Projects
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Professor | Documents | Sponsor |
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| 1 | USB 3.0 Wall Outlet Conversion |
Andrew Moruzi Cindy Fok Tyler Neyens |
James Kolodziej | design_document0.zip final_paper0.zip presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| The project is to modify an AC wall outlet to add two DC USB ports including a 5V, 5A standard USB 3.0 port, and a high power 12V 15A modified USB 3.0 port. The low power port could be used to charge small consumer electronics such as smart phones, iPods, etc. The high power port could be used to power larger loads such as cordless drills, portable refridgerators, etc. The USB standard was chosen because many consumer products already use this connector. The motivation of this project is to eliminate the need for a DC converter outside of the wall outlet. External converters are often cheaply made, and thrown away after a new device is purchased. This project would seek to implement a high efficiency, permanent converter. The currently available product can be viewed here: http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/travelpower/e81a/#tabs. This project would build upon the design in efficiency and power rating. The miniumum acceptable efficiency will be 85% and the power rating on one of the ports will be increased to 180W. The power conversion will be implemented using an AC/DC converter. The first steps of this design will be researching various topologies and determining the best circuit to meet the requirements of this project. Simulations will be made using MATLAB/SIMULINK to determine part sizes and losses. |
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| 2 | iPhone Ultrasound |
Adam Keen Dean Santarinala Jonathan Adam |
Mustafa Mir | design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| Our project will use an iPhone 4S to perform an optical A-scan ultrasound. An A-scan is a 1-dimensional ultrasound scan ophthalmologists use to measure the axial lengths of eyeball components. These measurements of the eye are used to calculate intraocular lens power for cataract surgeries. Probes typically operate at 10MHz since the short distances in the eyeball require high resolution. While there are handheld ultrasound probes available, they all use processor/video/input hardware created specifically for that device - driving up its cost while having a poor UI. Many doctors now already carry this hardware around in their pocket on a smartphone, so why not utilize it to drive down medical device costs and improve their user interfaces? The phone could also provide power to the probe, making this a valuable tool to doctors in areas where the only power available may be in their pocket. We propose connecting a probe tip to a transmitter/receiver circuit, which would also perform any necessary pre-processing of incoming data. The data would be sent via the new low-energy Bluetooth standard to an iPhone 4S, where the data is further processed, results are displayed, and IOL (intraocular lens) calculations are performed. Hopefully the circuit could be powered by the 3.3V accessory power pin on iPhones, but this remains to be determined. Alternatively, a small battery will power the circuit. We have a donated probe tip and iPhone 4S at our disposal. |
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| 3 | Swim Pacer Unit |
George Garcia Mark Alikpala Miao Lu |
Alexander Suchko | design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf |
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| We are doing a swim pacer unit for Coach Howard. The project will involve a visual indicator for swimmers through sequential lights. A controller with a digital interface will be designed to adjust the speed of the lights as it moves along the length of the pool (25 yards). Swimmers can follow these lights to help them swim at speeds that are set at predetermined settings or that are varied-by-the-coach-on-deck while the athlete is swimming. The mechanism can be operated on deck by the coach which would give swimmers a pace to follow for each length. The pace can be set from the deck and can be varied to the pace as the swimmer begins each length. The pace range is from 8 to 30 seconds in 0.5 second intervals. The controller interface will include pace profiles preprogramed into the control device. |
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| 4 | Modular Swimming Pace Aid Area Award: Communications |
Igor Fedorov Michael Chan Ryan Cook |
design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.ppt proposal0.pdf |
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| The motivation for this project is to provide a training aid for swimmers to follow a certain pace while swimming. A number of interconnected LED display modules will indicate the pace set by the swimming coach to the swimmer by lighting up successive LEDs in a wave fashion. These displays will be controlled via wireless communication by the coach, who will be able to change the pace of the LED displays in 0.5 second intervals in real time. The displays will be submerged in up to 2.5 meters of water. There will be a gap between each LED display and they will be strung to the lane lines. The pace is set by a controller that will display all relevant information. | ||||||
| 5 | Baby Monitor |
