Below are the projects from 2011/2012.  

This list is kept online for incoming students thinking of possible project ideas and sponsors, and for potential sponsors to see previous project postings.

The first posting for the 2012/2013 project listings will be posted approximately the week before classes begin on Sept 4th.

UBC ENGINEERING PHYSICS PROJECT LAB

AVAILABLE PROJECTS – 2011 / 2012

Below is a listing of projects available for the year for Engineering Physics students in APSC 459/479.  Any questions about availability of projects or particular sponsors should be directed to Jon Nakane for further information.

1. Please do not contact Project Sponsors directly before getting approval from the Project Lab.
2. APSC 479 - Project Selection can begin on the first day of classes, in consultation with the Project Lab and project sponsors.  The majority of groups will begin disussing projects during the first week of classes and finalize selection by the second week of classes.  Selection in 479 is generally first-come, first-serve, but some students (and some sponsors) would like to discuss project details directly before confirming the project.
3. APSC 459 - Project Selection will occur once all APSC 479 students have selected a topic, generally starting the end of 2nd week.  Groups will submit their list of 4-6 preferred projects, and will be assigned by the Project Lab.  Historically, the majority of groups get their 1st-3rd picks.
4. Incoming projects may be added up until the middle of September.  Check back often to see if new projects have been added to the list.
5. Projects already claimed will be marked in red and marked with an ampersand ( & )
6. Projects that have been edited or added after the first posting are marked with an asterisk ( * ).  All new postings appear at the end of the list.

List of Projects

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1.  Transport Box Redesign  (Frogbox)

Doug Burgoyne, Frogbox

FROGBOX is a Vancouver based startup that provides customers in 19  regions across North America (up from just 3 regions one year ago) with a moving box solution that is more convenient, affordable and eco-friendly than traditional moving supplies.  Entrepreneur Magazine listed them as one of the 10 Hot Startups for 2010 (only Canadian company on the list) and the company appeared on a successful $200k funding round on CBC’s Dragon’s Den in January 2011.   FROGBOX’s goal is to redefine the moving supply business in North America and make ‘FROGBOX’ the generic term for reusable moving box

This project will expose student to a relevant engineering problem and also to how design can influence business.  The Founders of FROGBOX are both accessible to the students to share experience.   One of the Founders is a Queens Engineer/Harvard MBA.

FROGBOXES are currently made from virgin High Density Poly Ethelyne (HDPE #2 plastic), which was chosen because its durability and weight to strength ratio provides the best carbon footprint of currently available logistics boxes.  There are many issues with the current version of boxes - they at present cannot be made from recycled HDPE, they require non-resusable paper labels or stickers for box identification by clients, and were not designed for home or rental use by discerning clients (logistics boxes are normally used by transport companies like Fedex and the airlines, and are designed for strength and durability but have features which make them harder to clean and service as rental units).

The project is to come up with the optimal moving box taking into account the following criteria:

1. Environmental footprint –combination of manufacturing footprint and number of times boxes can be used before being recycled.
2. Weight –need a high strength to weight ratio  (current box weighs 3.4 kg)
3. Strength - examining this may require FEA analysis of the likely places for box failure for the existing or planned boxes.
4. Cost –low cost per box needed to make economics of business model attractive.
5. Size –current size is 24” x 20” x12”.  We’d like to have one box that size and one that is ~ 16” x 14” x 10”
6. Ability to stack when full and nest when empty.
7. Ability to service and clean the boxes when returned by clients
8. Other features (resuable box labeling, potential ability to stack with existing fleet of boxes, etc).

Each of the 19 franchises uses 1500 - 2000 boxes in the fleet, meaning that any changes in the box design will have immediate impact across North America.  

Expected Outcome:

1. Develop a model of the optimal moving box that we could contract out to a North American Supplier to produce exclusively for FROGBOX.
2. Depending on cost – may request a prototype
3. Perform a Life Cycle Analysis of environmental footprint of box from manufacturing to recycling

The project will be cross-posted to the Mechanical Engineering 45x Capstone Design Project Course, and may have multiple student groups working on the project.

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2. Transport Box Service Station  (Frogbox)

 Doug Burgoyne, Frogbox

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FROGBOX is a Vancouver based startup that provides customers in 19  regions across North America (up from just 3 regions one year ago) with a moving box solution that is more convenient, affordable and eco-friendly than traditional moving supplies.  Entrepreneur Magazine listed them as one of the 10 Hot Startups for 2010 (only Canadian company on the list) and the company appeared on a successful $200k funding round on CBC’s Dragon’s Den in January 2011.   FROGBOX’s goal is to redefine the moving supply business in North America and make ‘FROGBOX’ the generic term for reusable moving box

This project will expose student to a relevant engineering problem and also to how design can influence business.  The Founders of FROGBOX are both accessible to the students to share experience.   One of the Founders is a Queens Engineer/Harvard MBA.

At present, all boxes used by customers are hand-serviced by Frogbox staff - typically, this includes a wipe-down with armor-all or similar cleaner for cleaning (and anti-static protection), removal of dust and residues on the inside and outside of the boxes, and ensuring that the general outside appearance of the boxes  meets clients expectations.  Because of the size, shape and stacking of the boxes, it is highly tedious and repetitive work to work through stacks of boxes consistently and efficiently.  Each franchise has 1500 - 2000 boxes, normally stored in nested stacks of 30, adding to the difficulty in unstacking, servicing, and re-stacking.

Frogbox is looking to develop a “Transport Box Service Station”, ideally a custom-designed trailer or rack capable of allowing the user to clean and service their fleet of boxes more efficiently.   The initial idea was to have a portable rack able to handle ~10 boxes, with the user able to easily access the inside and outside, top and bottom of the boxes for servicing, with a wash/dry mechanism built in as part of the system.   Teams are free to be creative about the final mechanism, and introduce varying levels of automation/assistance with the system, keeping in mind a balance between ease of use and environmental impact (energy/solvents/noise).  

Other design considerations for the Transport Box Service Station include:

1. Transportation and storage - how much space does the trailer/rack need?  can it be easily moved and collapsed so it stays out of the way, or easily transported from franchise to franchise?
2. Environmental impact  - can the system minimize the use of solvents and cleaners?  Can the system minimize the amount of energy / electricity used to service each box?
3. Ease of unstacking/stacking boxes - can the system make it easier to stack and unstack the nested boxes?  

A successful prototype will be evaluated by the company and tested at the company headquarters here in Vancouver, where teams will be able to obtain full stacks of boxes to test their Service Station.

The project will be cross-posted to the Mechanical Engineering 45x Capstone Design Project Course, and may have multiple student groups working on the project.

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3.  &   Autonomous Sand Painting Robot (EverydayDesign)

David Long, The Practice of Everyday Design

(& claimed by ENPH 479 group)

The Practice of Everyday Design invites UBC Engphys Project Lab members to join our project team to design and construct an Autonomous Sand Painting Robot.  We are seeking enthusiastic members who are detail orientated and able to devise innovative solutions.

The  Autonomous Sand Painting Robot is a modern interpretation of ancient ritualistic practices that involve the manual act of laying down intricate tracts of sand in beautiful patterns.  This project uses these ancient rituals for inspiration only and will not have any religious association.

There are several goals and outcomes for this project:

• From our knowledge, nothing like this has ever been accomplished making it a novel project.
• The seamless integration of engineering, art, and programming.

We are interested in the Sand Painting Robot because it merges the disciplines of engineering and art into one artefact.  The ancient practice of sand art is directly related to the artisan and their ability to precisely create art from coloured sand and a metal tube.  The Sand Painting Robot provides the opportunity for non-artists to create visually stunning art works from a simple computer user interface.  It also allows the artwork to be repeated in different locations or created from users abroad.  

The ideal system would be able to fill and entire room of perhaps 10’ x 10’ up to 20’ x 20’, but a high level of detail is expected for the system

Similar systems for providing motion have been done before with systems like the hektor motion system; however, the final result for this project should be fully portable and used in a variety of installations.

This will be a one term project suitable for applicants with an interest in programming, mechanical assembly, autonomous robotics, and art.

We are unable to provide any lab facilities – all work will be conducted at UBC.

References:

Tibetan Sand Mandala in progress:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6b7iro-qZ4&feature=player_embedded

Graffiti Machine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6sVM7uptls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uFsZEqCBV4

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4. &    Origami Engineering (Olson)

James Olson, UBC Mechanical Engineering / Director, Pulp and Paper Center

(&  claimed by ENPH 479 group, Sept 12)

3D continuous converter.  The project would be based on "Origami engineering" of new materials.  In Origami engineering planar surfaces are folded into 3D cellular structures that are high strength and light weight.  The project would be to survey current cellular structures and to design and build a continuous converting machine to build these 3D cellular structures from a paper roll.  The 3D surface would then be tested for strength / elasticity, etc.   See the attached paper.

We have developed a concept for the continuous machine and want to create a demonstration version.

Students would have space and a budget of approximately $10,000 if they were able to create a working prototype.

