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

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

3. Project Advisor
Robert M. Anderson, Jr., Professor Office: 2113 Coover Office Phone:

4. Client Information Chris With assistance by the
Heartland Area Education Agency Division of Special Education South 17th Street Ames, IA Office secretary:

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. Limitations Budget Size Weight Two semesters
Capabilities of the client

10. Project Risks/Concerns
Heat
Fabrication
Durability
Discontinued ISD chips
Casing

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

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

17. 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

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

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

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

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

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

23. Questions