Aniruddh Rangarajan Nishit Sharma Pallav Pathak |
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| This project seeks to improve on current audio-video baby monitors. The audio-video baby monitors provide a false sense of security to parents and do not provide a clear understanding of the baby's health at any given point. This increases the risks of phenomena such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Our improved baby monitor will monitor vital signs such as heart-rate blood oxygen saturation levels, relaying this information to a handheld unit for parents. This idea was initially proposed by a startup company, Mission 51 LLC, located in Santiago, Chile. |
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| 6 | Comparative Motor Design |
Cheng Xu Li Cai Xiaowen Bai |
James Kolodziej | design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf |
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| Our group will be working on the Comparative Motor Design project suggested by Prof. Krein for power department. The objective is to begin with a small commercial ac induction motor (our current selection is a 1/4 HP motor, Grainger #3N843) and design two improved rotor configurations that support comparative analysis in the lab. One rotor would be based on the commercial product, but would increase the amount of aluminum in the conductor bars to improve efficiency. The second would use copper in place of aluminum. Our team will develop analyze the two rotor designs, arrange for rotor fabrication, and then test all three rotors for dynamic and steady-state performance. We will also use finite element analysis software (e.g.ANSYS/Ansoft) to do the computer simulation comparisons for the designed rotors. | ||||||
| 7 | Lightweight Hybrid Guitar Amplifier Most Marketable Award |
Jeremy Pessin Thomas Satrom |
appendix0.pdf design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| Our project is a hybrid (vacuum tube and transistor) guitar amplifier. It will be designed to be lightweight, using a class-D power amplifier, switching power supply, and lightweight cabinet materials not commonly used in this application. Unlike other hybrid guitar amps on the market, this amplifier will contain a complete low-power tube amplifier (including an output transformer) inside of it instead of just a single tube preamp stage, in order to get closer to the sound of a conventional tube amp than is currently available in consumer hybrid amplifier designs. In addition, the amplifier is intended to be energy-efficient and durable. The benefits of this design are twofold: First, the sound of the amplifier will be more desirable than the sound of previous hybrid amplifiers because it will sound more like a traditional vacuum tube amplifier. Second, the amplifier will be lighter in weight than traditional tube or hybrid guitar amplifiers because of the smaller power electronics and because of the choice of foam and carbon fiber cabinet materials, which are much lighter than the traditional plywood, as well as the choice of speakers with neodymium magnets instead of the usual, heavy ceramic magnets. |
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| 8 | Laser Guided Swim Pacer |
Kevin Liu Nicholas Pitrak Sean Kung |
Thomas Galvin | design_document0.doc final_paper0.doc proposal0.docx |
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| We are designing a swim pacer unit using a laser to keep pace. We will use a servo motor to move the laser pointer back and forth through the pool. This will help the swimmer keep a constant pace throughout their swim. There will be a wireless interface that the coach can have with him or her. This interface will have some important features which will help the coach. | ||||||
| 9 | Otter Print Shooter Instructor's Award |
Hoong Chin Ng Sabrina Yan Ru Cheng Sze Yin Foo |
Thomas Galvin | appendix0.pdf design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf other0.zip presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| We are designing a device footprint capturing device for a research on otters by the Illinois Natural History Survey. Our design will be all in an enclosure which will be placed in a hole so that the top surface is at ground level. The top of the box is a 3/4" thick acrylic sheet(18" x 12"). There will be motion and pressure sensors located strategically beneath the surface and once an otter steps onto it, a DSLR camera will be triggered to take a picture of the footprint. We are using 18-55mm kit lens (18mm focal length) so the size of the underground box is less than 2 feet. We will disable the flash but there will be LED lights around to provide sufficient lighting for a good-quality picture. | ||||||
| 10 | Portable Braille e-Book Reader Best Engineered Award |
Mingjie Wang Rajarshi Roy |
design_document0.zip final_paper0.pdf photo0.jpg presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf |
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| Current commercially available electronic Braille readers (aka refreshable Braille displays [RBDs] ) are expensive (prices range from $3,000 to $15,000) and cumbersome (smallest readers are the size of paperback novels while larger ones are the size of keyboards). Our RBD will be cheap (cost in the range of $200) and portable (size of cell phones) so that users can carry it in their pockets. It will also improve upon the current Braille cell form-factor, using a rotatable belt instead of static cells so as to enable a smoother reading experience. The RBD will primarily be a cell phone peripheral with Bluetooth connectivity; PC support will also be available. |
