Engineering Projects in Community Service Ongo -04 December 9, 1999 EPICS For Kids Engineering Projects in Community Service Ongo -04 December 9, 1999

Team Members Michele Beswick (EE) Randy Herlick (CprE) Brenda McDermott (EE) Tony Stefancik (CprE) Chuck Stroo (EE)

Project Advisor Robert M. Anderson, Jr., Professor Office: 2113 Coover Office Phone: 515-294-5991 E-mail: rmander@iastate.edu

Client Information Chris With assistance by the Heartland Area Education Agency 11 Division of Special Education 511 South 17th Street Ames, IA 50010 Office secretary: 515-232-7583

Problem Statement Our client is a child with cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects movements and muscle coordination. Our client has the desire to communicate but is unable to do so with current commercially available devices.

Design Objectives The team will design a device for the client which will help him in his everyday living. This device will enable him to communicate with others, as well as learn new skills and make him more independent.

End-Product Description The end product will be a plastic case with three colored push pads corresponding to each function. The device will include a rechargeable battery pack and microphone. It will also include two speakers with adjustable volume which will be mounted inside the case.

Assumptions Client will be able to operate the device Client’s family and teachers will be able to understand how the device operates Device won’t be routinely dropped Device is upgradeable 10 seconds of record time is sufficient

Limitations Budget Size Weight Two semesters Capabilities of the client

Project Risks/Concerns Heat Fabrication Durability Discontinued ISD chips Casing

Technical Approach The Personal Audio Communicator for Children (PACC) will consist of three main modules. Audio module Control module Selection module

Block Diagram ISD 1 ISD 2 ISD 12 ISD R MC Scroll Select Message of Vcc (+5 V) Ground Speakers Scroll Select Message of the day ISD 1 ISD 2 ISD 12 Play 0 Play 1 Play 11 ISD R Play Rec Microphone Demultilplexer MC 12

Audio Module The audio module’s purpose is to produce sound output controlled by the selection of what the client has chosen and to record sound input controlled by client’s family or teachers. ISD Chip, 1500 Series

Control Module The control module is the brain of the device. This module will allow for communication among the other modules and will control all device functions. Mini-board Demultiplexer

Selection Module The selection module consists of three push pads. Scroll pad Selection pad Message pad

Evaluation of Project Success Working prototype Deliverable product Upgradeability Maintainability Positive response by the client

Recommendations for Additional Work Additional keywords/phrases Lighted buttons Longer battery life Wireless speaker connection Wheelchair fixed Record option on each of the chips Power jack Single chip implementation

Financial Budget Parts Planned Cost Actual Cost Components 10 50 MC 60 Donated ISD Chips 75 Battery 120 Casing 40 - Fabrication

Lessons Learned Start early Communicate Expertise of advisor and faculty Free samples

Acknowledgements Professor Charlie Wright and Gary Bridges Ron Weston Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Ron Weston Mid States Distributors Jon Diller Diller Electric

Summary Problem Statement Design Objectives End-Product Description Block Diagram Assumptions/Limitations Project Risks/Concerns Technical Approach

Summary (continued) Evaluation of Project Success Recommendations for Additional Work Financial Budget Lessons Learned Acknowledgements

Questions