Multi-position eye movement detection system.

A device that records saccadic eye movements in any X-Y position is presented in this paper. Eye movements are recorded using infrared optoelectronics mounted on hemispherical shaped eyepieces, which in turn are mounted on goggles styled after an ophthalmologist's test frames. A computer controlled, wall mounted light bank facilitates targeting for eye movements. Output from the device is sent to a PC type computer and stored in the hard disk using a data acquisition board. The user interface is Windows based and the output from the goggles are represented as a trace map of plotted points. This output can also be saved or printed for future analysis and reference. The device is designed with reference to standard ISO design methodology, and subject safety and final product usage have been reviewed following ISO analysis procedures. Accuracy in tracking of eye movements is maintained by utilizing a twenty-four channel detection system, hemispherically mounted and lensed optoelectronics to reduce cross-talk due to incident light, and signal processing that attenuates incident light as well as ambient light. Also, a reset feature is included to maintain equal baseline control. An automatic switching device is included in the test frame to allow the device to "warm up," assuring that equal IR power is delivered for each subject tested. The IR units in the goggles are also modular in case replacement is required.

Use of timelines in senior design--an efficient project management tool for faculty.

An important part of any multi-tasked project or undertaking is a work plan. Large contractors with multi-year design projects use a work plan to schedule resources and identify critical design decisions; a smaller company may map out the course and order of work as well as schedule resources. Either way, the work plan is an indispensable tool that assists the project manager in the planning and timely execution of the project. Introduced is the concept of the timeline (or work plan) and its utilization in an Undergraduate Senior Design Course by both Faculty and Student as a Project Management Tool and device from which to chart student progress towards completion of course requirements. Discussed are examples of student project planning and comments with regards to the effectiveness of project planning for the student as well as a discussion of how this device has assisted faculty in charting student progress towards project completion, meeting course requirements, and grading. Project and Time Management issues described in this paper are through the Senior Design Program at the University of Connecticut (UCONN) with National Science Foundation Senior Design Projects to Aid Persons with Disabilities and industry-sponsored projects [1].

Using a multidisciplinary team approach in biomedical engineering senior design.

Under Criterion 4, the Professional Component of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Engineering Criteria 2000, a curriculum culminating in a major design experience is required. In addition, under Criterion 3, program graduates must demonstrate an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams. This paper describes some team related issues in senior design at University of Connecticut (UConn) with National Science Foundation (NSF) Senior Design Projects to Aid Persons with Disabilities and industry-sponsored projects. While these Criteria can both be satisfied in a senior design course sequence, it is not the most desirable method to achieve satisfactory results. Effective teamwork involves skills that may be learned in classes and training sessions. It is best achieved through team experiences in a series of courses, ideally beginning the freshman year.

Eye tracker.

A device that records saccadic eye movements, the Eye Tracker, is presented in this paper. The Eye Tracker utilizes infra-red technology mounted on fully adjustable goggles to follow eye movements targeted by either a goggles mounted HUD type display or a wall mounted light bank. Output from the goggles is remotely sent to a PC type computer, which leads to device portability. The goggles can also maintain output data in an internal memory for latter download. The user interface is Windows based with the output from the goggles represented as a trace map or plotted points. This output can also be saved or printed for future reference. The user interface can be used on any PC type computer. The device is designed with reference to standard ISO design methodology. Safety in design and final product usage has also been addressed with reference to standard ISO type procedures. Device accuracy is maintained by precise construction of the IR units in the goggles and tight control of cross talk between each IR device plus filtering of ambient light signals. Also, a reset feature is included to maintain equal baseline control. An automatic switching device is included in the goggles to allow the Eye Tracker to "warm up," assuring that equal IR power is delivered for each subject tested. The IR units in the goggles are also modular in case replacement is required.

First year experience at the University of Connecticut with NSF design projects to aid persons with disabilities.

This paper provides an overview of the first year experience at University of Connecticut (UConn) with National Science Foundation (NSF) Senior Design Projects to Aid Persons with Disabilities. Devices and software to aid persons with disabilities often need custom modification, are prohibitively expensive, or even nonexistent. Much of the disabled community does not have access to custom modification of available devices, and other benefits of current technology. Moreover, when available, engineering and support salaries make the cost of any custom modifications beyond the reach of most disabled individuals. The NSF in 1988 started to provide a mechanism whereby student engineers at universities throughout the United States designed and constructed devices for persons with disabilities. This program combined the academic requirement of a design experience with enhanced educational opportunities for students, and improved the quality of life for disabled individuals. Students and university faculty provided, through their normal ABET accredited senior design class, engineering time to design and build the device or software, and the NSF provided funds, competitively awarded to universities, for supplies, equipment and fabrication costs for the design projects. Described in this report are first year experiences at UConn with this NSF program including lecture topics, site visits to clients and project selection, required reports and the WWW, course structure and organization.

Tele-talk: a communication device for the persons with hearing disabilities.

Tele-Talk is a device designed to allow a person with hearing disabilities to communicate using the telephone, with a minimum of effort and without requiring a multitude of special equipment. This device provides a previously unavailable link for the hearing disabled to communicate directly over telephone lines. Tele-Talk has the extra capability of operating in live conference situations using microphone input. Today, most devices designed for the hearing-impaired are dependent on both communicants' owning/operating identical set-ups. If an accessory item is missing or misplaced, communication breaks down. Tele-Talk answers the need to permit transparent hearing assistance via the telephone.