Position: C-Based Signal Processing Developer
IDC is searching for a qualified, self-motivated developer with experience in signal processing, especially the FFT analysis of auditory and visual data. Expected topics of knowledge are the FFT, convolution, deconvolution, blind deconvolution, and statistical analysis of signals, digital filter design/use, and the like. It is expected that the applicant have extensive experience in MATLAB (or similar) and have the knowledge and skills required to prototype and implement algorithms in such an environment. Furthermore, they should have the ability to take these algorithmic prototypes and implement them in C-based code such as C, C++, or most preferably Objective-C. Familiarity with open-source image processing libraries is a great plus.
There are two projects in which this position can consult and develop on. The expected time commitment for these projects is approximately 50-300 hours for the barcode scanning library and 20-50 hours for the guitar tuning app, based on skill level.
Project: Polychromatic Guitar Tuner iPhone App
Project Description: Recent innovations in the guitar and music industry have resulted in a guitar pedal which has a built in Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to analyze the signal content for tuning an instrument. These devices have existed for years, however a new product coming out in February 2010 has the ability to tune multiple notes simultaneously. This is potentially a fundamental change to the way that instruments are tuned during live performances. IDC is developing an iPhone application and software library which will perform the same functionality. The stand-alone app will allow for a simple strum of the guitar to quickly see which strings need to be tuned. IDC has partnered with Rawkmaster Industries, LLC to coordinate licensing agreements between top musical artists and other contacts in the music industry. The software library will be licensed to other existing guitar app developers for use in their own applications, effectively allowing a heavy market saturation in a very short amount of time.
Project: Barcode Scanning Library iPhone App
Project Description: IDC has developed a software library for the iPhone which uses the camera of the device to “scan” a barcode. This library is used in several applications we have built for the App Store and is under the final stages for release to external developers for use in their own applications. The primary drawback of the current library is that it only works on devices with an autofocus camera. There are competing solutions on the market, some which work on all devices, but none have the ability to scan the multiple barcode symbologies that ours understands. The final goal of the project is to develop an algorithm/filter which will interpret the blurry images provided by a fixed focus camera in the phone, thereby allowing us to gain a market leader position in terms of effective technology and niche markets. This will likely be solved by a deconvolution algorithm in symphony with some statistical analysis. By understanding the transfer characteristics of the device’s lens, a de-blurring effect can be applied using digital signal processing to quickly and accurately read the binary numbers presented in a barcode.
APPLICANT NOTES:
Experience or familiarity with the iPhone and its development tools are considered a plus, but not necessary.
These positions are NOT paid hourly. IDC uses an innovative profit equity model which allows us to recruit students to work on larger projects without having excess capital to fund hourly work. Each student is paid as an independent contractor; total compensation is based on the number of hours and useful input to a project. The working environment is very "startup-like", i.e. work on weekends, odd hours, independent and group work. The project is extremely rewarding and has a huge potential for success, but will not pay out until completion and go-live. If you are in need of an hourly-paid position, this position is not for you.
Note to international students or non-US citizens. All Independent Contractors must be able to provide a verifiable Social Security Number (SSN) or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) to begin work. If you do not have one of these, you can still work with us as a vendor, but not as an Independent contractor. The difference lies in that you will not have access to any of our source code and cannot collaborate with others directly. If you can build a complete and self contained portion of the project, IDC can still purchase the rights to that portion outright, but there are no contractual obligations to do so. In short, working as a vendor is riskier but can still be a way to gain experience and start your own business.