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5. Light weight, High strength Egg-carton from 100% recycled fibre (Olson)

James Olson, UBC Mechanical Engineering / Director, Pulp and Paper Center

A company in Langley is one of the largest egg-carton manufacturers in Canada.  Currently they have a standard egg carton design that you would all see in the stores.  The company is looking for an innovative new design that is capable of fully protecting the eggs while being stacked and transported but has 50% less fibre material in the carton.  The carton would also have to be formed using conventional carton forming equipment. The project could be a combination of Finite Element analysis and prototype development and testing.   A successful design may lead to patenting and implementation on their carton forming machine.

The students would have space and a small budget to examine prototype development.

The projects would be appropriate for 8 month projects.

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6.  Quantum Materials Lab - Research Topics  (Damascelli)

Andrea Damascelli, UBC Physics and Astronomy

Several projects will be available within the Quantum Materials Lab led by Andrea Damascelli in AMPEL. These range from the study of the electronic properties of quantum materials — such as high-temperature superconductors, novel magnets, and topological insulators — to the design, development, and commissioning of highly-advanced instrumentation for high-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy.

An overview of the lab activities can be found at:  http://www.phas.ubc.ca/~quantmat/ARPES.html

For further information, contact Andrea Damascelli at: damascelli@physics.ubc.ca

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7. &   Topics in Acoustics (Waltham)

Chris Waltham, UBC Physics and Astronomy

(* revised Tues Sept 6)

(& claimed by 459 group, 30 Sept)

A number of projects are listed here:   http://www.phas.ubc.ca/~waltham/projects/.   The descriptions are as follows:

a.) String position sensor
Based on a quartet of microphones, we will use this to study the 3-D nonlinear interaction of strings and soundboard. The device is now available to test real strings on real instruments.

b.) Modal Analysis of soundboxes
Learn this widely applicable technique to map the modal shapes of instruments at their resonant frequencies, using LMS software. We have an automated impact hammer that allows repeated, reproducible excitation and consequently excellent data quality.

c.) Sound Radiation from Asian String Instruments
Work in CEME's world-class anechoic chamber and learn how to map acoustic radiation. We have the equipment to build a 32-microphone array to allow detailed angular distributions to be acquired quickly. Sophisticated data analysis techniques allow acoustic imaging to identify which part of the instrument is responsible for the sound.

Several of these topics could lead to either part-time work after the project is over, or possible graduate opportunities in acoustics.  Students working on these topics will get a mix of experience using Matlab, LMS Modal Analysis software and acquisition tools, and the semi-anaechoic room in PHAS, the fully anaechoic room in the Rusty Hut, harps, soundboxes, and Asian stringed instruments.

d.) Calculation of acoustic radiation from a soundbox

Calculating radiation from a vibrating shell with a hole is a vital part of musical acoustics but it is a difficult theoretical task requiring the solution of the Kirchhoff-Helmholtz equation. However, new freeware code (http://acousto.sourceforge.net/) makes the problem accessible to an undergraduate project.

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8. ALS Design Competition  (ALSBC)

ALS Society of BC

Background:

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) is a rapidly progressive, neuromuscular disease. It attacks the motor neurons that transmit electrical impulses from the brain to the voluntary muscles in the body. When these muscles fail to receive messages, they lose strength, atrophy and die. ALS can hit anyone at any, time regardless of age, gender, or ethnic origin. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 3 to 5 years. ALS does not affect the senses; only rarely does it affect the mind.  In 90% of cases, it strikes people with no family history of the disease.  

For the past 4 years, the ALS Society of British Columbia has established three Awards to encourage and recognize innovation in technology to substantially improve the quality of life of people living with ALS.  The Dr. Jim McEwen Excellence in Engineering Design Awards of $5,000, $2,500, and $1,000 are made available to student groups participating in the competition.  Read more about details of the 2011 awards »

Click above for a video describing the 2011 ALS Design Competition (organizers, student groups, project ideas)

Background:

The range of topics suggested by the organizers covers a broad range of topics, where a practical, workable design or device can result in a real impact to the quality of life of people living with ALS:

• Eye Gaze Tracking improvements  (inconsistent calibration, slow start-up, user-unfriendliness, positioning difficulty)
• Improvements for Communication (response to incoming phonecalls, portable devices capable of receiving and generating speech, computer-foot interfaces,
• Feeding and Eating (improved tools for food preparation, cleaning, eating, )
• Mobility and Posture (neck braces, door opening schemes)

Previous groups in Engineering Physics have examined issues with Eye Gaze Tracking and Door Opening System..    

In previous years, ALSBC has hosted a number of key events and workshops and provided support and resources to assist participating students connect with the ALS community, give guidance to teams, and provide mentorship during the team’s development of solutions:

• a Student Orientation Day in late Sept to meet ALS caregivers, people living with ALS, and Assistive Device Technology experts
• Design Group Meetings to meet with organizers and other teams from UBC, SFU, and BCIT.
• An invitation to the Annual ALS Symposia in November
• Invitation to the Judging and Awards Reception in April and May

A  comprehensive Needs Survey, which also includes a list of suggested design topics from last year, can be found here:  

2011 Needs Survey / 2010 Suggested Design Topics 

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9. Design and implementation of a temperature compensation system for Silicon-Photomultiplers (TRIUMF)

Fabrice Retière, Pierre-André Amaudruz, Daryl Bishop (TRIUMF)

Objective and scope

Pixelated Geiger-Mode avalanche Photodiodes, often called Silicon Photomutipliers (SiPMs) are increasingly replacing conventional mesh based photo-multipliers (PMTs) for applications requiring the detection of visible light [1]. SiPMs easily outperformed PMTs as long as the dark current does not overwhelmed the signal, which in effect limits the SiPM maximum active area. Hence, PMTs are expected to remain unchallenged whenever large detection area (i.e. > a few cm2) are required. However, for applications requiring mm2 scale detectors, such as Positron Emission Tomography scanners and numerous physics experiments, PMTs are likely to disappear. The main issue affecting the SiPM operation is their high sensitivity to temperature, which can be addressed either by keeping the detector temperature constant or by designing a temperature compensation system. A reliable temperature compensation system would greatly simplify the detector design. The goal of the project is to design such a system.

TRIUMF has been involved since 2005 in the construction, and operation of the Fine Grained Detector for the T2K experiment utilizing 8,448 SiPMs, called Multi-Pixel Photon Counters (MPPCs) produced by Hamamatsu photonics [2]. TRIUMF designed and built the electronics system for the MPPC readout and control. While the readout system is very specific to the T2K experiment, the control system was re-used in other applications, first in a prototype for Positron Emission Tomography and then in the TREK particle physics experiment and in a spectrometer for muon-spin rotation (condensed matter physics). Experiments relying on MPPCs are expected to be put together in the coming years at TRIUMF and in the world in general for medical imaging and physics applications.

The hardware necessary to perform active temperature compensation exists in the monoPET, TREK and the future muSR readout cards. However the procedure for temperature control remained to be designed and implemented. The project is divided in the following tasks:

1. Implementation and test of the active temperature compensation system in the micro-controller using the temperature readout. The relationship between the breakdown voltage and the temperature is known to be 56 ± 1.5 mV/°C [3]  .  Above the critical voltage called breakdown voltage, the electric field within the silicon depleted region enables charge carriers to create additional carriers by impact ionization, which yields to the desired signal amplification. The over-voltage, which is the difference between the voltage applied to the MPPC and the breakdown voltage, drives the device performances and it is the quantity that must be kept constant. Hence the applied voltage must follow the breakdown voltage change with temperature. The temperature is available in the micro-controller through a set of ADC value, while the bias voltage is controlled by a DAC.

2. Investigation of the MPPC dark current variation with temperature and bias voltage. Rather than using an additional temperature sensor as described in task 1, it would be desirable to use the measure of the dark current for temperature compensation. In this case, the MPPC itself acts as a temperature sensor. The current going through the MPPC is also measured on board and available in the micro-controller. However, the MPPC dark current does not vary linearly with temperature and bias [4]. The exact dependence is not known very well. It will have to be measured before a compensation loop can be implemented. This work is of academic interest and it could lead to a publication. The main focus of the project will nevertheless be to derive a look up table, or if necessary a scanning procedure, allowing to achieve reliable temperature compensation by using the dark current measure.

3. Implement and test the temperature compensation system in the micro-controller. Implement the feedback loop procedure in the micro-controller and test its efficiency. .

Task 1 and 2 can be done in parallel. Task 3 requires the completion of tasks 1 and 2. Task 1 provides the required expertise and cross-check for implementing the temperature compensation in the micro-controller. Task 2 provides the required dark current vs temperature dependence. Within task 2, interested students could attempt to interpret the measured temperature dependence of the dark current by modeling the various processes going on the silicon.

This project is important to overcome one of the main drawbacks of SiPMs when compared to conventional Photo-Multipliers. The implementation of the temperature compensation system will greatly ease the operation of MPPCs (and SiPMs in general) in experiments being built and/or designed at TRIUMF but also in numerous applications being developed at various institutions.

