Background Design Process Acknowledgements Project Team

ARC Communication Device
Project Team 07001
Ryan Larcom, ME:
George Shieh, EE:
Travis Driscoll, EE:
Suesie Kim, EE:
Jeff Park, EE:
Salim Maani, ISE:
Project Lead
Lead Engineer
Component & Product Sub-system lead
Software Development Sub-system lead
Embedded Hardware Sub-system lead
Industrial & Systems Sub-system lead
Background
Customer Needs
An individual at the Arc of Monroe County would like a way to communicate with
others. This individual can hear and understand others, and has normal vision, but is
unable to speak. The Arc has requested a picture-based communication board that
will allow this individual to touch graphical elements on a screen or keyboard to
construct simple phrases. The device will display and speak the words for the
individual.
The main goal and motivation of this project was to build a device that will increase
the individual’s independence and self-sufficiency, as well as enhance the quality of
life and self-esteem of the client. Furthermore, the device could be used as a learning
tool for the individual to expand communication skills.
Required:
•Mayer-Johnson pictures
•Large buttons
•Left-handed design
•Female voice/text output
•Intuitive interface
•No vision obstruction
•Securely mountable
•Easily accessible
Design Process
Technical Specifications
•Leaves space on tray
•Doesn’t obstruct controls
•Safe
•Upgradable by staff
•Volume control for staff
•Long battery life
•Water/Weather-resistant
•Durable
Desired:
•Case to store inside
•Sensory feedback
•Colorful and girly
•Music on hard-drive
•Says “Hi” in other
languages
•Adjustable screen
positioning
Electrical Analysis:
Software Flowchart:
Electrical wiring diagram:
Mechanical Analysis:
•In order for the case to be weather- &
spill-resistant, analysis of the locations
of all vents, seams, & components was
performed.
•Thermal analysis was performed in
order to determine the fan required to
keep the system “cool” (max internal
temperature of 60°C).
q = vAρc p ( TOUT − TIN )
Ergonomic Analysis:
Analysis was performed on portions of
the project to determine optimal product
specifications.
User Interface Concept
Case Design Concept
Software Screenshot
Touchscreen Assembly
40W = vA * 1.1181kg
vA = 3.76 ft
CAD Rendering of Finished
Assembly
m3
* 1007.5 J
kg.K
* ( 40° − 20°C )
3
Placement of LCD
Reach = upper arm + lower arm + hand
= 0.186D + 0.146D + 0.108D
= 25.52”
for D = user’s stature
= 58in
*Based on “Link
Length Manequin”
min
•The device had to be able to withstand
a drop from the height of the wheelchair
(28”). Specifications for all critical
internal components were collected from
the manufacturers; it was determined
that the maximum accelerations and
forces that the products were able to
withstand were far above any
accelerations experience during a 28”
drop, so long as the components were
encased.
Screen’s font size
H = 0.0022D + K1 + K2
= 0.365” or 20pt font
for H = height of letter
D = viewing distance
= 25.52” (see above)
K1 = distance/illumination constant
= 0.16 (unfavorable conditions)
K2 = material importance constant
= 0.075 (important markings)
Conclusions
Acknowledgements
The design process employed allowed for the successful development of a
communication device. All design specifications were successfully achieved except for
ease of upgradeability of the software & a way to secure the device to the wheelchair.
Members of ARC are satisfied with the design and functionality of the device.
The team would like to thank Dr. Elizabeth DeBartolo & Dr. Daniel Phillips for their
guidance; Lisa Drewski & Amy Feekes of the Arc of Monroe County; ELO
Touchsystems for their donations; the NSF for sponsoring our project.
Further Recommendations
•The software currently has no GUI to upgrade the software. Ideally, a separate
program should be written to allow for the user to input a picture and associated
sound file and integrate them into a specified category.
•Several mounting options were presented to the customer, but funds were not
available for purchase; it is recommended that one be bought for use with the device.
•The device is currently capable of playing MP3s through a category in the GUI. If
use of the MP3 player is desired, it is recommended that its use be integrated .
•Original ideation included keyboard software so the client can play music on the
touch-screen; integration of this software is recommended.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation
under Award No. BES-0527358. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or
recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and
do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Project Team 07001: (l-r)
Suesie, Salim, Jeff,
Travis, Ryan, George