StudyBlank 🧠📚

An Intelligent Flashcard App for Anatomy & Biology Mastery

StudyBlank is an Android application that uses machine learning-powered spaced repetition to help students master anatomy and biology. Built with the scientifically-proven SM-2 algorithm, it optimizes your study schedule based on your performance, ensuring maximum retention with minimum effort.

🌟 Key Features

🧠 ML-Powered Learning

• Spaced Repetition Algorithm (SM-2): Intelligent scheduling adapts to YOUR learning pace
• Adaptive Difficulty: Cards automatically adjust based on your performance
• Priority Queue: Focus on cards that need review most urgently
• Performance Analytics: Track accuracy and progress for every flashcard

📚 Rich Content

• Pre-loaded Gray's Anatomy Decks: 35+ flashcards across 3 systems
  • Skeletal System (15 cards)
  • Muscular System (10 cards)
  • Nervous System (10 cards)
• Ready-to-study content from day one

🎯 Smart Study Sessions

• Optimized Review Timing: Reviews scheduled just before you forget
• Instant Feedback: Rate your performance (Easy, Good, Hard, Again)
• Progress Tracking: See due cards, total cards, and accuracy metrics
• Session Management: Study only what's due, when it's due

🔐 Secure & Personal

• Firebase Authentication: Secure user accounts with email/password
• Local Data Storage: Room database for fast, offline access
• Per-user Progress: Your learning journey is uniquely yours

📱 Screenshots

┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐
│  Login Screen   │  │   Dashboard     │  │  Study Session  │
│                 │  │                 │  │                 │
│  [  Email  ]    │  │  📊 Due: 12     │  │ ┌─────────────┐ │
│  [ Password ]   │  │  📚 Total: 35   │  │ │  Question?  │ │
│                 │  │                 │  │ └─────────────┘ │
│  [ LOGIN ]      │→│  🧠 ML Learning │→│  [ Show Answer] │
│  [CREATE ACCT]  │  │  📚 Gray's Anat │  │                 │
│                 │  │  📊 Progress    │  │ [Easy][Good]    │
│                 │  │                 │  │ [Hard][Again]   │
└─────────────────┘  └─────────────────┘  └─────────────────┘

🚀 Quick Start

Prerequisites

• Android Studio Arctic Fox or later
• JDK 8+
• Android device/emulator (API 15+)
• Firebase account

Installation

1. Clone the repository

   git clone https://github.com/yeungjosh/studyblank.git
   cd studyblank

2. Set up Firebase

   • Go to Firebase Console
   • Create a project and add Android app
   • Package name: com.example.bao48.studyblank
   • Download google-services.json and place in /app/ directory
   • Enable Email/Password authentication

3. Build and Run

   ./gradlew assembleDebug
   ./gradlew installDebug

   Or open in Android Studio and click ▶ Run

4. Start Learning!

   • Create an account
   • Login to see dashboard
   • Start studying with pre-loaded content

🧠 How the ML Algorithm Works

The SM-2 Spaced Repetition Algorithm

StudyBlank uses the SuperMemo 2 algorithm, a proven method for optimizing memory retention:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    LEARNING WORKFLOW                        │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

You study a flashcard
        │
        ▼
Rate your answer (0-5)
        │
        ├─────────────┬─────────────┐
        ▼             ▼             ▼
    Wrong (0-2)   Okay (3-4)    Perfect (5)
        │             │             │
        ▼             ▼             ▼
   Review in      Review in     Review in
   10 minutes     1-2 days      5+ days
        │             │             │
        └─────────────┴─────────────┘
                      │
                      ▼
            Algorithm adjusts:
            • Ease Factor (difficulty)
            • Review Interval
            • Next Review Date

Rating Scale

Rating	Button	Meaning	Next Review
5	Easy	Perfect recall	5+ days
4	Good	Correct after thought	2-3 days
3	Good	Correct with difficulty	1-2 days
2	Hard	Incorrect but familiar	10 minutes
1	Hard	Barely remembered	10 minutes
0	Again	Complete blackout	1 minute

Why It Works

1. Forgetting Curve: Reviews are scheduled just before you're likely to forget
2. Personalized: Each card adapts to YOUR performance
3. Efficient: More time on hard cards, less on easy ones
4. Scientific: Based on decades of memory research

🏗️ Architecture

Technology Stack

• Language: Java
• Database: Room (SQLite)
• Auth: Firebase Authentication
• UI: Material Design, CardView, RecyclerView
• Algorithm: SM-2 Spaced Repetition
• Min SDK: Android 4.1 (API 16)
• Target SDK: Android 9.0 (API 28)