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| 11 | Cornhole/Bags Electronic Scoring System Area Award: RFID |
Kabir Singh Travis DeMint |
design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| For our project we will be designing and building an electronic scoring system for the game of cornhole/bags. Our motivation for this project is to develop a marketable scoring system for a game that has a complex system of keeping score over multiple rounds. Cornhole is an extremely popular game for tailgaters across the country. Currently there are no electronic systems available to compute your score and display it in real time. We plan to use a load cell to determine the number of bags on the board during one round of play. A proximity sensor will be used to detect bags that have passed through the center hole. Both teams throw bags at same time so we will need to distinguish between the two sets of bags. To do this we plan to fill one set of the bags with a ferrous material, while retaining its original weight, and implement a set of inductive sensors mounted underneath the playing board to make the differentiation between the sets of bags. We will use a microcontroller to acquire the signals from all of the sensors and calculate the correct scores for each round. The scores will then be outputted and displayed for the players to see. | ||||||
| 12 | User Specific Gun Locking System |
Andrew Weller Steven Bettenhausen Yong Seok Lee |
appendix0.pdf design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf other0.document photo0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| Our project will improve gun safety in the home, as well as in stores where guns are sold. We will create a system to ensure that it is not fired by anyone but the rightful owner. We will accomplish this by using a fingerprint scanner and locking mechanisms. For the gun to have any operational capacity, the user must first scan their fingerprint on the fingerprint scanner. The scanner will be on a unit separate from the gun and will send commands to the locking mechanism wirelessly to avoid attaching a bulky unit onto the gun. A successful scan by an authorized user will allow the gun to be operated as long as the user is holding the gun or for a time specified by the user; this setting will be determined by the user. If the user chooses to keep the gun operational only when holding it, readings will be taken via a pressure sensor placed on the handle of the gun and the gun will remain unlocked as long as an eligible user is handling it. If an unauthorized person attempts to use the gun, it will remain locked and they will be unable to remove the magazine or fire. When multiple unsuccessful fingerprint scans are done in rapid succession, about 30 seconds, the gun will remain in the locked state for several minutes. This system will be implemented by interfacing a fingerprint reader, pressure sensors, mechanical parts, and electronic signals to lock and unlock the gun. |
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| 13 | 60 Hz Electromagnetic Field Detector/Interface system Area Award: Electromagnetics |
Bhaskar Vaidya Gaurav Jaina Kuei-Cheng Hsiang |
design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| The aim of this project is to design a modular 60 Hz Electromagnetic Field Detector/Interface system. Sensors and feedback have been developed by the client that allow individuals to perceive 60 Hz electric hum. The current design is not sensitive enough to distinguish noise in this frequency band from an acceptable distance. Given the existing design, we can improve the range from which this signal can be distinguished by bumping up the gain of the amplifier and/or redesigning the antenna, or considering another means of detection. The system will interface directly with the user's sense of touch through the utilization of haptic feedback, designed in a way that provides the optimal experience for the user to learn to use. The system will be designed as a modular system, so that either block (sensor or interface) could be replaced for another application; for example, the detection of cell-phone frequencies instead of 60 Hz. The intersection of microelectronics and neuroscience can currently be used to give people the ability to sense previously invisible forces. Applications include potential research on the effects and pathways of giving people extra senses (which can help advance the field of neuroscience/psychology), as well as mapping out 3-dimensional images of EM fields in specific areas to observe effects on biological systems. |
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| 14 | Acoustic Spoke Tensiometer for Bicycle Wheels Design Award |
Andrius Bobbit Sakeb Kazi Xi Li |