Expected technical background

• Required: experience in C programming or similar languages
• Desirable: experience in programming micro-controller
• Required: academic knowledge about semi-conductors, especially the pn junction
• Required: laboratory experience, using oscilloscope and voltmeter/picoammeter
• Optional: some knowledge of photon detector working principle

Resource available for the project 

List of equipment required for the project that will be available at TRIUMF:

• Multi-Pixel Photon Counters, either 1.3x1.3 mm2 or 3x3 mm2. Other SiPMs may be available
• Control and high speed electronics boards. See attached schematics for the SiLabs C8051F133 microcontroller board »
• Software for micro-controller programming
• Environment controlled chamber. Range: -70-80 °C
• Keithley picoammeter

Length of term

The project can be completed in 1 term. The project can also be spread over 2 terms putting more emphasis putting on the detailed characterization of the MPPC response to temperature and voltage variation.

Footnotes:

[1] D. Renker and E. Lorenz, JINST 4:P04004,2009

[2] http://sales.hamamatsu.com/assets/applications/SSD/mppc_kapd0002e08.pdf

[3] M. Yokoyama et al., Nucl. Instr. and Meth. A 622 (2010) 567 (http://arxiv.org/abs/1007.2712 [physics.ins-det]).

[4] http://arxiv.org/abs/1101.1996 

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10.  Micro Induction-Heating and Temperature Sensing System (UBC Rapid)

Jacob Bayless, UBC Rapid 

Overview:

This project is to develop a closed-loop induction heating extruder system for plastics extrusion. The goal is to develop a circuit that can wirelessly sense and control the temperature of a fine metal ring inside a glass tube.

Most 3D printing nozzles essentially consist of a metal tube with a fine nozzle, heated by current through a resistor. Although the design sounds simple, problems with the heat distribution can jam or destroy these parts. The nozzle performance is closely related to how well the heat can be focused in a small area, so that the material transitions from cool to hot over a very small distance. There are limits to how effectively this can be done with a conductive metal nozzle, so attention has been put into making a new type of heater out of insulating materials, and transmitting energy wirelessly via induction heating to the inside to form a focused hot zone. In addition the thermal mass of this system would be negligible, allowing it to heat up and cool down instantly.

The trick, then, is… how do we control the temperature? Normally a thermistor or thermocouple is placed on the exterior, which does a reasonable job of controlling the temperature as long as it doesn’t change too quickly from place to place and from time to time. But a temperature sensor outside an insulating nozzle would do no good for sensing the temperature inside. Maybe, if we can get heat in there wirelessly, there might be a way to measure the temperature wirelessly too?

Simulations of the system suggest that this kind of temperatures sensing can be done by carefully measuring the resistance and inductance of the coil at certain frequencies, as it responds to the changing temperature of the hot zone. This will allow for much faster and more controllable plastic extrusion, which can run faster under less pressure than a normal extruder, and stops on a dime.

However, the technology described above exists only on paper! Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to develop and test the circuitry for implementing this idea. We will be using filters, phase-locked loops (PLLs), Mosfets, and other good stuff. An interest and familiarity with electromagnetism, Matlab/Octave, and electrical engineering will be a big help. Reading this webpage is a good way to see if it seems appealing to you: http://www.richieburnett.co.uk/indheat.html

This is a tricky project but also a good learning opportunity, and a chance to participate in developing a really cool new technology. Your sponsor (that’s me!) will be available to provide help and guidance.

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11. &    Waste-to-Anything Recycling Machine (UBC Rapid)

Jacob Bayless, UBC Rapid 

(& claimed by ENPH 479 group)

Background:

RepRaps and similar commercial 3D printers require a constant feed of plastic filament of an exact diameter, supplied on a spool, to print objects with. Filament is surprisingly expensive, ranging from $20 up to $300/kg for ABS plastic, and $30-$80/kg for biodegradable PLA. In industry, raw plastic is typically supplied and processed in the form of granules, which are orders of magnitude cheaper. To make matters worse, many useful types of plastic are not marketed in filament form at all. But filament is used in printing anyway because it’s easy to control and feed precise volumes with, which is important to the print quality. As the cost of plastic is by far the dominant cost when it comes to running a 3D printer, a granule-to-filament converter would bring costs down by a lot, and also allow for experimenting with new types of plastic.

One step away from the granule extruder is the recycling machine, a sort of Holy Grail in the RepRap community. This is a machine into which you could toss waste plastic, failed prints, and scrap material and have it reprocessed into filament feedstock, which then can be turned into new printed parts. The waste gets smashed up into granules and then transferred into a granule extruder. This could be the ultimate in eco-friendly manufacturing!

Blending granules of two different plastics could produce a filament with unique properties, or printed part that transitions from hard to soft, or from green to blue.

What’s involved:

The goal is to produce a granule-to-filament machine for extruding 3 mm diameter PLA plastic filament out of raw plastic. The design should aim to produce the most consistent filament diameter possible and free of air bubbles, but it doesn’t have to be fast.  Full use of any tools available (Omax waterjet, etc) is encouraged, but the design should aim to be inexpensive (under $600). The focus should be on perfecting granule extrusion, so it’s not necessary to also design a shredder.

For inspiration, here’s a video of a home-made system for extruding HDPE plastic (although it produces ribbons, not filaments). Interestingly, this system doesn’t seem to have any problem with air bubbles, but it’s not entirely clear why.

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12. &     Harmonograph (Wanner)

Andres Wanner, School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT), Simon Fraser University Surrey

(& claimed by ENPH 479 group Sept 15)

The Harmonograph is an Art Project about the precision and unprecision of an electromechanic drawing machine.  The Swiss-Canadian artist Andres Wanner will use this machine to explore the limits of controllability of a simple machine-setup.

Project Goal: to build an electromechanic machine that draws customizable Lissajous-Figures onto a piece ofpaper.

Lissajous-Figures

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lissajous_curve

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Lissajous figures are curves, composed of two sinus-oscillations in horizontal and vertical direction. They are originally known from oscilloscopes or pendulums. Different curves arise, when the frequency of the horizontal and the vertical oscillation are either equal, or multiples of the same base frequency.

A machine that draws a Lissajous-figure, or an other type of “harmonic” curve is also called Harmonograph. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmonograph

Precedents

Andres Wanner has been building robot- and machine art since 2003. Here are some examples of his work:

The Plotter (2006). Drawing Machine built of Lego-mindstorms.

will be shown at Computational Aesthetics, Vancouver, August 5, tinyurl.com/createtools

watch more on http://vimeo.com/album/66860

Mechanic Oscillation Generator

A harmonic curve / otherwise known as a sinus-oscillation, can be mechanically obtained, by converting a circular motion into a straight one. A device of this type will do this:

The Harmonograph

The harmonograph will use two component motions; x and y; horizontal and vertical, and use them to draw a Lissajous figure:

The first rotator will rest on a piece of paper. It will move back and forth a second rotator into x-direction (blue).

The second rotator sits on the moving parts of the first pair of rotators.   A pen is attached to it, and is moved into the y-direction (red).

Together, the blue and the red rotator cause the pen to move in the two dimensions, x and y, blue and red.Depending on the varying speeds of the motors at the blue and the red rotators, this setup will draw different liassajous figures.  For its intended purpose, the wheel diameters should be 40cm in diameter.

Settings:

Motor speed: the two motors can be controlled individually. Their speed must be controllable in discrete intervals

(base speed must be the same for motor 1 and 2):

base speed

base speed x 2

base speed x 3

etc.

Extra setting “precision”:

As this is an art project about precision of the machine, the artist would like you to build 2 different versions of this machine:

1. a precise one: it works with a normal precision and reliability (precise means: if the machine runs long enough, the exact same lines will be repeated again.)

2. an unprecise one: it contains glitches, errors, abbreviations from the regular shapes.

Procedure:

1. first build a functional precise one,

2. remove one part to reduce precision, and run it again

3. if it still works, continue removing parts, or loosen screws etc, until it gets less and less predictable results.

Examine the factors that determine the precision or unprecision. These can be: construction details, added stability enforcement, but also tightness of the screws and joints, power level of the motors, etc.

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13. Planar Bellows Actuator for Suntracking Array (Lumira)

Alex Mossman, Lumira Technologies

Project Objectives and Scope

Lumira Technologies has developed a concept for enhanced illumination of building interiors using sunlight. The core idea is Lumira’s proprietary actuator; a large planar array of proportional fluidic actuators created by thermoforming corrugated bellows into a thermoplastic film, somewhat like high-tech bubble wrap. Each actuator is several inches in diameter, and at full travel extends more than an inch out of plane. A full array of several hundred actuators is suitable for orienting a field of suntracking elements.

The project is focussed on improving the core actuator element itself, and consists of a design and analysis phase and an experimental phase.

The design and analysis phase will focus on identifying designs that maximize travel and durability. The existing design that has been reduced to practice will be analyzed, as will any alternative concepts the students can generate. Focus will be on understanding the onset of yield and other failure modes such as buckling through FEA and other relevant techniques.

