Abstract Brief:

This project involves the design and implementation of a hands-free dog training device with modes for training and anti-barking. It will require the use of an audio sensor (i.e. a microphone), a circuit design for the interpretation of the input sound, a microprocessor to process the control signals fed to the dog training device, and an audio speaker to output the appropriate high frequency sounds only your dog would hear. The technical difficulty lies in getting the device to recognize either a hand-clap or excessive barking, defined as a series of loud barks that continue in excess of ten seconds. Assuming that the audio sensor picks up on the sudden change in noise frequency due to the hand-clap (training mode) or the dog barking (anti-bark mode), the expected outcome is that the software program will cause a high frequency noise to play through the ultrasonic speaker for a few seconds, distracting the dog immediately. In this manner, the device will theoretically operate hands-free.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

The team will design and build an automatic pill dispenser. The product will consist of a circular base with 22 fan-like blades that rotate about the central axis. The blades will form the compartments where pills can be manually placed for dispensing at predetermined times. The dispenser will be controlled by a microprocessor that interfaces with an LED display, as well as an alphanumeric keypad that will be utilized as a source for the inputting of data, and selecting from preprogrammed menu items. The user will be able to input the time(s) of day that pills will be dispensed, as well as any warnings and/or precautions that must be followed when the patient takes his or her pills. Lastly, the dispenser will visually and audibly notify the patient when pills are being dispensed, and will also store the time of day that the patient took his or her medications. Finally, the dispenser will automatically adjust the time of the next medication dispersal if necessary, to avoid dosages of medication being taken too closely together.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

The purpose of our project is to build a basketball free throw counting device. We will need a microprocessor board. The processor will monitor multiple sensors to determine when a shot has been attempted and when a shot is scored. A keypad will be used to reset the device. The output is the shots made and shots attempted which will be displayed on the LCD.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

This project will be used to help make a house bird safe. Birds are clever enough to figure out how to open their cage doors and escape. In order to make this a less dangerous situation for the bird our design will help eliminate some of the more common hazards, such as windows, ceiling fans and toilets. The biggest technical challenges come from our use of several mechanical components and the use of wireless technology. We expect to have a working prototype that can be demonstrated in four months.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

Project Cart Tension Electromagnet Braking System is designed to be used with any type of cart or manual wheeled form of carrier. The braking system is controlled by a processor that monitors various sensors. The first sensor is used to monitor the handle’s capacitance. This is used to make sure someone is behind the wheel or in control of the cart. The second monitors speed to prevent any reckless operation of the cart. The third monitor will be of the tilt or angle of the terrain. This will be used to determine the amount of tension to apply to the brakes. Lastly is sonar to prevent head on collisions by applying tension to the brake when an object is determined to be to close.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

The UF Formula One racing design team has a need for the steering wheel electronics system of their vehicle to be designed. This design requires that a backlit LCD be integrated into the steering wheel. Displayed on this LCD will be water temperature, oil temperature, and oil pressure. There will be a seven segment LED Gear Indicator and a RPM indicator using a series of colored LED’s. The wheel will also have input switches which will control the fuel shutoff, traction control on/off, LCD display and backlight, and driver radio headset.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

These researchers will design a navigation system that reads the three character abbreviations of buildings on campus. With the use of a GPS chip the system will identify the precise location of the user. In addition, the system will work simultaneously with a digital compass that will show the user a bearing to the building on campus where he/she would like to go. This system will output the directions to the desired building using a text-to-voice synthesizer. These researchers feel that programming the GPS chip will pose the most technical challenge.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

The GPS tour guide will be a portable handheld device that would act as a replacement for human tour guides. The device will track the user’s position with a GPS unit. When the user approaches a specific location, the device will provide text and audio information about the location. The type of information provided would be:

• Time and Date
• Location name
• Brief Historical Information
• Brief Technical Information (such as number of floors, etc)
• General Information

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

We are interested in creating a portable and highly specific device targeted toward the ability to record movement of an object over a wide range of time. We will be using an embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver that is designed for low-power consumption and integration into a larger device in order to obtain positional and timing information. This information will then be processed by a low-power microprocessor which will detect changes in position and make note of it to an external memory module.