Thomas Galvin | design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| Our project aims to design a tensiometer for bicycle wheels based on the audible frequencies emitted by the spokes when they are being struck. Currently available mechanical meters require clamping of the spokes in order to determine the tension based on the physical deflection of the spokes. This method is time consuming and highly dependent on the proper calibration of the meters. Frequencies resonated by bicycle spokes when struck are between 300-1000Hz. Since they are dependent on the spokes' lengths and tension, the measured audible frequency of a spoke would tell the user whether the spoke is under-tensioned or over-tensioned (assuming the lengths are uniform for all spokes measured). Correctly tuned spokes would emit a certain desired frequency. The device would have an infrared sensor to measure the effective spoke length and users would also be required to input other parameters (e.g. butted/non-butted spokes, wheel lacing pattern). The device would take into account all these variables and calculate the optimal tension. Additionally, the device would have an "automated plucker" that strikes the wheel consistently as it is being spun so that tension measurements can be done quickly and stored into memory, automating the process. |
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| 15 | special vehicle for transporting unstable chemicals Area Award: Controls |
Jun Ma Wenjia Zhou Zhangxiaowen Gong |
appendix0.zip design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf other0.7z photo0.jpg presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf video0.htm |
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| Our team would like to implement a vehicle (robot) for transporting unstable chemicals. The major goal is to keep the chassis stable. The project will cover the following aspects: 1. Stableness control. To reach it, we first suggest a four-wheel omni-direction movement scheme. Instead of simply applying omni-wheels (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omni_wheel), we consider to use a servo to adjust the z-axis angle of each wheel. By designing the whole vehicle symmetric respecting to both x-axis and y-axis, the vehicle can adopt a new forward direction and shifts when it turns. This method protects the on-board chemicals by reducing the centrifugal force when turning. The other major apparatus is an active suspension system on each wheel. We may use (hydraulic) actuators to allow the wheels to adapt uneven ground surface actively. A control system based on accelerometer and gyroscope will instruct the suspensions to keep the chassis even. 2. Performance measurement In order to determine the effectiveness of the system described above, we decide to real-timely transmit the sensor data to a computer via wireless while the vehicle runs. The computer will then analyze the data by, for example, calculating the average and peak acceleration on each axis, etc. Currently we want to use a single processor for both the control system and the wireless transmission. As a result, a real-time operating system will be introduced so that the two distinct functions can run without interfering each other. |
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| 16 | Behavioral Otter Tracking |
Jared Lesicko Kenji Nanto Miceal Rooney |
Mustafa Mir | design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf |
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| When studying wildlife, it is difficult for biologists to track when and where an animal leaves or enters a specific area. This system will identify individual otter movement across a predetermined boundary, while recording time and ambient temperature. It will include RFID tags on the otter, a data acquisition unit, and a temperature sensor, all powered by a 12 volt battery. It will then store the data for later reading by the user. This project will cost much less commercial RFID systems and be tailored to the situation. | ||||||
| 17 | Adaptive Lighting |
Jered Greenspan Madhav Khanna Sichao Wang |
appendix0.zip design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| An adaptive lighting system that responds to the environment in setting the brightness and color temperature of an LED light, using occupancy detection and current light levels. A sensor unit will be set on a table, and wirelessly transmit to a microcontroller that controls an RGB LED array. This work will improve upon the project "Color Adaptive Interior Lighting" and "Adaptive Solid State Lighting" from fall 2011 by utilizing a color sensor, CCT setpoints, an occupancy sensor, and will be adaptable to multiple lighting sources. We hope that this system will lower overall power usage, and lead to a more pleasing lighting experience. | ||||||
| 18 | Solar Power Converter Educational Display |
Luis Cruz Philip Calderone Sierra Campbell |
design_document0.pdf final_paper0.doc presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| The project is to create a portable educational display to help educate beginning engineers about topics in Power Electronics and renewable energy systems, namely, Solar Power Conversion. The device should be portable and include a fun display platform. The user will interface with the device through a Display System to retrieve and display desired data. A hand crank station will be implemented so that students can "compete" versus the solar panel and a Variable load will be used to demonstrate the efficiency at different power levels. |
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| 19 | Otter GPS Implant Research Award |
Andrew Beugelsdijk Nicholas Gruebnau Sugato Ray |
design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf |
