Projects

#	Title	Team Members	TA	Documents
1	Parallelizable Algorithm for Hyperspectral Biometrics	Akshay Malik Christopher Baker Timothee Bouhour		appendix0.pdf design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf other0.pdf other0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf
	In the modern world unique person identification has become an increasing challenge, central to strategies in combating terrorism and crime to provide global security. Recent research has shown that hyperspectral imaging provides new and improved biometric data, which can be leveraged to meet this challenge by examining features in different spectral bands. Our product uses hyperspectral imaging to correctly identify a given person from a database. This product will: 1) Use as an input existing raw data from hyperspectral sensors (from external sources) which would have, for each point in an image, both coordinates as well as intensity for a given range of hyperspectral bands. 2) Determine which points of the image to be used for analysis and comparison (such as: skin between the eyes, cheeks, forehead, and nose bridge). 3) Develop a comparison algorithm and use the parallel processing capabilities of a GPU to run this algorithm with the band data for these points and the data in the database in the most efficient way. 4) Output the closest match in the database and how similar it is to the target as a percentage. 5) Remotely activate a door locking mechanism if a match is found within a given accuracy. We will preload our database with data gathered from a variety of test subjects, then try to match the original images as well as additional images of the same subjects to the database. Our stretch goal would be, if time permits, to enhance the algorithm to account for differences in facial expressions, makeup, lighting source, head orientation, etc.
2	On Site Hotbox Calibration System Instructors Award	Paul Lupas Pourya Assem	Rajarshi Roy	design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.slideshow proposal0.pdf
	A calibration/data acquisition device to be used by railroad servicemen to install and calibrate train monitoring equipment. It consists of a two-piece wireless interconnecting unit. One piece is for data acquisition and transmission and the other piece is for data storage and analysis. The device will provide the servicemen with the information necessary to calibrate IR sensors and also provide the heat-signature of the train wheels and bearings.
3	Solar Drone (Quadrotor Helicopter UAV powered by sun) Area Award: Controls	Jie Wang Jinming Zhang Yingkan Ni		design_document0.document final_paper0.pdf presentation0.ppt proposal0.pdf
	Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), or commonly known as drone, is a type of aircraft without a human pilot on board, as the name suggested, but controlled autonomously by computers and/or taking commands from remote stations. The UAVs are perfect candidates for tasks that are tedious or dangerous for human, for example, patrolling along boarder lines, wild fire control, aerial surveillance and etc. The applications of UAV, as described above, generally require long flight time and reliable power supply. While the current UAV designs utilizing traditional battery or fuel cells struggles to meet such requirement, this project aims to provide a innovative solution to this problem by introducing the current popular photovoltaic system into the UAV power system design. Such design will combine the sustainability of solar energy with the reliability of battery. This project focuses on the electrical components of the design and aims to provide a platform for future development on solar powered UAVs.
4	Jump Trading Simulation Interface Design Award	David McKiernan Jacob Clifton Ryan Schmid	Rajarshi Roy	appendix0.pdf design_document0.docx final_paper0.pdf presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf
	Currently, clinical simulators (full-body, robotic electromechanical devices) rely on computer-based input through a laptop computer. The computer interface is a complex series of screen-based inputs that are typically handled through keystrokes and the use of a mouse. Our goal is to design a new user interface that is easier to use than the current model. The interface would allow the technician to manipulate key data quicker and more efficiently, thus allowing for a more realistic simulation experience. In addition, the technician would be better able to monitor student performance rather than staring at a screen. We plan on using a micro-controller which will use a USB interface to talk to the computer that sets certain parameters for the "body" (Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, etc). The micro-controller will take data from various knobs, buttons, and a numeric key pad. The keypad will be used to enter a specific value and will be shown on a display prior to being uploaded to the computer. The knob(s) will be used to sweep certain parameters. The interface will allow the technician to sweep several parameters at the same time. The buttons will allow the operator to upload preset values to the computer (resting state, tachycardia, etc).
5	Automotive Racing Video Data Logger	Andrew Wesly Nicholas Greenway Tung Do	Igor Fedorov	design_document0.pdf final_paper0.document presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf
	The project goal is to develop a data logger video overlay that can be fitted into a car. The final product should be able to acquire real-time engine data through the On-Board Diagnostic Port (OBDII) installed in a car. This product will also take video of a ride through car�??s automotive windshield with user supplied Standard Definition video camera. Next it will overlay OBD data onto the captured video and store it in a portable medium. The video stored in the media will be in a computer readable video format. Raw OBDII data will also be stored as text file in the hard drive. The driver can see the playback video on the spot with overlay or replay the video with data at a time later.