Project Structure

studyblank/app/src/main/java/com/example/bao48/studyblank/
├── algorithm/                    ← ML Core
│   └── SpacedRepetitionAlgorithm.java
├── database/                     ← Data Layer
│   ├── AppDatabase.java
│   ├── DatabaseInitializer.java
│   ├── DeckDao.java
│   ├── FlashcardDao.java
│   └── StudyProgressDao.java
├── models/                       ← Entities
│   ├── Deck.java
│   ├── Flashcard.java
│   └── StudyProgress.java        ← ML State
├── Activities (root package)     ← UI Layer
│   ├── home.java                 (Login)
│   ├── createAccount.java        (Register)
│   ├── MainActivity.java         (Dashboard)
│   ├── StudyActivity.java        (Study)
│   └── DeckListActivity.java     (Browse)
└── app/src/main/res/             ← Resources
    ├── layout/
    │   ├── activity_study.xml
    │   ├── activity_deck_list.xml
    │   └── content_main.xml
    └── values/
        ├── strings.xml
        └── colors.xml

Database Schema

┌──────────┐    1:N    ┌─────────────┐    1:N    ┌────────────────┐
│  Decks   │───────────│ Flashcards  │───────────│ StudyProgress  │
└──────────┘           └─────────────┘           └────────────────┘
    │                        │                           │
    │                        │                           │
    ├─ name                  ├─ question                 ├─ easeFactor  ←─┐
    ├─ description           ├─ answer                   ├─ repetitions   │
    ├─ category              ├─ imageUrl                 ├─ interval      │ ML
    └─ cardCount             └─ deckId                   ├─ nextReview   │ State
                                                          ├─ accuracy    ←─┘
                                                          └─ userId

📖 Documentation

For detailed technical documentation, see DOCUMENTATION.md:

• Complete architecture diagrams
• ML algorithm deep dive with formulas
• Database schema with ERD
• User flow diagrams
• Code structure guide
• API reference
• Testing guide

🎓 Usage Guide

First Time Setup

1. Create Account

   • Open app → "Create Account"
   • Enter email and password
   • Verify email (check spam folder)
   • Login with credentials

2. Explore Dashboard

   • View statistics (cards due, total cards)
   • Check out features
   • Open navigation drawer (☰)

3. Start Studying

   • Click "Study" from menu
   • View flashcard question
   • Click "Show Answer"
   • Rate your knowledge (Easy/Good/Hard/Again)
   • Algorithm schedules next review

4. Browse Decks

   • Click "My Decks" from menu
   • View all available decks
   • See card counts
   • Tap deck to study

Study Best Practices

✅ DO:

• Study daily for consistency
• Be honest with ratings
• Review all due cards
• Take breaks between sessions

❌ DON'T:

• Cram all cards at once
• Always click "Easy" (defeats the algorithm)
• Skip days (breaks the schedule)
• Study when tired

🔬 The Science Behind It

Why Spaced Repetition?

Spaced repetition is based on the forgetting curve, discovered by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus:

Memory Retention Over Time

100% ├─┐
     │ └─┐                         ← With spaced repetition
     │   └─┐                       (reviews at optimal times)
 50% │     └─┐─────────────────
     │       └─┐
     │         └─┐         ← Without review
  0% └───────────└──────────────────────────
     0   1   3   7   14  30 days

Research Backing

• Ebbinghaus (1885): Forgetting curve research
• Wozniak (1990): SuperMemo algorithm development
• Cepeda et al. (2006): Meta-analysis on spacing effects
• Dunlosky et al. (2013): Rated spaced repetition as highly effective

🛠️ Development

Build from Source

# Clone
git clone https://github.com/yeungjosh/studyblank.git
cd studyblank

# Build
./gradlew clean
./gradlew assembleDebug

# Install
./gradlew installDebug

# Run tests
./gradlew test

Dependencies

// Room Database
implementation 'android.arch.persistence.room:runtime:1.0.0'
annotationProcessor 'android.arch.persistence.room:compiler:1.0.0'

// Firebase
implementation 'com.google.firebase:firebase-auth:11.0.4'

// UI
implementation 'com.android.support:recyclerview-v7:26.1.0'
implementation 'com.android.support:cardview-v7:26.1.0'

// JSON
implementation 'com.google.code.gson:gson:2.8.2'

🚧 Roadmap

Version 2.0 (Planned)

• Statistics dashboard with charts
• Custom deck creation
• Import/export decks (JSON, CSV)
• Dark mode
• Card flip animations
• Image support for diagrams

Version 3.0 (Future)

• Cloud sync across devices
• Collaborative decks
• Voice input
• Multiple algorithm options
• Gamification (achievements, XP)
• Social features (leaderboards, sharing)

🤝 Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please:

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch (git checkout -b feature/AmazingFeature)
3. Commit changes (git commit -m 'Add AmazingFeature')
4. Push to branch (git push origin feature/AmazingFeature)
5. Open a Pull Request

📄 License

This project is for educational purposes. Gray's Anatomy content is used for demonstration.

🙏 Acknowledgments

• SuperMemo: For the SM-2 algorithm
• Gray's Anatomy: For anatomical content
• Firebase: For authentication services
• Android Team: For excellent development tools

📞 Contact & Support

• Issues: GitHub Issues
• Discussions: GitHub Discussions

📊 Project Stats

• Total Code: ~3,000 lines
• Activities: 5
• Database Tables: 3
• Pre-loaded Cards: 35
• Supported Languages: English
• Min Android Version: 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
• Target Android Version: 9.0 (Pie)

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Made with ❤️ for students struggling with anatomy

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. The same applies to learning."