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| Biologists in the field have a current need for technology to track otters over long distances. Current GPS tracking methods are unsuitable for otters due to their physical stature and behavior. Thus we plan to create a sub-dermal implant which will use a GPS chip and a small battery to log coordinates of the otter over the course of each day, and this would ensure minimal interference with the otters' daily habitual activities. Then, when the otter returns to their predictable fishing location, a solar powered wireless communication station will download the data onto a USB drive. Since the biologists must visit the site twice a week, they can then easily exchange the drive for another, and take their data back to the lab with them. | ||||||
| 20 | PV Automatic Golf Ball Retriever Area Award: Robotics |
Diyang Qiu Jonathan Hall Kevin Dluzen |
Alexander Suchko | design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf video0.mov |
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| We want to build a Photovoltaic Automatic Golf Ball Retrieving Robot to be used for personal or commercial use. Specifically, this project will be tailored to the uses of driving ranges seeking an economical and environmentally friendly solution to the collection of the golf balls. In many driving ranges around the nation, time and money is wasted on retrieving balls especially during off hours. This robotic unit will eliminate the need for an attendant to be hired directly to retrieve the balls. Also, this unit will run off solar power which will be collected while in use and throughout the day. The Robotic unit will be able to sense the white golf balls (contrasted to the green surrounding) and pick them using a novel mechanism. We will use optical detection to guide the robot directly toward the uncollected golf balls thus improving efficiency of current robotic collection systems. The unit will be able to detect it has reached max capacity and will return the balls to the user. This unit is powered by a battery which is recharged using the solar array. | ||||||
| 21 | Aero Engine Controls Fluid Delivery System (Torque Motor Subsystem) |
David Bostwick Ross Boe Zhimin Zou |
Alexander Suchko | design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| In this project, a torque motor module will have the capability of interfacing with a programmable node controller, which will drive the motor in question. Additional software will be written and will enhance the work finished from previous semesters. This project will require installation of a COTS (commercial off the shelf) operating system on the node controller as well as updating the circuitry on the DC motor drive. The torque motor model will be created, circuits to drive the motor will be designed, and both the PIC and Microcontroller software will be written to control the motor based on a given high level input. The Controller interface will interpret actuation signals from the node controller, provide low level actuation signals, and supply the actuation hardware necessary to drive the torque motor model. RVDT signals will be utilized to provide feedback to the system. | ||||||
| 22 | Remote Controlled Salt Dispensor (for ice prevention) |
Chun-Ting Wang-Lee Naman Mehta |
design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf |
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| This project is to construct a remote-controllable vehicle that will detect and dispense rock salt to icy ground, therefore prevent accidents from happening. We will utilize wireless communication between the vehicle and controllers (PC or standalone). In addition, we will design a dispensing module that achieve a uniform spread of the salt. The device will first detect whether or not ground is icy, and dispense salt accordingly. |
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| 23 | LED swim pacer Most Marketable Award |
Jonathan Lee Yi-Liang Chen |
design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| Description: Our project will implement the swim pacer unit in a variable speed LED strip (50m). It will be placed at the bottom of the pool (weights added to keep it aligned) Each of the strips will contain a battery, controller with pre-programmed profiles, LED displays. They will be extended to the side of the pool and waterproofed. LED display shows the speed of the pacer and the laps the swimmer is going to swim. Each of the LED will be connected in series with a micro-controller to reduce wiring and the size of the strip. The LED will be different at the end of the strip. It is programmed to be faster to account for when the swimmer pushes off the swimming pool wall. The colors of the LED would also be different to indicate to the swimmers that the end of the pool is near and gets him ready to turn. |
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| 24 | Wireless Optical Piano |
Alexander Crisci Evan Schrock |
design_document0.pdf |
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| 25 | Otter Stalker System Area Award: Sensors |
Hui Lin Ng Yon Chiet Ng Yong Siang Pay |
design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf |
