Abstract Brief:

Matthew Morey and Jose Perez, referred to as iTeam, plan to design, prototype, and present a consumer electronic device geared towards iPod1 enthusiasts. The device, named iParty, will allow the stored digital music on multiple iPods to be mixed into one stereo audio stream. This audio can then be interfaced with any sort of powered speakers or amplifier via an RCA stereo connection. The mixing of the various audio signals, iPod control, and track selection will be autonomously controlled by the iParty device. In addition to the primary function of audio mixing, the iParty device will simultaneously recharge all connected iPods.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

This project’s primary goal is to design an artificial hand that will perform controlled movements, and a secondary goal of being able to grasp an object. This biologically inspired artificial hand will concentrate on the use of Nitinol wire to act as “muscles” while a variety of electrical components and sensors will act as the nervous system.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

The objective of this project is to design a transmitter and receiver system that can be used to locate commonly misplaced items such as a remote control or a set of keys. When the locator button on the transmitter is pressed, the receiver, provided it is within a specified distance, will produce a sound at an ultrasonic level so that is inaudible to the human ear. An LCD screen on the transmitter will then inform the user of the approximate distance between the transmitter and receiver in meters.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

Higher level education requires students at different stages to take tests like the SAT and the GRE. The Smart Controller designed and implemented by the “Tripod” group at UF is an easy plug and play interfaces that connects to the TV and allows users to take sample SAT/GRE tests. The user will use a wireless controller, which will communicate with the Smart Controller box, to answer the questions and go through the test while sitting anywhere in the room. The project has a hardware and software component.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

Our goal is to design and build a sign consisting of LEDs, be it a series of alphanumeric 14- or 16-segment LED displays or a grid of individual LEDs to form dotmatrix- like characters. This sign will provide up-to-date information sent from a source computer via a serial connection such as USB or Bluetooth.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

The goal of this project is to construct a programmable device that can power Christmas lights through an interface that allows full control of each distinct outlet acting as a separate channel to be switched on and off at a pre-determined time. The main concept behind this is to be able to create a “light show” using many strings of lights. This show is created by simultaneously and individually turning on and off different sets of strings to create an astounding visual effect that is placed synchronously to music.

Features will include a set of “devices” that will have 4-6 individually controlled channels per device. The devices will be hooked in series to allow for easy expandability and functionality. Also, each device will be self contained to allow for easier portability. This also will cut down on the amount of wires and controls that will be running throughout the system. The preliminary design is to use roughly around 16 control lines to control 30+ channels.

The main technical challenges in this design will involve interfacing external hardware with a PC that allows for the control of the lights that operate at a much higher voltage and current than standard logic levels. There will also be problems dealing with a transmission distance of over 50 feet. In the end, the design will incorporate an effective, safe, and easy to use light display.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

This project was realized over the summer when a close friend received a fresh water aquarium as a gift. One afternoon, the fish were found with small white spots all over them. It turned out to be a bacterial infection and something that could have easily been prevented if the water temperature was kept between a certain level.

Project “Finding Nemo” aims to monitor and control the temperature, PH levels, and feed the fish in a fresh water fish aquarium. The temperature will be monitored using a basic temperature sensor and the temperature adjustment will be performed by turning on or off a light. The PH levels will be monitored using a PH sensor and the levels will be adjusted according to the user’s discretion. The technical challenges this team will face is programming the monitor for temperature and PH, and working with the PH sensor. Sensors of this type typically are difficult to work with and on average, last only a year.

At the end of the term, this outcome we expect is to build a working aquarium monitor to monitor the temperature and PH levels within the tank. The device will be able to store user input as to when and how often the fish will be fed, at what temperature the water should be kept, and the required PH levels. It will a provide feedback of the current levels and adjust the temperature accordingly if the levels are out of the specified user input.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

Our project is a system that will track the orientation and position of a RC vehicle. All processing will be done onboard in order to support future control systems. This information will also be relayed back to a computer for testing and tracking purposes. To track the position and altitude we will use a GPS unit. Using a triple axis accelerometer and a dual axis gyro, we will be able to calculate the pitch and roll of the vehicle. All this data will be calculated with the on board FPGA. The FPGA allows plenty of expansion room for future projects. The FPGA will receive raw data from the sensors, compute the position and orientation and relay the telemetry back to a base station. For our demonstration we plan on traversing the various hills around the NEB to show the accuracy of the position and orientation readings. Applications of this board include roll detection on a ground vehicles as well as providing an air vehicles with the necessary orientation data to fly straight and level.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

We will be designing and developing small, self-contained sensors that will report the status (e.g. on/off, locked/unlocked) of different elements in a building. These status reports will be sent wirelessly to a central computer and displayed on the internet, allowing the owner to remotely monitor his or her property. The website will be password protected for security and will function primarily to provide the owner piece of mind in knowing that there is nothing wrong at his or her home, office, etc. Additionally, a “vacation mode” function will directly notify the owner (by email or text message) of certain high priority problems requiring immediate attention. We intend to build two or three sensors to demonstrate the project. The sensors should be inexpensive, have long battery life, have appropriate sensitivity, and be completely portable should the owner move.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

Our project will be an electronic component for pool tables that interacts with users by allowing them to choose from a list of pool games. Once the pool game is chosen the pool table will be keep score of the game between users and output the score wirelessly to a remote computer via Bluetooth or some other readily available wireless connection. The microcontroller will keep track of game scores by monitoring which balls have been pocketed and by which player. If an illegal ball is pocketed the game will notify the player and inform them of the expected action to be taken. What we expect from this project is a new convenient way to keep track of game progress and settle scoring disputes. We also hope our invention will be used to one day display scores of tournament play remotely.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

Our project, Viva La Bumper, will save front bumpers of many cars from damage during parking. A distance sensor will descend from behind the front bumper of the car when a microprocessor determines the vehicle is parking. This determination is based upon various conditions being met. Once activated, the sensor will measure the distance from the bumper to the concrete parking stop block in front of it. The information will be sent to a LCD screen inside the car to tell the driver how much farther they can pull forward without hitting the concrete. During normal driving conditions, a servo motor will retract the sensor into the bumper for safe storage and a discrete appearance.

(Complete abstract available below)

Abstract Brief:

Our project communicates data from multiple temperature sensors using a distributed RF network. The network will be composed of a number of identical self-powered nodes. Each node will combine a temperature sensor with communication capabilities. The data provided by the sensors will be consumed by a single point (for example, a PC) for display to the user. The system will be capable of covering a large area by routing data from node to node to the endpoint.

(Complete abstract available below)