6	Quadpod transform vehicle Area Award: Robotics	Jiwon Park Keewoong Haan Zenon Son	Rajarshi Roy	design_document0.pdf final_paper0.document presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf
	Our main purpose in this project is transformation. The idea we had was to build a scaled model of a vehicle, which would transform into a quadpod when the vehicle encounters obstacle. The obstacle could be any place difficult to move by vehicle but we're mainly focusing on rough unpaved road or hill. Since we already have certain design schematic in our mind, we won�??t be using an already built car; we will build both car and the leg parts of the project from the scratch. There will be 2 legs on each side, which will be hidden inside the vehicle while in car mode. We will be using minimum of 5 motors (1 motor for vehicle motor and at least 4 motors for the legs). The 4 legs will be fixed at certain position and will follow a circular motion similar to that of train. We are also thinking of installing a touch sensor inside the front bumper of the vehicle, so that it can detect the obstacle whenever the vehicle hits it for a few sec. The project will be fully controllable by the user with a wired controller. We believe this project is important because this scaled version of vehicle can access places (mountain and bumpy roads) that the vehicle cannot get through with typical wheels. This project merely shows the basic concept of the transformable vehicle but it may help the vehicle to be used in more various situations in the future.
7	Bluetooth Stereo Network Most Marketable Award	Jeffrey Wheeler Jerry Sun Rishi Ratan		design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf
	Our group designed and built a stereo network that streams audio from a Bluetooth-enabled device and automatically handles playback from the speakers closest to the user. The system is comprised of a hub, to which the user's device connects to, and speaker adapters, which enable any speaker with a 3.5mm audio jack to interface wirelessly to our hub. Each unit consists of a Bluetooth chip and a microcontroller. The hub broadcasts audio to the speaker adapter, which is constantly sending back signal strength data about the user's audio device. Each of our components is powered by a lithium-ion battery and charged over USB. With our Bluetooth stereo network, a user can enjoy his/her music uninterrupted from the living room to the bedroom without having to worry about connecting or muting any speakers.
8	Ukulele instrument tutor Area Award: Education	Ammar Faiz Matthew DiLiberto Udit Sharma		design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf other0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf
	There are not many musical instruments in the market today which provide direct assistance to a musician in playing a new instrument. Our idea is to utilize our experience in the field of electrical engineering to build a uekele with integrated LEDs in it which will help the musician figure out which fret to press and then strum it for the required sound. We will program various songs into the microprocessor for the musician to play as well as utilizing sensors to ensure the proper notes are played. The project will be unique if it has inputs like note detection or finger position sensing, LED outputs, as well as stand alone operation.
9	Ethernet Interface for Hardware Data Routing	Hendrik Dewald John Alaimo Satyam Shah		appendix0.pdf design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf
	In this project, we hope to create an interface for multiple components, like LED arrays, motor controllers, sensors, and servos. The hope is that a single computer can interface with multiple devices using only its Ethernet port, a switch, and our hardware router blocks. They would be reachable through the switch, as each device can be differentiated by MAC address, and the device-side microcontroller would receive instructions and send data through Ethernet that would make use of 3 digital inputs, 3 analog inputs, 3 digital outputs, and 3 analog outputs. With these hardware routers, a 5V power hub, and a routed external power supply, the routers could control any of a multitude of devices, all from a single computer.
10	Web-controlled distributed wireless power control	Chaitanya Patchava Ehsan Keramat John Kharouta	Igor Fedorov	appendix0.pdf design_document0.pdf final_paper0.document presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf
	The purpose of this project is to try to manipulate power consumption in such a way that people no longer have to worry about turning things on and off. It will be a new way to think about power and it will make our world a more power efficient place. Although similar products exist in market, nothing which offers this level of control for this cost exists anywhere.
11	Multipurpose Keychain Area Award: Communications	Junting Lou Lida Zhu Yaming Tang	Rajarshi Roy	design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.ppt proposal0.pdf
	Locks and keys play a significant role in our everyday life. There are, however some annoying problems incurred sometimes. This project aims to produce a key chain with associated devices for the locks to be targeted to solve these problems. At anytime anywhere, one could check whether a certain door is locked by checking the saved information on the key chain. The information is automatically updated when locking or unlocking the doors. With the access of internet, one could also remotely lock any door from anywhere. In addition, with a bunch of similar or identical keys, the key chain can identify the one to the door a person is standing next to, saving the trouble of labeling them or the time to find the correct one. Last but not least ,one could also easily find the keys in his or her apartment or office if accidentally left it somewhere. This project will put together control theory, motor, power circuits and wireless communications to accomplish these tasks.