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| The commercially available video camera for wildlife recording is limited to one-directional beam to detect and capture the movement of wildlife. Besides, it only allows one camera to be on when the infrared sensor attached to that particular camera is triggered. The sensor detection length is lesser than the range which the camera capable for recording. Thus, when otters are present outside of the sensor detection range, it is a great loss of opportunity to study the otters. Otter Stalker System allows multiple cameras, which are installed at different strategic spots to be turned on when one of the sensors is triggered. The motion sensors ensure the otters to be in the field of sight from the perspective of the individual camera. The motion sensors will be used to detect the positions of the otters and allow the camera to trail the otters. Furthermore, to save the battery power, the camera will have flexible length of recording. When there is no movement sensed in 15 seconds, the camera will end the recording and be turned off. | ||||||
| 26 | Vehicle-Detector for Hearing-Impaired Cyclists |
Ian Simon Nathaniel Liu Parth Narielwala |
design_document0.document final_paper0.pdf presentation0.ppt proposal0.pdf |
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| Our project is a rearview display that will enable hear-impaired cyclists to detect vehicles behind them. A camera will display the view behind them, while a radar sensor keeps track of encroaching vehicles. If a vehicle gets within a certain distance of the cyclist, the display will alert the rider. Other statistics will be displayed on top of the display. This will increase the safety of the rider, allowing them to keep their eyes on the road ahead while providing "eyes in the back of their head". | ||||||
| 27 | GPS Service Animal Collar Teamwork Award |
Christopher Stoddard Harrison Rose Richard Lew |
Thomas Galvin | appendix0.doc design_document0.pdf final_paper0.doc presentation0.ppt proposal0.doc |
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| Our idea is to use GPS to help a visually impaired person be able to walk around more independently by creating a collar that would send different vibration pulses to a service animal to let it know when to walk, stop, turn left, turn right, etc. The collar will utilize technologies such as sensors, accelerometers, wireless communication, and GPS. | ||||||
| 28 | 1D LiDAR TOF Rangefinder |
Chee Loh Ping-Wen Wang Xingliang Wu |
Mustafa Mir | design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| The goal of the project is to begin the first phase of the design of a LiDAR system: the time-of-flight rangefinder. This system will consist of a laser emitting source, a photo-detector, and the appropriate control to calculate the distance of stationary objects as well as the speed of moving objects. The system will be accurate for objects located at short distances and small error. In terms of originality, complete LiDAR systems already exist. However, those systems are quite expensive to maintain and run. This project aims to be more accurate for smaller scale regions while maintaining a relatively low cost. |
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| 29 | Multi-source, high-power converter |
Eric Kapinus Viktor Terziysky |
design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| The idea behind this project as a whole is to design, optimize, and build a high-power converter box that could take inputs of 115Vac/60Hz, 230Vac/50Hz, and 14Vdc and translate any one of those into either 115Vac/60Hz or 230Vac/50Hz at the output. The main reason to incorporate two very common AC signals into this project lies on the hope to make it more internationally compatible. The reason for the inclusion of the 14Vdc input, however, is the primary motivation for this experiment. The goal is to be able to draw current from an energized car battery (running at precisely 14Vdc) and supply it to key household items, such as sump pumps, small refrigerators, small microwave ovens, etc. in the event of a power outage. The idea is to be able to continuously provide up to 1,000W at the output in order to cope with the high power demands of some of the items mentioned previously. | ||||||
| 30 | Friend Finder Armband |
David Drake Timothy Capota |
design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf |
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| Many times GPS devices can not be used to locate a person in a big crowd. They are not accurate enough to tell you exactly where a person is within close distances,and sometimes the signal is unreliable.The friend finder armband aims to fill this void in the market by creating an intuitive tool to easily find others which works where GPS does not. Our product would be useful in a myriad of situations including concerts, malls, and any other events where large gatherings of people make getting separated easy. Our goal is to develop a compact armband that will allow the users to easily locate each other in any situation. The armbands will use a system of antennas to locate each other. There will be increasing vibration with increasing proximity. Moreover, the armbands will have LED's to point the user in the right direction. |
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| 31 | Rep Counter for Weightlifting |
Andrew Mast Benjamin Rosborough Mohamed Fahim Kadhi |
design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf other0.txt proposal0.pdf |