The device will be able to communicate with a PC computer via an external I/O interface. After the position and time data is read from the device onto a PC, a wide range of tasks can be performed. The data can be formatted into standard GIS formats which would allow movement-track overlays onto maps.

Some of the technical issues that we will run against are the ability to find low-power consumption devices and find an appropriately small and powerful battery to supply the circuit. Another issue is the type of antenna that will be used for the GPS receiver. It will need to be outside of any metal shielded enclosure and not hidden under too much RF absorbent material.

In the end, we hope to have a small device with a simple and intuitive interface that will allow for data acquisition of movement over time of the device (and whatever the device is attached to).

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

This project is about designing user-controlled robot that can move around and then shoot a target when it is given that command. The main challenge of this project will be integrating the video feed necessary for controlling the robot. Every other component of the robot should easily be realizable. Even though the project is complex, it should be completed in time to be demoed at the end of the year.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

The IMPACT Hand Sensor is going to be a revision on an older system already in use by the IMPACT Therapy group. The sensor will help determine how long a patient keeps their hand in a mitt that is used in the exercise. The sensor will report the time segments the hand was in the mitt and how long for each segment.

The current sensor is activated by a heat detection mechanism and requires the patient to place their hand in a certain manner to get the heat sensor to read the correct temperature.

The revisions to the old system will take place in two main phases. The first phase will redesign the sensor and how the timer works. The second phase will add extra capabilities such as computer connectivity and the ability to download the timer data.

There are several technical challenges associated with this project. The most important being power consumption. The objective is to reduce power consumption in order to increase the amount of time a single battery will power the unit. The second challenge is to make the touch sensor sensitive enough so that the time is activated only when the hand is placed on the unit. Another challenge is to make the unit small and portable enough for convenience. The final challenge will be to enable the computer connectivity and design the software to download the data.

The final outcome of this project should result in a sensor that is small, convenient, reliable, and inexpensive for the study.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

The main objective of the Jog Logger is to use GPS data to increase the users performance for a competitive sport such as running and bicycling. Using an on board GPS module the Jog Logger can provide information such as speed, velocity, altitude, direction, and date/time on a color LCD display.

The Jog Logger will also provide athletes or hobbyist with other information about their running, hiking, or biking activities. Real time information will be available to the user such as:

• distance to finish line
• estimated finish time based on current time, speed, and position
• projected calories burned based on time spent on that activity

The user can also log their GPS data and other activity information on a SD card. This allows the user to download the GPS coordinates and using Google Earth they can map the paths taken during jogging.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

Description

The ‘Laptop Alert’ project will consist on making a device that will alert the owner of a laptop in the event of a possible robbery. The product works by placing your laptop on a small sensor enabled platform. The alert system is triggered by the user upon departure. If the laptop is removed in an attempt to steal the device, a buzzer will sound alerting the user about the robbery. In the event the user is out audible range, an optional wireless vibrator will vibrate to alert.

Technical challenge

The technical challenges will be developing a way to create this in a digital environment. As discussed with Professor Gugel, we will have to learn ourselves how to use the microprocessor and pic-chip. In addition, knowledge of programming in C is also needed. Although going digital could simplify the product, the equipment needed is foreign to the creators.

Expected outcome

The expected outcome is to have a fully functional product by the end of term.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

We are going to create an audio effects box. To implement this we will use a digital signal processor from Analog Devices. We plan to have 2 inputs and 3 outputs. One input will be dual RCA jacks, and another will be a quarter inch jack. Each input will have a corresponding output of the same type as well as a 3.5mm mini jack for headphone monitoring. The effects may include echo, reverb, distortion, panning, phase shifting, volume swelling, etc. The user will be able to connect any input that matches the available connections to add effects to their audio streams. Inputs might include any electronic instrument, or ones that can be mic’d (including voice). The user can then pipe the output to their amplifiers, making this device a pre-gig customizable effects box.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

Our project consists of building a pong table that will play a game of pong with a human. The table will have a robot on one end and the other end is left open for a human player. The robot will calculate the future path of the ball, will approximate the position where the ball will reach its end of the table and will hit the ball back to the human on the other side. The robot will use a camcorder to film the motion of the ball and will do the image processing on an FPGA. After calculating the x and y coordinates the FPGA will send this information to a microprocessor. The microprocessor will calculate the speed of the ball the angle of motion and thus the future position of the ball. The microprocessor will also control a stepper motor which guides the pong robot left and right. Once the pong robot has tracked down the ball it will hit the ball back with the aid of a spinning paddle.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