The experimental phase includes fabrication of an optimized actuator using the forming equipment developed by Lumira. The forming process will need to be optimized to achieve the best part performance. Experimental studies mapping the effect of multiple process parameters may be required. Work will include measurement of the actual geometry formed and its relation to tooling and process conditions. Depending on the interest of the students, this project could be focussed only on theoretical analysis and design, although an experimental element is preferred.

Resources Available

Working prototype actuators can be provided, together with Solidworks models. Thermoforming equipment developed by Lumira is available, as is suitable thermoplastic film. The students will need to provide a workspace with 240V and compressed air.

Expected Technical Background

The students should be mechanically oriented, and capable of carrying out stress analysis on complex shapes via FEA. An interest in manufacturing and materials properties is also required, although no particular expertise is expected.

Project Duration

Scope can be adjusted to fit either a one or two term project.

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14. &     Methods for Monitoring of Human Movement (Leung)

Dr. Cyril Leung, UBC Electrical and Computer Engineering

(& claimed by 459 group, 30 Sept)

The motivation for this project can be found in the paper “Sensors-based Wearable Systems for Monitoring of Human Movement and Falls” by Shany, T. Redmond, S. Narayanan, M. Lovell, N. in the IEEE Sensors Journal. The Abstract of the paper is reproduced below.

“The rapid aging of the worlds population, along with an increase in the prevalence of chronic illnesses and obesity, requires adaption and modification of current healthcare models. One such approach involves telehealthapplications, many of which are based on sensor technologies for unobtrusive monitoring. Recent technological advances, in particular involving microelectromechnical systems, have resulted in miniaturized wearable devices that can be used for a range of applications. One of the leading areas for utilization of bodyfixed sensors is the monitoring of human movement. An overview of common ambulatory sensors is presented, followed by a summary of the developments in this field, with an emphasis on the clinical applications of falls detection, falls risk assessment and energy expenditure. The importance of these applications is considerable in light of the global demographic trends and the resultant rise in the occurrence of injurious falls and the decrease of physical activity. The potential of using such monitors in an unsupervised manner for community dwelling individuals is immense, but entails an array of challenges with regards to design considerations, implementation protocols and signal analysis processes. Some limitations of the research to date and suggestions for future research are also discussed.”

The objective in this project is to select, implement and evaluate a cost-effective approach for monitoring the movement of seniors in a home environment.

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15. &     Energy conservation and management tools for the home (Leung)

Dr. Cyril Leung, UBC Electrical and Computer Engineering

(& claimed by 459 group, 30 Sept)

It is widely recognized that the use of energy and the associated environmental impact are major global challenges. There is a great deal of interest on the part of governments as well as individual citizens in energy conservation and efficiency measures. At the home level, these include designing new home which minimize energy consumption, improving heat loss in existing homes, smart electrical metering, etc. The objective in this project is to develop specific tools to assist residents in reducing their home energy use. An example is a tool for determining areas in which the most energy savings can be obtained, and suggesting a list of cost effective measures for residents.

Students interested in this projects will take the lead in generating the project objectives and deliverables.  During the project proposal phase, students will be expected to (a) do a thorough review of the state-of-the-art in the field, both in commercial devices and items under development; (b) review previous 459/479 projects in similar fields; (c) discuss options with local experts in the field for their input and guidance; and (d) select and present their project objectives and deliverables based on their findings.   The project sponsor will be available to offer project oversight, provide financial resources where appropriate, and direct student groups to appropriate resources.

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16. An Electronic White Cane for the Visually Impaired (Leung)

Dr. Cyril Leung, UBC Electrical and Computer Engineering

The objective is to design an electronic white cane to assist visually impaired individuals in everyday activities. Features which could be considered for implementation include aural feedback to the user about the condition of the pavement, surrounding obstacles, GPS capability to provide geographical location, character recognition ability for reading signs, etc. Students will be provided with information on past-year projects on this topic.

Students interested in this projects will take the lead in generating the project objectives and deliverables.  During the project proposal phase, students will be expected to (a) do a thorough review of the state-of-the-art in the field, both in commercial devices and items under development; (b) review previous 459/479 projects in similar fields; (c) discuss options with local experts in the field for their input and guidance; and (d) select and present their project objectives and deliverables based on their findings.   The project sponsor will be available to offer project oversight, provide financial resources where appropriate, and direct student groups to appropriate resources.  

Previous White Cane projects done for 459/479 projects include :

• DROPS:  Drop-Off Recognition Optical Processing System
• Electronic White Cane using RFID Tags
• Navigational Aid for the Visually Impaired

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17. Error Control Coding for Flash Memory (Leung)

Dr. Cyril Leung, UBC Electrical and Computer Engineering

The popularity of NAND flash memory is growing very rapidly due to desirable characteristics such as nonvolatility, shock-resistance, light weight and energy efficiency. Applications include USB drives, digital camera storage and solid-state drives (SSDs). As the demand for higher storage capacity per unit area increases, so do the raw bit error rates. In this project, the main error mechanisms affecting NAND flash memory are to be surveyed. The use of low density parity check (LPDC) codes for error control has been proposed. An implementation of LDPC coding and a simulation study of its performance are the main tasks in the project. (Useful courses: EECE 453, EECE 454)

For reference, one good technical resource is the book "Error Control Coding, Second Edition" by S. Lin and D.J. Costello, published by Prentice-Hall. There are also many helpful papers which can also be retried from IEEE Xplore by doing a search on "LDPC, implementation, decoding, ..."

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18. Circular Saw Vibration Frequency and Mode Shape Indicator (Schajer)

Gary Schajer, UBC Mechanical Engineering - Renewable Resources Lab

A laboratory device has been constructed for identifying the natural frequencies and vibration mode shapes of a circular saw.  So far, the mechanical construction has been completed.  Still needed are the electronic instrumentation and the computer control, data acquisition, analysis and results display.  Then fine tuning and measurement development are required to produce a reliable and smoothly operating system.  

For reference:   “Practical Measurement of Circular Saw Vibration Mode Shapes” (Schajer, Ekevad, Grönlund)

This project would be appropriate within one-term for an experienced team including members who are skillful in electronics, computer data acquisition and analysis (C language desired, not Labview or Matlab).

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19. &     Droplet Sorter (Hansen)

Carl Hansen, UBC Physics and Astronomy

(& claimed by 459 group, 30 Sept)

This project is broken down into two major objectives. Groups should feel free to focus on one or both if time permits.

Objective 1: Building on the work of a previous 459 group, continue the development of a microfluidic drop sorter. The previous group began development of a microfluidic system which allowed droplets (~30 um in diameter) to be flowed past a focused laser spot (Argon Ion laser, 488 nm) at a rate approaching 1 kHz. Fluorescence from each droplet was then collected through a microscope objective and transmitted to a single photon counter. The end goal is to be able to determine the distribution of fluorescent drops across hundreds of thousands of droplets.

The previous group sourced and assembled the required hardware to begin testing this system. Their initial results were very good, detecting droplets at ~700 Hz at dye concentrations down to 30 nM, however further work is needed to improve the sensitivity and reproducibility of the system. Specifically:

• Optical alignment is currently not robust. The lenses and fiber optics coupling the fluorescence to the photon counter are frequently misaligned and thus affect the sensitivity. The physical mounting of the optical components needs to be redesigned and rebuilt.
• The system is currently built on an open bench. To improve safety and performance, a suitable enclosure should be designed and built. It must provide good sealing from outside light sources, while still allowing easy access to internal components.
• Noise from various power supplies appears to be compromising the signal. Therefore, power supplies need to be redesigned or replaced.
• The group would have freedom to investigate and implement other changes that would further this project.

Objective 2: Add droplet sorting functionality to the microfluidic chip. This should be accomplished by adding an electrode upstream of a junction leading to two collection channels. By using the electrode to apply an electric field across the channel, droplets could be sorted into one of the two channels. The group would be required to research and design the electrodes (as well as selecting a suitable fabrication technique) as well as the switching electronics. This objective could involve modeling in COMSOL and microfabrication of test devices.

The current drop sorting set-up

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20.  Computational Modeling of Hydrodynamic Cell Trapping (Hansen)

Carl Hansen, UBC Physics and Astronomy

Our lab is actively working on the development of single cell analysis methods.  A critical part to these devices is developing a means to rapidly isolate and immobilize single cells for analysis.  This work has lead to the development of the development of a large variety of cell geometries that use flow to direct cells to a trapping receptacle designed to accommodate only one cell. An example of such a trap is shown below.

A large number of trap designs have been fabricated and data has been collected to experimentally ascertain the efficiency and size-selectivity using different cell types. Optimal geometries produce efficiencies ranging from 5% to 80%, depending on the dimensions of the trap and the size of the cells. However, this empirical approach is tedious and does not allow for a detailed and predictive understanding of trap performance as a function of geometry.

The goal of this project is to use COMSOL Multiphysics modeling software to develop a pipeline for the simulation of a cell encountering an arbitrary user-defined trap geometry. This will shed some light on how the traps work and will be used to more quickly develop improved traps.