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| Our project will be a small, lightweight, wearable device that a weightlifter can use to keep track of the number of reps he or she has performed, as well as keeping track of other workout data such as lifts, sets, weight, and time. The device will make use of both an accelerometer and a gyroscope to track the users movement. When a set number of reps has been reached, the device will signal to the user that they are done, using vibration motors and LEDs. The device will also be able to indicate to the user if they have performed a rep with poor form. Also, the user will be able to select from a number of pre-set workouts, as well as being able to export all of their workout data to a computer. | ||||||
| 32 | Electric air ukulele Area Award: Art and Music |
Ivan Setiawan Satyo Iswara |
design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf other0.jpg other0.jpg presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf |
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| Our project throughout this semester is about the electric air ukulele. We want to create a pair of glove with functionality of a ukulele. The basic concept is that on the left hand glove there are metal plates that function as buttons. Then the combination of buttons pressed is send through antenna to the right hand glove which will interpret the combination of buttons and play the right note. The right hand itself have button to know whether or not the guitar is played or not. Also, the distance between the gloves can sense and determine the chords. We plan to use micro controller to decode the combination and generate the sound. Then the micro controller also connected to some sort of sound generator (speaker). | ||||||
| 33 | Bicycle Tire Pressure Sensors |
Bryan Rafferty Michael McDowall |
Thomas Galvin | design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| Riding a bicycle with under-inflated or leaky tires can reduce traction and cause faster tire deterioration, but tire pressure monitoring systems are currently unavailable for bicyclists. We will design and build wireless, wheel mounted, battery powered sensors that will monitor bicycle tire pressure as well as the rate of change of pressure. The sensors will transmit their measurements to a central, battery powered unit mounted on the handlebars, which will compare the measurements with defined ranges of pressures and rates of change. If the measured values lie outside of the "safe" ranges, then various colored LEDs will be illuminated to alert the rider which tire is at fault and the severity of the pressure deviation. | ||||||
| 34 | Boeing's Projectors Project |
Lei Jin Nan Wang Wei Keong Eiew |
appendix0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| Timing Method Solution: In order to improve the display speed of the animation. We propose to use more than one projectors, with each displaying different frames. For example, if we have five projectors(1,2,3,4,5), projector 1 will display the 1st frame meanwhile the second one is preparing to display the next one, and subsequently the third one will get ready for the third frame. Repeat this process for each projector. In this case, each projector is responsible for displaying only 1/5 of the original frames. As a result, the speed will be improved by 5 times(theoretically). The work we are going to do is to install the projectors on the given wing box and allocate frames for each one. |
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| 35 | Vehicle Protection System |
Christopher Blount Michael Jermann |
appendix0.pdf design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf |
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| Car alarms are ineffective in that they are usually ignored by bystanders and are susceptible to false alarms. We will improve upon current systems by implementing an interactive car protection system that will provide the user with real-time notification during times when the car alarm would typically go off. A cabin-mounted camera will take a series of screenshots, which will be wirelessly transmitted to a smartphone, allowing the user to decide whether or not to take action. The user will take action directly via his/her device through an android app, with the option to sound the alarm, call 911, save screenshots to solid-state memory, or do nothing. We may choose to implement a system of sensors to detect threats or augment the existing car alarm system. | ||||||
| 36 | High-quality low-loss low-cost dc motor speed control with wireless remote controller |
Jing Guo Jun Ma Yu Qiao |
James Kolodziej | design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf |
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| This project uses a suitable power electronic converter, in combination with an encoder or tachometer, and feedback control, to produce a motor system that runs at an adjustable speed for a small mobility application. For example: a small motorized shopping cart, luggage cart or electric golf bag cart. The source is from a 12 V battery and control currents over a range of 0 to 50 A. The controller controls at least 90% efficient for motor loads in the range of 50 to 150 W. It also delivers 150 W continuously, 250 W for at least one minute, and up to 50 A at 10 V or more for at least 5 seconds without damage. If it is overloaded for a longer period, it should shut off automatically and require a reset by the user. Speed regulation allows a speed decrease of up to 10% for a load change of 0 to 150 W. Total parts cost of the converter does not to exceed $12. Moreover, a wireless remove control is used in this project. it uses RF transmitter and receiver on both the remote controller and the local motor speed control. Users are able to use the remove controller to achieve all the functions on the converter. |
