Device for Detection of Concussions Using Eye Tracking and Image Processing
Katherine McCusker (CS), Caroline Shagnea (CS), Christopher Smith (CS), Mina Grace Larraquel (CS)Advisor: Dr. Christopher Danek
The study of traumatic brain injuries has been growing in importance throughout the past decade. Repeated concussions can cause severe deterioration of the brain, leading to permanent damage in cognitive and emotional capabilities. Our goal is to combine artificial intelligence and eye tracking with the most up to date findings in the neurological field to detect potential concussions in student athletes at the time of injury. One of the earliest, and most common, signs of traumatic brain injury is abnormality in eye movement. The athlete experiencing the concussion will likely have difficulty tracking a moving object with their eyes. We have created a prototype device that uses a camera to track the eye movements of someone with a potential concussion, and, based on a database of videos and photos, calculate the probability of a concussion.
Wind Mapping Using Drone Technology
Joey Lapointe (EE), Claire Sullivan (ME), Lauren Coene (ME), Brian Aberle (ME)Advisor: Dr. Christopher Danek, Dr. Gregory Behrmann
Our project concept was to build an ultrasonic anemometer mounted onto a tethered drone, with hopes of making wind energy a realistic solution for people in rural areas. A drone was donated to our team that met all payload requirements. It can fly for 25 minutes on its own, and over three hours when connected to a tether. We built an ultrasonic anemometer to measure wind speed and direction. We tested it by using a wind tunnel to expose the anemometer to different measured wind speeds and comparing each to the anemometer’s wind speed calculation. Using our design build test cycle we will be able to design and construct an ultrasonic anemometer that can accurately measure wind speed and direction. The entirety of our testing plan requires further development, but we will proceed with confidence in both the capabilities of our equipment and the need for our product.
Power-Assisted Device for Manual Wheelchairs
Jeffery Guile (CS), Peter Larson (BME), Kristine Nguyen (CS)Advisor: Dr. Christopher Danek, Dr. Gregory Behrmann
Wheelchair users face many daily challenges, such as obstacles on sidewalks, or steep slopes. After talking to many wheelchair users at the National Rehab Hospital in Washington, D.C., we found that one of their most pertinent decisions is choosing between their manual or power wheelchairs while traveling independently. Our design allows users to add a power boost to their manual wheelchair. The design consists of adjustable components to accompany the various dimensions of wheelchairs, so it will fit all manual wheelchairs. Users with different types of mobility disabilities will be able to control the device by using a joystick or using a push button interface. Our team created a power assist device for manual wheelchair users that is easy for users to apply, detach, and carry, and reliable. By using human-centered design, we were able to create a prototype by combining our vision with constant customer and stakeholder feedback.
Smart Specs Obstacle Detection for the Visually Impaired
Husam Alkifigee (EE), Bada Alsolimani (EE), Mohammed Binkhurayyif (EE), Maria Galle (ME)Advisor: Dr. Christopher Danek and Dr. Gregory Behrmann
Research done in 2019 indicates that there are more than 39 million blind people who live with challenges such as walking and navigating through day to day activities; there is a clear need for a solution. Our purpose is to help blind people by providing a solution that uses object recognition to identify objects that may obstruct their path while walking such as a person, cup, branch, bottle, or stop sign. The device enables blind people to gain enough confidence to carry out their daily activities. We will accomplish the mission by outlining a comprehensive analysis of the device which uses sensors and cameras that will help blind people. Introduction of the device would increase the mobility of blind people living with visual impairments.
Breakaway Device for an Osseointegrated Prosthetic
Christopher Cupo (ME), Mariangelica Bermudez Gonzalez (ME), Ashley Sieber (ME), Ann Vogel (ME)Advisor: Dr. Christopher Danek, Dr. Gregory Behrmann
This design challenge is to benefit a wounded veteran who lost his leg in combat and required a device that would allow him to be more active so he can do what he loves, mountain biking. Due to complications with his amputation and a traditional socket prosthetic, the subject and his medical team opted for an osseointegration implant system. This system implants a titanium rod in our challenger’s femur in a two-step process. This allows for a direct connect between the prosthetic and the rod. The breakaway device developed will detach into two pieces due to axial loads in both tension and compression, torsion, and bending. The breakaway device detaches his prosthetic from the implant system when impact exceeds a threshold, preventing injury. This device will improve our challenger’s quality of life and allow him to resume his passion for mountain biking.
Autonomous Boat to Scan Surrounding Water for Hurricane Relief
George Isaacs (EE), Tien Pham (CS), Kevin Jay (ME), Alex Braziel (CS), Luke Nicholson (ME)Advisor: Dr. Christopher Danek, Dr. Gregory Behrmann, Jon Haase
After hurricane Dorian in the summer of 2019, we were tasked with trying to solve the “last mile” package delivery problem for our senior design project. We were eager to tackle this problem, but we also wanted to do something meaningful in the process. We saw the tragedies occurring after the hurricane as an opportunity for us to help victims not only get their critical supplies, but also help the supply runners deliver the supplies quicker. We determined the best way to streamline the delivery process was to autotomize the sonar scanning of the surrounding water. Much of the hurricane debris is thrown into the water, prohibiting ships carrying supplies and personnel from coming ashore. We decided to solve this issue by hacking into a Fish Finder to receive GPS and sonar data. Using this data, we created a path algorithm to navigate the waters in the most efficient manner.
Foldable Housing for Displaced People
Mansour Aburamyah (CE), Saad Alhai (CE), Saud Alenezi (CE)Advisor: Dr. Christopher Danek, Dr. Gregory Behrmann
We aim to improve the lives of people who are displaced from their homeland. We developed a design concept for foldable housing that meets the needs of refugees living in camps. This housing system provides security, privacy, and protection from adverse weather. Our foldable housing system is easy to move by flatbed truck and can be assembled by only a few people. Housing systems can be configured for multiple purposes and constructed from materials that allow long term use (3 to 5 years).