This project may involve the following tasks, as time allows:

• Use COMSOL to simulate the steady-state flow around the trap, both with and without a cell present.
• Use COMSOL (possibly coupled with MATLAB) to perform time-course simulations of a rigid cell, starting from an arbitrary upstream position, flowing through a channel and encountering a trap.
• Repeat the above for a non-rigid (deformable) cell.
• Use the simulations to measure the mechanical stress experienced by the cells.
• Use this simulation tool to predict trap efficiency and compare this to existing experimental data.

Previous experience with COMSOL and MATLAB is not required, but would be beneficial.

Due to the nature of the project and the licensing of the COMSOL software, this project is limited to a 2-person group (possibly for a 1-person student in 479, but not recommended)

Left: Picture of a cell approaching a trap. Right: Simulation of the

streamlines through the trap when no cell is present.

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21. &     Human Communication Technologies Lab  

Dr. Sid Fels, UBC Electrical and Computer Engineering

 (& claimed by 459 group, 30 Sept)

The Human communications Technology Laboratory (HCT) lab has projects that are concerned with understanding and creating new interfaces to improve the people's ability to interact with technology.  Some of the past projects have resulted in patents, academic publications, graduate theses and products.  Most projects require programming skills in at least C or C++ as a starting point and also require integration of hardware and software.

A number of undergraduate projects are listed at the following website:  

http://www.magic.ubc.ca/496/pmwiki/ 

Of particular note:   Engineering Physics  students may be interested in our "Internet of Things" project.  The project sponsors are keen on having students working on applications related to the project, including integrating sensors/actuators needed for the application, or the platform itself.  The latest version of this page is here:  

http://www.magic.ubc.ca/496/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=New.Sts

Please contact the Project Lab to discuss the listed options prior to contacting Dr. Fels or the other project leads listed on the website.  

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22. Assembly and characterization of an ultra-cold atomic jet (Madison)

Dr. Kirk Madison, UBC Physics

Magneto-optic traps (MOTs) operate by radiation pressure (velocity and position selective light pressure) to enable the collection and storage of ultra-cold atomic gases.  The goal of this project is to construct and characterize a magneto-optic device that provides laser cooling and confinement in 2 dimensions with the 3rd dimension unconfined.  This 2D MOT will generate a laser cooled atomic beam (or jet) of atoms that will be recaptured in a secondary MOT.  After construction, a full characterization of the atomic beam (including velocity, beam divergence, and density) will be performed.

This project will involve work with a research team on a wide array of design, assembly, and analysis activities including some or all of the following:

1) Mechanical design and assembly of mounting system

2) Ultra high vacuum assembly and testing

3) Design, fabrication, and testing of a magnetic coil pair to generate the quadrupole magnetic field guide for the atomic beam

4) Design and assembly of the optical systems

5) Data acquisition and analysis [using Labview, Python]

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23. Laser Power Stabilization System (Madison)

Dr. Kirk Madison, UBC Physics

The power output of a laser can fluctuate due to variety of technical mechanisms including microscopic vibrations of the laser cavity length and fluctuations in the strength of the optical or electronic excitation of the gain medium.  For some applications in our lab (spectroscopy and atom trapping) this "technical noise" is a nuisance and degrades the performance of our experiment.  The goal of this project is to design, construct, and characterize a general power stabilization system for use in our lab under various conditions.  This stabilization system will involve detecting the instantaneous power output of the laser using a fast photodiode and generating a feedback control signal to adjust the laser intensity using either an acousto-optic modulator or electro-optic modulator.

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24. &     Direct digital synthesizer (Madison)

Dr. Kirk Madison, UBC Physics

(& claimed by ENPH 479 group Sept 15)

In laser cooling experiments, radio frequency and micro-wave frequency sources are required for various purposes including the actuation of an acousto-optic modulator or for the manipulation of the quantum spin of laser cooled atoms.  Traditionally, these frequency sources have been derived from a voltage controlled oscillator; however, in recent years, due to advances in devices for telecommunications, IC chips have been developed (so-called direct digital synthesizers or DDS) which can be used for creating arbitrary waveforms (including single frequency sine waves) from a single, fixed-frequency reference clock.

The goal of this project is to design, fabricate, and test a prototype DDS system (using the Analog Devices chip AD9912, a 1 GSPS Direct Digital Synthesizer with 14-Bit DAC).  This project will follow the design from Todd Meyrath for the AD9852.  After the prototype system is complete, at least one 8-channel system will be designed and made based on these single channel sources.  This project will include both analog (low pass filters) and digital circuit design (high speed ECL logic) and may also involve PCB board layout in conjunction with the PHAS electronic shop.

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25. Ultra-low noise amplified photodetectors for "atom counting" in laser cooled atomic samples (Madison)

Dr. Kirk Madison, UBC Physics

In laser cooling experiments, the number of atoms trapped in a magneto-optic trap can be determined by measuring the total fluorescence emitted by the atomic cloud.  The task here is to design, build and test an amplified photodetector for fluorescence collection. The emphasis will be on making a detector with very high gain (sensitivity), and very low noise to maximize the single to noise.  Once the design is optimized, your job will be to fully characterize its performance, to manufacture 6 complete devices, and to install three of the units on an existing laser cooling apparatus. Fabrication of the final product will include circuit design, PCB fabrication, opto-mechanical and enclosure design and fabrication, and assembly.  Finally (time permitting) you will use the commissioned detectors to make high precision measurements of the number of trapped atoms in a laser cooled mixture of atomic rubidium and lithium atoms.

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26. &     Hansch-Couillard Stabilized Reference Cavity and Lock (Madison)

Dr. Kirk Madison, Physics & Astronomy

(& claimed by ENPH 479 group Sept 15)

This project involves the design, construction, and characterization of a moderately high finesse optical cavity and temperature stabilization circuit to serve as a stable reference for the frequency locking of a narrow linewidth grating stabilized diode laser.  This cavity will be used in a Hansch-Couillard optical lock setup.  Depending on progress, this project may also include the assembly of the optical setup for the lock.

Locking a laser to an external cavity is quite similar in practice to locking it to an atomic absorption line.  See for example this thesis:

https://www.kvi.nl/~trimp/web/Theses/ThijsHoogeveen.pdf

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27. Miniaturization of a saturated absorption lock for commercial applications of laser cooling (Madison)

Dr. Kirk Madison, UBC Physics

The commercialization of laser cooled atom based sensors and atomic clocks requires the miniaturization of the associated subsystems in a laser cooling apparatus.  The frequency stabilization system for the laser system is typically done using so-called saturation absorption spectroscopy.  The goal of this project is to design, construct, and test a compact and robust frequency stabilization system for use in a commercial laser cooled atom based sensor.  This project will include both electrical, mechanical, and optical design.  For more information about Sat. abs. spectroscopy, see this laboratory writeup: http://optics.colorado.edu/~kelvin/classes/opticslab/LaserSpectroscpy6.doc.pdf.

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28. &     Ultra-fast intensity stabilization for absorption beam measurements (Madison)

Dr. Kirk Madison, UBC Physics

(& claimed by 459 group, 30 Sept)

In laser cooling experiments, the atomic cloud can be imaged in a number of ways. Two common techniques are to image the fluorescence emitted by the trapped atoms and another is to image the absorption of a resonant probe laser.  In absorption imaging a probe laser tuned to the atomic transition passes through the atomic cloud and is then imaged onto a CCD camera. Two images of the probe laser are taken: one with the atoms present which produce a shadow and one in the absence of the atoms which serves as the reference. By dividing the two images the column density of the atomic cloud can be determined and the 3D density distribution can be reconstructed (assuming the distribution shape is known along the imaging axis).  The key to a good absorption image is insuring that the probe laser intensity is the same during both images.

The task here is to design an ultra-fast (sub 100 us) servo to control the pulse area (integrated intensity) for the absorption and reference images. This servo will correct for intensity fluctuations in the laser diode and any systematic drifts in the intensity.

A prototype servo will be characterized and tested and 4 identical copies will be made and commissioned on an existing laser cooling apparatus.

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29. &    Electronic Photonic Integrated Circuits (EPIC) (Chrostowski)

Lukas Chrostowski, UBC Electrical and Computer Engineering

(& claimed by ENPH 479 group)

This project is related to silicon photonics and silicon-on-insulator (SOI) nano-fabrication technology. Silicon photonics is a hot topic in optical communications and optoelectronics, with a huge investment from electronics industry for removing the bottleneck in electrical communications:

The compatibility with silicon CMOS technologies makes SOI a very promising candidate for the future integration of photonics and electronics on a common silicon platform. During past four years, a trans-Canadian graduate course in silicon nanophotonics fabrication has been successfully developed at UBC (http://www.mina.ubc.ca/eece584):

Many students have published their projects in journal papers and presented them at international conferences.

Fig. 1. SOI chips from the silicon nanophotonics fabrication course.