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| 37 | Drum Volume Control |
Aaron Gipp Udara Cabraal Victor Salov |
final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pptx proposal0.pdf |
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| This project will use the theory behind sound cancellation (essentially detecting an audio frequency, shifting its phase by a half-cycle and then playing it back to cause destructive interference) to attenuate the sound of a single drum. We will integrate circuitry (most likely a DSP program and amplifier) to adjust the phase and amplitude of the reproduced wave so as to have full control over the volume, and place my sound-emitting speakers in certain strategic locations around the playing area to create an adjustable volume in specific locations in the room (for example, directly in front of the drum). | ||||||
| 38 | Interactive LED Staircase Modules |
Michael Udelhofen |
Mustafa Mir | design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.ppt proposal0.pdf |
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| The project will serve to motivate pedestrians to use staircases instead of escalators and elevators in an initiative to conserve energy and promote a more active lifestyle, all the while making the place of installation more pleasant. It will consist of semi-transparent panels that can be easily installed onto a staircase. Within the panels will be a series of LEDs and sensors that will respond with different light patterns when stepped on. Multiple modules can be connected together and will interact with each other to create ripple effects, create color gradients, and more. Additionally, ambient sounds will be incorporated in the response, with effects such as playing a different note for each stair step, thus creating an ascending musical scale as the user travels upward. | ||||||
| 39 | Electrically Varying Tension Power Generating Exercise Bicycle |
Naren Velez |
James Kolodziej | design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| Build an exercise bicycle that, as you pedal, will generate power for the electric grid. The speed of pedaling and the tension produced by the power generating machine will change the amount of power produced. In this design, the tension is to be controlled by changing the electric parameters of the motor, effectively removing the need for excessive mechanical components present in other exercise bikes. | ||||||
| 40 | 3D scanning based on computer vision technique Area Award: Computer Vision |
Hansen Chen Xiaobo Dong Xingqian Xu |
Mustafa Mir | design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.ppt proposal0.pdf |
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| A 3D scanner is a device that analyzes a real-world object to collect data on its shape and appearance. Then the collected data can be used to reconstruct digital three dimensional models. The collected 3D data is very useful for a wide variety of applications, especially for the entertainment industry in the production of movies and video games. There are plenty of technologies for digitally acquiring the shape of a 3D object. Most of the well known 3D scanners are active scanners, which emit some kind of radiation and detect its reflection in order to probe an object. The active scanners are precise but expensive, because most active scanners are laser-base. Our group is trying to make a passive scanner without using any laser, which is affordable for home usage, like in X-Box 360. Our passive 3D scanner is camera-based. First of all, fix a sample object in the center of circle, and then our camera move around the circle to collect the data of the object. Second, acquire discrete frame from the video by the same difference angular degree. Third, do segmentation on each frame. That is acquiring the information of the sample object from each angle. Forth, put the information from each angle on our 3D matrix. Overall, we can reconstruct our sample object. |
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| 41 | Walmart supportered Project |
Kartik Sanghi Nikhil Raman Rohan Singh |
design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf |
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| This project aims to replace the existing shopping experience with a new and revolutionary technology by including the new device on every cart. This device would allow the user to keep track of the total cost as and when items are added to the cart. The device will further include functionality that will allow the shoppers to make their payments on the go using a credit card using the integrated payment terminal. In the case of any ambiguity, the shopper will also have the option of going up to the checkout counters. This new system would reduce the long wait times at the checkout counters, increase the efficiency of the checkout procedure, and would provide the shopper with up to date cost and total information which makes the whole experience more convenient. | ||||||