12	Musical Instrument: Electronically Resonated Metal	Jin Kim Rachel Pashea Venkata Bijjam	Igor Fedorov	design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf
	On this musical instrument, the player can produce different pitches by sliding a vibrating metal rod back and forth. Vibrations in the rod are initiated at resonance frequencies corresponding to the length of the rod. A pickup coil similar to an electric guitar pickup converts the mechanical vibrations to an electrical signal, which is then amplified in voltage using a preamp and in current using a power amp.. The power amplifier gives feedback to the driver coil so the instrument's vibrations can be sustained. This is a project proposed by Skot Wiedmann.
13	Otter RFID Antenna System	Charles Huang Jinwoo Bae Shariq Shaikh		design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf
	An RFID antenna system to be deployed for tracking otter movement into and out of a pond. The system comprises of an antenna and RFID receiver that will read the IDs from tags implanted in otters when the otter walks over the antenna. The system will record the ID, the time, and the direction of movement (entering or leaving the pond); the data will be accessible to prairie researchers via a USB flash drive. The design includes passive infrared motion sensors to activate the receiver unit, so that it is not continuously drawing power as well as solar panels to supplement the batteries powering the entire system.
14	Solar Aqua Sterilization System with Micro-plasma Ozone Reactor	Eric Liu Matthew DuBois Wenchau Lo		appendix0.pdf design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf other0.pdf presentation0.ppt proposal0.pdf
	We plan to design and build a solar panel power unit to be used with a water purification system. The water purification system utilizes a reactor to create ozone and filter it through the water. The power requirements of the reactor will play a key role in the design of the project. Also, the reactor uses AC power so we will need to design an AC-DC converter for the system. The entire system will be designed to be efficient, cost effective and inconspicuous; because, the goal is to install the system in third world countries where clean water is not accessible.
15	Illinois river otter gps tracking system	Bilal Gabula Gerard McCann Osayanmo Osarenkhoe		design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf
	The goal of the project is to create a device to track the Illinois river otter movement patterns. The device will periodically acquire and store its GPS (global positioning system) coordinate. When the otter is within the download range of the base station, it will automatically relay the GPS data to the stations memory using an RF transceiver. The base station will have a USB interface for ease of data retrieval by the researchers. The device will need to be sub-cutaneous so as to minimize risk of injury to the otter, while ensuring the device is secured to the otter.
16	Gesture-controlled LED Coffee Table with Tetris	Esther Kim Joshua Pack Ryan Dwyer		design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf
	Our project is to design and build a functional coffee table with an LED matrix display surface on which we can implement the game Tetris. With the use of motion sensors placed on the sides of the table, we implement hand gesture recognition technology to enable the user to move, drop, and rotate the Tetris pieces. The LEDs are controlled with PIC microcontrollers and have light diffusion films above them for a warm glow for each square.
17	Extended Reach: Haptic Array Best Engineered Award	Nathan Murray Todd Pixton		appendix0.pdf design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pptx proposal0.pdf
	Our project aims to extend human sensory perception using a multidimensional haptic feedback in the form of an armband array of small motors. It will utilize the body's haptic perception of different frequencies, intensities, and locations. The project will accept messages representing signal characteristics from a sensor (ultrasound, electromagnetica, etc.). The sensor is not part of this project. The method we use to map the messages from the sensor to the feedback array will be modular and easy to use, so that it can be applied to any desired sensor.
18	"Extended Reach": Echolocation Sensor	Kyle Spesard Matthew Lurie		appendix0.pdf design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf
	Our project is to create an echolocation sensor using ultrasonic waves that can determine the characteristics of a room or objects in front of the sensor and output that information to the user. The device outputs an ultrasonic chirp through an ultrasonic transducer. The reflected signal is received through another ultrasonic transducer and relayed through amplification, filtering, and offset circuitry to an ST Discovery dsp board. The dsp is used to complete calculations for obtaining the information about the room/object from the chirp impulse response. Characteristics such as distance between the object and the sensor and shape of the object are sent out through a serial link. This is a sister-project to the "Extended Reach" Haptic Array. The final goal is to combine this sensor with the haptic array to create a new sensory experience that would allow someone to locate objects in a room without the use of sight--something that would be great for blind people. A potential application for this technology would be within a blind user's cane, where the user can inobtrusively "feel" his environment.
