the

platform using the Android SDK. Applications are written using Java programming

language.

4.3 XML XML is a simple, very flexible text format which is designed to carry data, not to display

data.

4.4 WINDOWS XP (32-BIT) OR VISTA (32- OR 62-BIT):

We used Windows Vista.

4.5 OTHER REQUIREMENTS As the Google Maps API is being used for this application, it is mandatory that we abide

by the terms of use specified by Google.

Fast internet connection is not mandatory, but it would increase the performance of the

application. Also, after every user request, new maps are needed to be loaded.


5. DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION

All of the assumptions and constraints that were considered during the design of the application

are provided here in this section.

5.1 ASSUMPTIONS This Application works only on the mobile phones which work on Android operating

system.

The default settings on the mobile application will reflect on the Google maps

5.2 CONSTRAINTS User should enter a valid address. If the user enters an invalid address, it will select a

nearest location and calculates the path without prompting the user.

User should have access to internet. Without the internet access the application cannot

connect to the Google maps and without this we cannot calculate the route.


6. SYSTEM ARCHITECHTURE

Figure (1): System Architecture Diagram


7. DESIGN DETAILS

7.1 USE CASE DIAGRAM

Diagram (1): Use case Diagram for Android Mobile Application for TSP


7.2 CLASS DIAGRAM

Diagram (2): Class diagram for the Travelling sales person application.


7.3 SEQUENCE DIAGRAM:

Diagram (3): Sequence diagram


7.4 DESIGN OF THE APPLICATIONDescription:

Our application uses the Google Maps API to plot the route. Once the user starts the application,

he/she has an option for entering the addresses. When the user submits his/her request, the

information is requested from the web data sources, which returns the data in XML format. The

data obtained is plotted on the Google Maps using pins.

In order to use this application, the User should have a mobile phone which runs on Android

Mobile Operating System, with an active internet connection. Also the web server of the data

source should be up and running as data is retrieved from it once the user uses this function.

At any point of time only one search can be performed on the map. The search should include

valid addresses.


8. IMPLEMENTATION ON GUI

We developed a graphical user interface for the travelling sales person problem on android

mobile operating system. This GUI is successfully accepting a number of valid addresses as

input and generating an optimal route. The number of locations can be added dynamically as per

the requirement of the user. This is possible using the add location button. When the user enters

a valid address and clicks on the show map button an optimal route is generated.

getLatitude( ) and getLongitude( ) are used for the generation of the path. When the user enters

the address of his desired locations these are converted in to latitude and longitude. Then the

route is calculated using the androids location class and the final map is displayed.


9. WHAT WE LEARNT

Being a project team we learned following lessons,

Team work

Time management

Importance of research

This project provided us a platform to learn various new technologies. This was an excellent

learning experience. Team work, Time management, Team spirit are the most important things

without which any project could not be completed efficiently.

9.1 ISSUES FACED Installing Android is a tedious process. It is complicated and took time, as we are new to

this platform totally.

Proper system setup was important. We faced minor issues which we were able to solve

immediately.

Debugging the application took a lot of time. This is a major part of the project.


10. LIMITATIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

User has to enter a valid address as input. If the user enters an invalid address the nearest location is

selected by default. This is done automatically, while the User is not prompted. A valid button can

be added and the input address can be validated.

Auto fill can be added sparing the user from entering a complete valid address. This would make the

application much more user friendly.

Our application is generating a reasonable optimal path, but this is not the best path. This is because

of the NP nature of the problem. For the development of the application in the future we would

recommend heuristic algorithm.


11. TESTING

Software testing is an investigation conducted to provide stakeholders with information about the

quality of the product or service under test [1]. Our Application was tested thoroughly in all the

phases to provide a quality output, fulfilling all the requirements. We conducted various testing

techniques like Black box testing, Negative Testing and White Box testing on the application.

The team tested the entire application with different inputs thoroughly. We gave different input

destinations and the final output came out as desired, meeting all the requirements. Every module

developed was rigorously tested to ensure that the module provides the accurate results. All the

team members tested the entire application to make sure it meets all the specifications and that it

works as intended.


12. CONCLUSION

Our Application can be used real-time and this work enables the user to find an optimal path

when he/she enters a set of desired destinations. The application is able to find an optimal path

successfully meeting the requirements of the project. All the requirements are met and the

application is working as intended. Next capstone team can work with the existing version of

TSP app to enhance its features. In conclusion, we had a wonderful experience working on this

project and this also proved to be a very good learning experience for all the team members,

taught us how to maintain the team spirit and coordination by setting the goals and meeting the

challenges in time.


13. REFERENCES

The following references have been used in order to understand the underlying technologies used

in developing this prototype.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki

2. http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/business/

index.html#utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-

bk&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=google%20apps

3. Android, http://code.google.com/android/

4. Android forum, http://www.anddev.org/

5. Eclipse, http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/

6. Eclipse Forum, http://www.eclipse.org/forums/

7. XML, http://www.xml.com/

8. XML tutorial, http://www.w3.org/XML/

9. Research, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki

10. http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/

11. http://code.google.com/apis/maps/articles/android_v3.html

http://code.google.com/apis/maps/articles/android_v3.html

http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki

http://www.w3.org/XML/

http://www.xml.com/

http://www.eclipse.org/forums/

http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/

http://www.anddev.org/

http://code.google.com/android/

http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/business/index.html#utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-bk&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=google%20apps



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki


14. APPENDICES

14.1APPENDIX A- PROJECT MANAGEMENT & TEAM INFORMATION

Team Leader (Shravani Reddy Tappati): The Team Leader is responsible for organizing the

team work, progress and satisfying mentor and professor requirements. The team leader along

with the project members and mentor of the project decides on the timeline for each and every

task related with the project.