In the previous projects in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, the Engineering Physics students developed a ring-resonator measurement system and a chip-to-chip coupling system. Their reports can be found here:  

• LIMITATIONS OF DATA TRANSFER RATE ACROSS SOI RACETRACK RESONATORS (Sterling, Russell, 2009) »

• "Photonic Chip-to-Chip Couplers" (Chen, Du, 2010)  »

For the upcoming projects, the students will have access to more advanced technologies in the context of Electronic Photonic Integrated Circuits (EPIC). The goal is to characterize active and passive silicon photonics devices and sub-systems, including optical modulators, wavelength-division multiplexers and de-multiplexers, and optical detectors. As an example, Fig. 2 shows a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of a microring optical resonator. The students will be involved in system construction and measurement for novel designs. A setup from previous project is shown in Fig. 3. The students would also model the system using numerical or analytical method with commercial software packages and compare their experimental results with theory. Finally, the results should be written in a manuscript for journal and/or conference publication.

Fig. 2. SEM image of a microring optical-resonator reflector using a waveguide crossing.

Fig. 3. Experimental setup for silicon photonic circuits

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30. Diffraction Interferometer (Zaber)

Zaber Technologies

Zaber Technologies develops and manufactures precision linear actuators for photonics, biomedical, and industrial automation market using stepper motors. We typically achieve resolutions of 0.1um or better with open loop microstepping drive, and ±10um overall accuracy over 50mm. The entire stage with drive electronics fits in the palm of your hand. Our customers include NASA, MIT, CERN, Intel, and hundreds of other universities and companies.

We are in the process of adding encoder feedback technologies to further enhance our absolute accuracy. Building on the lessons we learned last year with a Fizz Project Lab group, we would like to take on new students to develop a commercializable Diffraction Interferometer (laser, optics, sensor), take the output of the sensor and feed it into a DSP, process the image, and output a clean quadrature encoder signal.

The mission, should you choose to accept, is to design and build the above-mentioned prototype with the ambitious goal of measuring distances up to 2m, with resolution better than 50nm, and the ability to track a moving stage at speeds up to 2m/s. The read head should ideally fit inside a 3cm3 volume and be manufacturable in quantity for <$50.

You will be provided with a linear stage (T-LSQ300D) on which to develop and test your prototype.

http://www.zaber.com/products/product_detail.php?detail=KT-LSQ300D

Applicable skills: Optics, Lasers, Detectors, Electronics, Precision Mechanics

This is a hands-on project that should appeal to those who enjoyed Phys 253. We have resources that would allow you to work in our office a few days a week alongside our engineers. You can talk to our previous year's project lab group to get a sense of what it is like to work with us.

Zaber was founded by fizzers and electro-mechs from UBC. We have a flat stucture, flexible working hours, and a very friendly work environment. We are completely employee owned with no outside funding. We are profitable, and growing organically at 30-50% a year.

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31. &    Capacitive or Inductive Linear Encoder (Zaber)

Zaber Technologies

(&  claimed by ENPH 479 group, Sept 12)

Zaber Technologies develops and manufactures precision linear actuators for photonics, biomedical, and industrial automation market using stepper motors. We typically achieve resolutions of 0.1um or better with open loop microstepping drive, and ±10um overall accuracy over 50mm. The entire stage with drive electronics fits in the palm of your hand. Our customers include NASA, MIT, CERN, Intel, and hundreds of other universities and companies.

We are in the process of adding encoder feedback technologies to further enhance our absolute accuracy. One commonly used and inexpensive linear encoder is a PCB laid out along the length of a digital caliper. Capacitive or inductive means are used to read the position to micron resolution. If you think about it, it is a pretty increcdible piece of technology for such low cost!

Your task is to investigate the various methods and variation of PCB-based encoder technology used in digital calipers (capacitive, inductive, differential sensing, absolute position detection, etc), select one, and build a prototype capable to interfacing to one of our linear stages.

You will be provided with a linear stage (T-LSQ300D) on which to develop and test your prototype. We will also fund the fabrication of PCB prototypes or other necessary purchases. This is an ideal project for a self-starter who wants to develop and complete a project of a well defined scope and deliverable.

Perfect project for somebody interested in a career in precision mechatronics or metrology, http://www.zaber.com/products/product_detail.php?detail=KT-LSQ300D

Applicable skills: Analog and Digital Electronics, Precision Measurement Techniques, Signal Processing, PCB design

This is a hands-on project that should appeal to those who enjoyed Phys 253. We have resources that would allow you to work in our office a few days a week alongside our engineers. You can talk to our previous year's project lab group to get a sense of what it is like to work with us.

Zaber was founded by fizzers and electro-mechs from UBC. We have a flat stucture, flexible working hours, and a very friendly work environment. We are completely employee owned with no outside funding. We are profitable, and growing organically at 30-50% a year.

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32. Light weight direct drive ring stepper motor  (Zaber)

Zaber Technologies

Zaber Technologies develops and manufactures precision linear actuators for photonics, biomedical, and industrial automation market using stepper motors. We typically achieve resolutions of 0.1um or better with open loop microstepping drive, and ±10um overall accuracy over 50mm. The entire stage with drive electronics fits in the palm of your hand. Our customers include NASA, MIT, CERN, Intel, and hundreds of other universities and companies.

Currently all of our motion control products are driven by commercial off-the-shelf stepper motors. However, for some applications such as a rotary stage with large aperture (center opening), it would be beneficial to have a direct drive for higher speed operation.

The purpose of this project is to develop a novel "pancake stepper" motor whose circuitry and winding are entirely integrated onto a single multilayer PCB. The resulting rotary stage will be thin, light weight, and able to turn rapidly and precisely with zero backlash. This is an advanced project, best suited to a group that is keenly interested in bleeding edge motion control and is not shy to commit an extraordinary amount of time and energy to advance the field.

We will be providing resources, guidance, and funding for the fabrication of the multilayer PCB ring motor, and caffeine for those staying up late.

Applicable skills: Analog and Power Electronics, Understanding Magnetism and Motors, Advanced PCB design, Precision Mechanics.

This is a hands-on project that should appeal to those who enjoyed Phys 253. We have resources that would allow you to work in our office a few days a week alongside our engineers. You can talk to our previous year's project lab group to get a sense of what it is like to work with us.

Zaber was founded by fizzers and electro-mechs from UBC. We have a flat stucture, flexible working hours, and a very friendly work environment. We are completely employee owned with no outside funding. We are profitable, and growing organically at 30-50% a year.

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33. Black Box Identification of Stepper Motor (Zaber)

Zaber Technologies

Zaber Technologies develops and manufactures precision linear actuators for photonics, biomedical, and industrial automation market using stepper motors. We typically achieve resolutions of 0.1um or better with open loop microstepping drive, and ±10um overall accuracy over 50mm. The entire stage with drive electronics fits in the palm of your hand. Our customers include NASA, MIT, CERN, Intel, and hundreds of other universities and companies.

Today one of the more difficult tasks of running a stepper motor system is choosing the right controller parameters for driving a particular motor. This requires knowing the parameters of the stepper motor like winding inductance, winding resistance, inertia, total power dissipation, etc. The user then has to manually translate those quantities into running current, hold current, acceleration, maximum velocity, etc.

Imagine a smart controller that, once plugged into a stepper motor, could automatically detect the physical characteristics of the motor and optimize its parameters for running the stepper motor. The purpose of this project is to do a feasibility study on automatic stepper motor parameter detection. How can you design and develop a circuit that would automatically detect the properties of the winding of the motor? What about detecting the size of the motor, or the rotor inertia? How do you do all of the above with minimal additional circuitry compared to a standard dual-H-Bridge chopper drive circuit?

It's your job to answer those questions and more, and to develop a proof-of-concept demonstrating the ability to identify the important characteristics of a two-phase stepper motor simply by connecting to the four wires from the windings. Your research may eventually be used to develop an advanced stepper motor controller with capabilities unlike anything else on the market today.

This is not an easy project, but a very rewarding one for somebody who admires Sherlock Holmes.

We will be providing resources, guidance, and funding for the fabrication of the proof-of-concept.

Applicable skills: Analog and Power Electronics, Understanding Magnetism and Motors, Good experimental and detective skills

This is a hands-on project that should appeal to those who enjoyed Phys 253. We have resources that would allow you to work in our office a few days a week alongside our engineers. You can talk to our previous year's project lab group to get a sense of what it is like to work with us.

Zaber was founded by fizzers and electro-mechs from UBC. We have a flat stucture, flexible working hours, and a very friendly work environment. We are completely employee owned with no outside funding. We are profitable, and growing organically at 30-50% a year.

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34. Design and construction of a position sensor for a scanning tunneling microscope  (Pennec)

Yan Pennec, UBC Physics and Astronomy - Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

The operation of a STM requires extreme accuracy for the positioning of the sensing tip respect to the sample, in the order of the size of an atom! This feat is achieved by combining a high sensitivity fine actuator (a piezoelectric tube) with a coarse motor. The challenge is to bridge the small range of the fine actuators (~100nm) with the smallest step of the coarse motor.