The project goal will be to design and construct a remotely operated submersible vehicle. This vehicle would be controlled from a conventional laptop computer, while streaming video to the operator from an on board camera. The system would use off the shelf hardware components for propulsion systems and hull construction. The most significant design challenge is predicted to be the design of command and control systems within the vehicle. This vehicle would be usable by non technical individuals.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

For our senior design project, we propose to develop a system to control a centralized home air conditioning unit. In addition to controlling the air conditioning as in a typical system, our system will also alter the venting of the ducts to maintain independent desired temperatures in each room. This will require a temperature sensor in each room and motorized vents, as well as a communication channel between these components and a central master controller. We expect that installation of our system would result in energy savings and an overall climate that better suits the occupants' preferences.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

A security system will be created utilizing speech recognition as the primary source of identification. The system works as follows:

• A user with a transmitter will approach the system and in turn ready the system for input
• The LCD screen will prompt the user to speak into the microphone (“Enter Code”)
• The user will proceed to speak the specific code into the microphone
• If the code is correct, access is granted. Otherwise, the LCD screen will prompt the user to enter the code again.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

This device will monitor some key properties of an aquariums water to ensure that the environment is suitable for aquatic life. The device consists of a probe that is placed into the water attached to a wireless transmitter box. This box will transmit the data to another device that receives the data and displays it on an LCD screen. The receiver device will also tell you if any of the data levels are dangerous for aquatic life. This project will consist of building a wireless device with a microcontroller that should run on a low voltage source. The end product should consist of 2 devices that work together to gather data from a probe sitting in the water of an aquarium. This device will be geared for freshwater aquariums but can be used in other water sources to gather data.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

Outside of Ireland, Guinness is treated like any other beer – pour and drink immediately. The proper way to serve a Guinness in the Irish manner involves a bit more time and effort! Incorporating an electronically controlled liquid nozzle, microprocessor board, and webcam to monitor the beer flow, The Perfect Pint aims to provide an automated system to serve Guinness in this age-old tradition. Computer vision algorithms, a microprocessor board, and webcam will monitor the Guinness level and send the appropriate control signals to the liquid nozzle. Ultimately, this system should pour “the perfect pint” even the Irish can enjoy. Slainte!

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

The Satellite Radio Drive will be a stand-alone system designed to receive and record XM Satellite Radio. It provides a means of preserving talk shows, comedy, sports, news and music for playback on the SRD or a mobile or desktop PC, at a later time. All features of the current XM skyfi2 unit will be available on the SRD with the added feature of transferring 1GB of recorded audio to PC via Secure Digital memory or USB. A small onboard keyboard and LCD screen will provide a unique data-tagging feature, which will allow for recorded audio files to be labeled and viewed easily.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

The time dependent vibration mechanism is an alarm clock which will contain an alarm clock base and two wristbands. The alarm clock base will send a radio frequency signal to the wristbands which will activate a vibrating motor and eventually wake the individual up. This alarm clock is set up so that two individuals will wake up at individual times instead of having both hear the alarm clock and be disturbed from their sleep.

The technical challenges that will be faced with are the interface of the RF signal to the wristbands and the comfort-ability of the wristband. The outcome of the project is a successful alarm clock that will wake an individual up without disturbing the other.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

The team will design and prototype a controller for a vacuum thermocouple sensor. The controller and sensor will be used to measure the pressure of an industrial high vacuum system. The normal, linear range of a vacuum thermocouple sensor is approximately 10-3 Torr to 10 Torr. By incorporating a microprocessor with an LED output display, the effective range can be increased to approximately 760 Torr (1 atmosphere). To create a full range device (10-3 Torr to 760 Torr), two challenges must be overcome. The input signal must be linearized and temperature compensated. The expected outcome of the project is to have a prototype development board capable of reading and displaying vacuum pressures from approximately 1 Torr to 1000 Torr.

(Complete abstract available below)