Webmaster (Shravani Reddy Tappati): The Webmaster is responsible for maintenance of the

Project Web site. It is the Webmasters responsibility of upload all the documents, the latest

updates and progress of the project in the website.

Programmers (Nikunj, Tejasri, Shravani and Divya): The primary duty of a programmer is to

develop computer programs. The computer programmer may perform various tasks like the

development of architecture of the classes in conjunction with others, establishing a coding

standard for the project, and guiding the coding efforts of other team members.

Technical Writer (Nikunj, Tejasri, Shravani and Divya): The Technical Writer is responsible

for the documentation of the project. This involves documents such as Software Requirement

Specifications, Design documents, and Final report, meeting minutes. To create a technical

document, a technical writer gathers information by studying existing material and also gathers

information from all the team members ensures that these were well documented.

Testing (Tejasri, Shravani and Nikunj): Software testing is an activity aimed at evaluating an

attribute or capability of a program or system and determining that it meets its required results.

Android Mobile Application for TSPThis is one of the most important phases of the project. All the team members are involved in

this phase.

PROJECT TIMELINE


TEAM DETAILSShravani Reddy Tappati:

Email address: [email protected]

Cell Phone: 612-812-1879

Major: Computer Science

Student Id: 0865804

Role: Team Lead/Webmaster/Programmer/technical writer

Tejasri Yelamanchili


Cell Phone: 832-298-9795


Student Id: 0859126

Role: Architectural Designer/Research and development/Programmer

Divya Karukonda


Cell Phone: 702-217-8078


Student Id: 0866358

Role: Research & Development/ Technical writer/Programmer

Nikunj Tibedwala


Cell Phone: 832-630-4814

mailto:[email protected]

Android Mobile Application for TSPMajor: Computer Science

Student id: 0865799

Role: Research & Development/Programmer/Technical writer

14.2 APPENDIX B - MAJOR TASKS AND CONTRIBUTION

Contribution

TASKS SHRAVANI TEJASRI NIKUNJ DIVYA

Website maintenance 100%

Research 25% 25% 25% 25%

Coding 35% 35% 20% 10%

Integration 30% 30% 20% 20%

Testing 30% 30% 20% 20%

Documentation 20% 20% 30% 30%


DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR TASKS PERFORMED BY EACH MEMBER

Shravani Tappati: Team Leader, Web Master, Programmer and Technical writer.

Team Leader

Plays the role to identify the project tasks and distribute the tasks evenly among the team,

organize and monitor team meetings and communicate with the instructor and mentor

regarding the progress of the project.

Programmer

In the role of a programmer the tasks involved were to setup the environment required to

develop, run and test the application, coordinate with other programmers in the team and

develop the modules assigned. Testing and debugging was also done in coordination with

other team members.

Web Master:

Webmaster for the project to update the documents and maintain the website. The website

can be viewed at http://dcm.uhcl.edu/caps10g4/about.html

Technical writer

Technical writer worked on documenting the requirements, design and implementation of the

application. Communication with all members of the team as well as the team mentor was

done and the information provided by them was used to detail the tasks performed.


Tejasri Yelamanchili: Architectural Designer, Programmer and Technical Writer

Architectural Designer

Involved in the architectural design of the project and used the set of requirements gathered

by the team and developed models and diagrams for designing the architecture of the

application. She designed the structure of classes and user interface.

Programmer




other team members.

Technical Writer:

Technical writer worked on documenting the requirements, design and implementation of the



Divya Karukonda: Research and Development, Programmer, Technical Writer.

Research and Development

Research and development is mainly working on the ground work of the project. It involves

the gathering of information regarding the application, technologies to be used for the

Android Mobile Application for TSPdevelopment of the application. The development of the project is not possible without a

proper research. She is responsible for the Algorithm used to develop the application.

Programmer




other team members.

Technical Writer

Technical writer worked on documenting the requirements document and final report of the



Nikunj Tibedwala: Research & Development, Programmer, Technical Writer.

Research and Development

Research and development is mainly working on the ground work of the project. It

involves the gathering of information regarding the application, technologies to be used

for the development of the application. The development of the project is not possible

without a proper research. He is responsible for the Algorithm used to develop the

application.

Programmer

Android Mobile Application for TSPIn the role of a programmer the tasks involved were to setup the environment required to



other team members.

Technical Writer.

Technical writer worked on documenting the requirements, design documents of the

application. He is responsible for the use case diagrams. Communication with all

members of the team as well as the team mentor was done and the information provided

by them was used to detail the tasks performed.


14.2 APPENDIX C –SCREEN SHOTS


APPENDIX D: ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY

Google. Google leads the development of the Android mobile phone operating system

Google AndroidAndroid is a Mobile Operating system developed by Google.

Google Maps Google Maps (for a time named Google Local) is a basic web mapping service application and technology provided by Google

UML Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a standardized general-purpose modeling language in the field of software engineering.

API An Application Programming Interface (API) is an interface implemented

by a software program to enable its interaction with other software.

TSP Travelling Sales Person Algorithm.


UC Use-Case is a type of behavioral diagram defined by and created from a

Use-case analysis. Its purpose is to present a graphical overview of the

functionality provided by a system in terms of actors.

JAVA ECLIPSE Eclipse is a multi-language software development environment comprising

an integrated development environment (IDE) and an extensible plug-in

system. It is written primarily in Java and can be used to develop applications

in Java

XML XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a set of rules for encoding

documents electronically.

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