In our laboratory we design, build and operate so-called stick slip nanomotors allowing tuneable step size in the range of 10nm up to 400nm. We are able to forecast the displacement of our motors for relative displacement up to few micrometers. However, we are not capable of tracking the absolute position of the motor yet.

This project aims at designing an accurate position sensor for our motors. A literature survey shows that capacitive detection of two overlapping cylinder is a very sensitive mean to achieve such function. The scope of work will be the implementation of the electronics and software required to operate the sensor in a most user friendly way.

In a first step the capacitive detection will be use for a simple Z motion. In a second step we would like to implement to the more difficult problem of tracking the position of our XY planar nanomotors.

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35. Design and construction of high resolution strain gauges to monitor in real time shear, tensile and compression stress on a Ultra High Vacuum Cryogenic transfer arm (Pennec)

Yan Pennec, UBC Physics and Astronomy - Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

The transfer of both sample and tip in for our new Ultra High Vacuum Dilution Fridge Scanning Tunnelling Microscope is performed with a transfer arm. The task is made challenging when one take into account that the STM is a very fragile ceramic device, the tip holder is 2mm diameter and 8mm long while the transfer arm is 2m long and actuated by motors capable of lifting 50kN!

Hence it is necessary to implement stress sensing on the arm to track in real time the very small forces at play during sample and tip transfer. The scope of work will be the implementation of shear, tensile and compressive strain gauges on the manipulator from the electronics to the software.

The candidates are expected to have background knowledge in mechanics, instrumentation, electronics, and physics.

The candidates will be able to access all the resources of our laboratory.

PS : Projects are not lacking in our laboratory. If you have specific skills you want to apply or learn, we will help you find a way to do so.

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36. Submarine Data Logger/Display  (UBC SUBC)

UBC SUBC - Human-Powered Submarine Team

The goal of the project is to develop a waterproof data-logging and display unit that will allow the pilot of a human-powered submarine to view critical statistics such as water velocity, power output, heart rate, depth, etc. as well as save the data for post-mission analysis.  The sampling rate does not have to be very high, and the sampling time should be continuous (from when the pilot starts the run until the end of the run, which could be up to 2 minutes).  Ideally, the system will be 5-7 channels and will output real-time data to a graphic display, as well as save the data to a .csv file on some sort of removable media (SD card, etc.) so that the data can be easily uploaded to a PC.

The UBC Human-Powered Submarine team (SUBC) is one of the university’s student engineering teams, and competes bi-annually at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Carderock, Maryland, USA.  We competed at the 11th International Submarine Races in May of 2011, and are seeking to create a MKII version of the design from the competition.  The submarine is composed of a 3-m composite airfoil hull and is propelled by counter-rotating propellers.  Power generation and transmission is accomplished via a bicycle-style pedal system and a gearbox that turns the propellers using concentric shafts.  We are currently recruiting new members, and are seeking the expertise of engineering physics students for the International Submarine Races 12, being held in summer of 2013.

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37. Submarine Power Meter  (UBC SUBC)

UBC SUBC - Human-Powered Submarine Team

The goal of the project is to develop a system for monitoring the output of a human-powered submarine.  The current design involves a composite shell design propelled by a propeller driven by a bicycle-style drivetrain.  A waterproof power meter is needed to measure the power output of the submarine, and is expected to use a strain gauge mounted to the drive shaft along with a tachometer to infer power output.  If possible, a secondary power meter would be installed that would monitor pilot power output to compare to the driveshaft power output to determine losses within the drivetrain. The monitor should interface with a data-logging/display unit (being concurrently developed in another 459/479 project).  This system could prove to be a revolutionary design tool, since it will allow the design team to optimize the submarine's performance under various conditions.

The UBC Human-Powered Submarine team (SUBC) is one of the university’s student engineering teams, and competes bi-annually at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Carderock, Maryland, USA.  We competed at the 11th International Submarine Races in May of 2011, and are seeking to create a MKII version of the design from the competition.  The submarine is composed of a 3-m composite airfoil hull and is propelled by counter-rotating propellers.  Power generation and transmission is accomplished via a bicycle-style pedal system and a gearbox that turns the propellers using concentric shafts.  We are currently recruiting new members, and are seeking the expertise of engineering physics students for the International Submarine Races 12, being held in summer of 2013.

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38. Submarine Velocimeter  (UBC SUBC)

UBC SUBC - Human-Powered Submarine Team

The goal of the project is to develop a system for monitoring the velocity of a human-powered submarine.  This can be achieved by various methods, but an impeller- or pressure-transducer-based design seems to be most likely.  The desired accuracy is within +/- 0.01 m/s and should be accurate over a 0-5 m/s range.  The monitor should interface with a data-logging unit (being concurrently developed in another 459/479 project).  The system must be low-drag and not present a significant profile perpendicular to the direction of flow, so the design and mounting position should be a focus of the project.

The UBC Human-Powered Submarine team (SUBC) is one of the university’s student engineering teams, and competes bi-annually at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Carderock, Maryland, USA.  We competed at the 11th International Submarine Races in May of 2011, and are seeking to create a MKII version of the design from the competition.  The submarine is composed of a 3-m composite airfoil hull and is propelled by counter-rotating propellers.  Power generation and transmission is accomplished via a bicycle-style pedal system and a gearbox that turns the propellers using concentric shafts.  We are currently recruiting new members, and are seeking the expertise of engineering physics students for the International Submarine Races 12, being held in summer of 2013.

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39. Submarine Steering System  (UBC SUBC)

UBC SUBC - Human-Powered Submarine Team

The goal of this project is to develop an electronic steering system for a human-powered submarine.  The system will be waterproof, and will allow the pilot to control the submarine with a joystick (or other interface, should a better design arise).  Steering can be achieved either via control surfaces (fins) or possibly by buoyancy adjustment (bellows/pontoons).  The easiest approach would be a modification to the current design, which involves a linkage system that controls two sets of coupled fins (one for vertical control, one for horizontal control) with servos, but the team is open to a novel design.  Photos of the current design will be available shortly.

The UBC Human-Powered Submarine team (SUBC) is one of the university’s student engineering teams, and competes bi-annually at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Carderock, Maryland, USA.  We competed at the 11th International Submarine Races in May of 2011, and are seeking to create a MKII version of the design from the competition.  The submarine is composed of a 3-m composite airfoil hull and is propelled by counter-rotating propellers.  Power generation and transmission is accomplished via a bicycle-style pedal system and a gearbox that turns the propellers using concentric shafts.  We are currently recruiting new members, and are seeking the expertise of engineering physics students for the International Submarine Races 12, being held in summer of 2013.

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40. &    Stepper Motor Matrix  (TangibleInteraction)

Alex Beim, Tangible Interaction  (videos of ongoing projects can be found following this link)

(& claimed by ENPH 479 group)

Tangible Interaction wants to make a system to control an arbitrary number of stepper motors - this could range from just a few stepper motors to possibly thousands in a distributed way to create art installations or other applications.   The system would be controlled in a similar way to how we control lights, using Artnet protocol (Artnet is an ethernet implementation of a DMX communication standard, ).    

In actual use, it is hoped that the stepper motors can be organized in matrices or rows of them to create moving screens, or systems to raise and lower physical objects, like Tangible Interactions’ own Zygote installations.     The team may be able to use the Engineerig Physics waterjet cutter, laser cutter, and new 3D printer to help prototype demonsration rigs to study the timing and control of the motor systems.  

For inspiration, see this similar arrangement designed locally for simultaneous control of multiple RC Servo motors:  http://mondomatrix.com/info/?page_id=321

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41.  System for the Microfluidic Testing of Optical Oxygen Sensors (Cheung)

Karen Cheung, UBC Electrical and Computer Engineering

Optical oxygen sensors operate on the principle of reversible quenching of luminescence, modulating the luminescence intensity and excited-state lifetime of indicator molecules.  These sensors can be easily integrated into micro-scale environments because they do not consume oxygen during sensing, and only require an optical connection between sensor and detector.  Our group is working on integrating optical oxygen sensors which comprise thin oxygen-sensitive films on the bottom of microfluidic channels. To calibrate the sensors, fluids of known dissolved oxygen concentration must be supplied to the sensors and the sensors’ luminescence intensity or lifetime measured using a fluorescence microscope.

This project involves the design and integration of a dissolved oxygen control system to calibrate the optical oxygen sensors.  The concentration of dissolved oxygen will be controlled by bubbling a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen into water, and using a commercially available dissolved oxygen electrode sensor to read out the dissolved oxygen level just before the fluid reaches the microfluidic chip.

This project will include the design of a flow rate control system for oxygen and nitrogen (e.g. PID controller). The project will also involve writing software to interface with the fluorescence microscope in order to move the stage to predefined points at which to image the oxygen sensors, to control the camera to acquire images, and to control a fluorescence excitation source shutter to illuminate the sample during imaging but switch off the excitation at other times to prevent photobleaching.