19	Remote Mic Stand for Pogo Studio	Alexander Lincoln Tyler Harrington Zachary Newell		design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.ppt proposal0.pdf
	Wireless microphone stand that can move forwards/backwards, left/right, up/down, and pan/tilt wirelessly via a phone app with the capability to store/restore previous positions/locations.
20	Nail Coil Gun	Andria Young Seth Hartman		appendix0.brd design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.ppt proposal0.pdf
	Our project is the Nail Coil Gun. Although many aspects of a coil gun have already been researched, we see a void when it comes to nail coil guns on the market. Our plan is to come up with a viable coil gun that could be used to shoot nails at high speed to penetrate wood. Our plan is to build a multistage coil gun to shoot the nails. Infrared sensors will be used as a switching device, therefore no timing and logic will be needed. As the nail trips the infrared sensor, the coil is excited at the right time sending the nail onto the next stage.
21	Solar/Motion Powered Shoe Heater Area Award: Energy	Andrew Chavarria Carlo Delfin Vendiola Crystal Cardenas	Igor Fedorov	design_document0.document final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf
	We intend to develop a shoe that produces heat with energy generated through polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), common name is piezo film, while also incorporating solar power. The PVDF material is flexible and its properties are suitable for the project. As for heating the shoe, we were planning on using heating wires, found in heating blankets. We will also develop a user interface app for android that will control desired temperature within the shoe and display a step counter. The microcontroller will communicate with the phone through bluetooth. The energy produced from the PVDF and solar cells will be stored in a rechargeable lithium ion battery which will also power the microcontroller and heat the shoe to the desired temperature.
22	Wireless Level	Po-Yu Kung Stephone Fong Shieh Thurston Lee		design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf
	There exists an urgent need on the market for a low-cost, low-power-consumption, accurate wireless level device. The current levels available to people in need today only fulfill some of the requirements, causing people trouble and making them inefficient when performing their jobs. The device that we propose to create will be inexpensive, but also provides a handheld receiver that will allow the user to monitor the level from distance away. We choose to focus on implementing a device that will improve work quality for workers.
23	GPS Dog Shock Collar	Jacob Hardy Joshua Passwater		appendix0.pdf design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf other0.pdf presentation0.ppt proposal0.pdf
	A training device embedded in a pet's collar with a main function of restricting the pet's movements to a confined area such as a household or park. User defined GPS coordinate grids define the allowed areas for the pet. The pet owner's can plug the device in through USB to their computer where a user interface will guide them through the perimeter selection process. The coordinates will be loaded into the collar along with a unique ID tag for each dog. This allows for predefined barriers, instant barriers of variable radius, and for the detection of other pets wearing the same collar to prevent unwanted contact.
24	Robotic microphone stand	Dennis Yuan Freddy Gomez	Igor Fedorov	appendix0.rar design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf photo0.jpg presentation0.ppt proposal0.pdf video0.wmv
	A music producer in a studio environment must ensure that the sounds he is recording are of the highest quality. This is highly dependent on microphone position, but in many cases the producer may find it inconvenient to move the microphone by stepping back into the recording booth to adjust the positioning. Another issue is that the producer might not be able to compare the quality of the previous configuration and the new configuration. The audio memory of an average person is around 30 seconds, so the comparison is already lost by the time the producer comes back out to check the sound quality of the new microphone position. We intend to build a remote controlled robotic microphone stand that has the ability to translate a microphone in three dimensions. It will move along tracks located in the base of the stand, and also be able to store and recall microphone configurations set by the producer. The producer will control the robotic stand wirelessly via Wifi or bluetooth (TBD) on a computer.
25	Track Vehicle Project	Jialun Liu Jilin Jiang Kuangxiao Gu	Igor Fedorov	appendix0.pdf design_document0.pdf final_paper0.document presentation0.ppt proposal0.pdf
	The Federal Railway Administration is trying to build a system which can take pictures of the railway and detect the defects on it, such as a missing spike or a moved Anchor. Our project is to build the camera triggering module of this system. Specifically, this module will tell the camera when to take pictures such that all the pictures taken should be able to cover the whole area traveled through by the vehicle. In addition, each picture will be assigned a GPS coordinate so that workers will be able to locate that picture on the railroad.
26	Heart rate alarm system for swimmer in triathlon Teamwork Award	Yunye Gong Zilin Dou		design_document0.document final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf
	This project is intended to be used by swimmers in triathlon or open water swimming competitions. The project will provide a remote alarm system connecting the athletes and rescuers so that the rescuers can quickly find the athletes that need help. This project includes two parts: wireless emitter part and receiver part. The emitter part should be carried by each player and the receiver is used by rescuers traveling with the players on motorized water scooters. The emitter includes a heart rate monitor. Once it detects an abnormal heart rate, the buzzer will sound and LED will flash. At the same time, the emitter will send out a signal to the rescuer. When the wireless receiver catches the signal,it will trigger the alarm and LED to notify the rescuer that someone needs help. This will bring help to the athletes in a shorter time. Our system also includes a manual switch that can be controlled by the swimmer to manually call for help by turning on the switch. It will also trigger the alarm system and the emitter to send signals to rescuers.
27	Electric Nail gun	Mohammad Farooq Shaik Nithin Reddy	Igor Fedorov	design_document0.pdf final_paper0.document presentation0.pptx proposal0.pdf
	Our purpose of this is to build an electric nail gun. The nailer involves a spring mechanism, wherein a battery powered motor will compress the springs attached with gears and on releasing it will shoot the nail into the wood. The number of nails shot will be counted with the help of IR sensors and the battery. The amount of battery discharged will also be displayed on the nailer. The data of the number of nails shot and the amount of battery discharged will be transmitted remotely to a computer to help the engineers calculate the efficiency of the nailer. This will greatly help in testing the equipment.
28	Robotic Microphone Stand for Pogo Studio	Kai Jiang Weihong Yuan		design_document0.document final_paper0.pdf presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf
	This project is introduced by Mark Rubel from Pogo Studio in downtown Champaign.The purpose of this project is to design a robotic microphone stand which can be remotely controlled to move the mic to different positions. It can significantly reduce the time gap between moving the microphone from one place to another. Consequently, studio workers can keep audio memories for better sound effects comparison. We are planning to realize the basic needs of six movements (left, right, up, down, forward, backward) of the stand, the functionality of remote controlling using wires as well as the ability to memorize previous locations. In addition, we would like to add features such as the tilt of the mic stand and Bluetooth remote controlling if possible.
29	Neuro-transmitter (EEG) Interface System	Alessandro Lostumbo John Burton Kevin Armstrong		design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf other0.ino presentation0.presentation proposal0.pdf
	We are developing a Neuro-transmitter(EEG) Interface System that contains 12 electrodes monitoring the brain's activity. Our project takes inputs from the electrodes and amplifies the signal to see changes in brain activity, filters out the unwanted noise from other conductive tissues such as facial muscle, and then converts the analog data to digital data that is stored onto an SD card. That data would then be logged and time-stamped for future analysis. We will also have hardware with LED lights that displays if each of the sensors used are properly applied to the skin so as to give an impedance of 20k or less The project would be a modular design for mobile use that would provide data for research in neuroscience. Since this device will be used for research on humans, it is imperative that a degree of safety can be provided at all times to minimize the possible concerns that might occur.
30	Stress Detection and Management System	Hong Lee Udara Cabraal Yong Ho Kwon	Igor Fedorov	design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf
	A stress detection and management system to provide users with continuous monitoring of relative stress throughout the day and assistance in alleviating it. Our system will include a LED/photodiode circuit to detect the color that indicates stress on commercially available stress dots. A microcontroller will interpret the data from the detection circuit, and if a high level of stress is detected it will activate a stress reducing protocol, which will engage a commercially available heat pad and a metronomic device, which we will build. The heat pad provides a sensory stimulus and the metronomic device will assist the user in rhythmic, smooth breathing.
31	Smart automatic recycling trash basket Area Award: Sensors	Beomjun Shin Kaiyuan Fan		design_document0.pdf final_paper0.pdf presentation0.pdf proposal0.pdf
	Smart automatic recycling trash basket. Our project is named as Smart trash basket. As you can guess what this project means, smart automatic recycling trash basket will recycle depending on the trash material. Metal thing will be recycled in the right/left side in the trash basket. Also, paper thing will be recycled in the left/right side in the trash basket. To discriminate trashes, we will use sensor to detect whether it is metal or paper. After it is known what type is, motor will open the right or left inner lid to separate it. On top of that, when the trash basket is almost full it will give a caution like alarm system or flashing the light periodically, not too many times. This caution will make different flashing light color (metal thing-blue light, paper type-green light, both-red light). From this project, no one need to have several recycling trash basket.

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