For this project the students will:

Hardware:

1.      Design the flow control system and integrate it with the feedback from the dissolved oxygen electrode, i.e. find appropriate mass flow controllers

2.      Electronic circuits for signal amplification/conditioning.

3.      Design and fabricate the mechanical system

Software:

4.      Write a user interface to tune feedback controller and to specify desired single or time-varying oxygen levels.

5.      Review existing software to interface with the camera, shutter, and stage control, as well as understand the current manual bubbler and microfluidic setup.

6.      Write software to integrate the camera, shutter, and stage control.  Integrate this software with the flow control software such that measurements can be taken at defined oxygen levels.

7.      Integrate the flow control system and microscope interface with the optical oxygen sensors, and determine the range of oxygen levels obtainable with the system.

Literature:

8.      Do a literature research to understand the underlying principle of optical oxygen detectors

9.      Study automated control systems

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42.  Life Support Systems for AquaVan (VancouverAquarium)

Jonathan Hultquist, Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium AquaVan  services BC and Western Canada with award-winning aquatic programs, featuring live animals, props and activities.  The AquaVan . The current AquaVan has been in serivce for ~2 years, and moved away from the previous diesel generator system in service for 16 years.  

Due to the travel schedule for the AquaVan, there are only certain periods in the fall and winter for teams to examine and monitor the vehicle.  Student groups taking on this project should plan on being in the Lower Mainland for the majority of these times:

2011: Oct 6-16, Nov 5-13 and Dec 10-31

2012: Jan 1-8, Feb 18-Mar 11 and Apr 21-May6.  

Some time may also be available during the Lower mainland trips (nov 14-dec 9 and jan 9-feb 17).

For the complete description of the project, go to the password-protected writeup:   ProjectLab2011 - additional contents »

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43. &    Twitter Parsing Location Information for the Eat St. App (EatStDigital)

Jon Chui, Eat St. Digital  /  Invoke Media

(&  claimed by ENPH 479 group, Sept 12)

INTRODUCTION / COMPANY PROFILE:

Eat St. is a multimedia project including a TV Show, website and iPhone App. The overarching goal of all 3 mediums is to strengthen the street food community by connecting vendors with foodies. The TV Show showcases the most interesting street food vendors across North America, while the iPhone App offers vendors a platform to market themselves and foodies (or just regular, hungry people) a way to discover the street food they crave.

The iPhone App surpassed 250,000 downloads as of Aug. 26, 4 ½ months after launch. While product adoption has been incredible, inaccurate or missing data has resulted in a low retention rate. The focus for the next stage of the product will be increasing the amount and accuracy of food cart data in the App’s database. A multi-pronged approach will be necessary and one of the methods will include parsing vendors’ Twitter feeds to anticipate cart locations.

PROBLEM

Eat St. receives dozens of feedback emails a day requesting features, giving praise and submitting complaints. The main complaint we have received is this “I went to find a cart in your app and it wasn’t there”. The #1 priority for the Eat St. App is clear: accurate location data.

After surveying street food vendors, we found that the solution that would make vendors most likely to update their location in the Eat St. App would require as much automation as possible. Since 84% of the mobile vendors we surveyed stated that they update their Twitter location every time they move, our solution is to parse their Twitter feeds for time and location information, which will update their records in The App.

Examples of such tweets:

• We're Kits @VanMarkets from 10-2pm AND @PNE_Playland!
• Come us @PNE_Playland or @TripleOs at Empire Stadium...we've got the PNE covered!
• The "Albino Dragon" is at Trout Lake @VanMarkets today until 2pm while the original Dragon is @PNE_Playland!!! Find us...
• @CucinaAlMare great meatballs & sausage and peppers. Check em out. 915 country club blvd cc
• Next up... Empire Stadium for the White Caps game tomorrow August 27th. #tripleosonthego

Food carts you can check out for more examples.

     http://twitter.com/#!/ComaFoodTruck,   http://twitter.com/#!/DragonTruck,  http://twitter.com/#!/noshtruck,    http://twitter.com/#!/TripleOs

Currently, the only way to update a cart location is for vendors to login to their “admin panel” and update their time/location schedules manually. While it’s not difficult to update, it creates just enough friction to discourage updating.  A screenshot of the current schedule system can be seen here: http://ScrnSht.com/yazykf

GOAL

Write a smart algorithm to parse 100-200 twitter feeds of the most popular food carts (this should later be able to scale up to 1000+) to grab the location & time they're going to be at, and store it in our db (for the current user).

Of course, you might not alway be 100% sure, so build that in somehow with a certain likelihood percentage for accuracy of content. (ex. if you're not 100% sure this is an address, mark it with a percentage of how sure you are). That way, humans can later go in and double confirm.

Which bring up another point: The algorithm needs to constantly learn as new formats are used by vendors, and learn as humans correct it.

At the heart, this is a machine learning , pattern matching problem and therefore not for the faint at heart.

But if you can create this algorithm, food carts are not the only place that can use it - this HAS not been done (well) yet.

If coding is required, what programming language or languages would be used?

Whatever you want to parse the twitter feeds. Our technology stack (in the backend) is php

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44. &     Microsoft Kinect: (a) computer vision detection of negative obstacles / (b) mounting calibration (Mitchell)

Ian Mitchell, UBC Department of Computer Science

(& claimed by 459 group, 30 Sept)

Independent mobility is a key factor in quality of life, and powered wheelchairs (PWC) offer mobility to persons with significant physical impairments.  However, because of the damage these large, heavy machines can cause, persons with even mild cognitive or sensory impairments are often not allowed to use them.  Intelligent robotic automobiles are already being tested on urban streets, but a major challenge in transitioning this technology to a PWC is the high cost of sensor systems.  Fortunately, there is the Microsoft Kinect: an inexpensive, image-based sensor system originally designed for video games.  These two projects involve finding, modifying and/or writing software to enable the use of the Kinect for tasks important to constructing an intelligent PWC.

Project #1: Detecting negative obstacles.

OBJECTIVES & SCOPE:

The goal of this project is to use the Kinect to detect "negative obstacles": Places that the PWC should not drive because there is an abrupt change in the floor.  Typical negative obstacles are sidewalk curbs (as viewed from the sidewalk -- the curb as viewed from the street is a positive obstacle) or the top of a flight of stairs.

The Kinect provides a cloud of 3D points representing the obstacles it detects.  Such a cloud works well for identifying positive obstacles.  When angled downward, it can also detect the floor.  The challenge is to determine -- in spite of sensor noise and PWC movement -- when there is an abrupt change in the height of the floor.

The robotics community has embraced the Kinect sensor, and consequently there is extensive software already available for it.  In particular, for this project students will use ROS (www.ros.org), an open-source robotics software platform / operating system which provides drivers and many packages for dealing with data from the Kinect.

RESOURCES:

We have one Kinect and could easily purchase another if necessary.  We have an instrumented, computer controlled PWC with mounting hardware for the Kinect, although it is expected that the PWC will only be needed for a final demo, since most development can be done with the Kinect sitting on a desk.  We have a report on some preliminary work that was done this past summer by an Eng Phys coop summer student.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND:

Experience with C++ is necessary to work with ROS.  Some basic linear algebra, probability and statistics is used in some of the existing floor detection algorithms.  Using the Kinect through ROS is straightforward.  Students can expect to learn how to use ROS and some state estimation algorithms from computer vision, robotics and control during the project.

Project #2: Mounting Calibration

OBJECTIVES & SCOPE:

The cloud of 3D points that the Kinect sensor uses to describe what it sees in the environment is measured relative to the sensor.  In order to achieve safe and free motion in the presence of the obstacles, it is important to know where those obstacles are with respect to the PWC; therefore, it is important to determine the transformation between the Kinect's coordinate system and the PWC's. Physically measuring this relationship is time-consuming, prone to error, and likely impossible for typical PWC users, so we would like to determine it using only information from the Kinect and other PWC sensors in a manner that could be regularly repeated.  The most likely approach would be to move the PWC in some simple fashion and compare this motion with the motion visible to the Kinect.

RESOURCES:

We have one Kinect and could easily purchase another if necessary.  We have an instrumented, computer controlled PWC with mounting hardware for the Kinect on which to test the system.  There are several packages in ROS for determining motion of the Kinect, motion of the PWC, and coordinate transformations.  We have a report on some preliminary work that was done this past summer by an Eng Phys coop summer student.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND:

Experience with C++ is necessary to work with ROS.  Likely algorithms will require some knowledge of linear algebra and elementary statistics.  Using the Kinect through ROS is straightforward.  Students can expect to learn how to use ROS and some state estimation algorithms from computer vision, robotics and control during the project.

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45.  Video Recording of Wheelchair Training Sessions on an Android Tablet  (Mitchell)

Ian Mitchell, UBC Department of Computer Science

OBJECTIVES & SCOPE: Many users of manual wheelchairs (MWC) receive little or no training in how to best use their devices.  The Wheelchair Skills Program (WSP) has proven to be an effective intervention for improving MWC mobility across a variety of ages, diagnoses and settings; however, it currently requires 5-15 hours of training with a therapist at a rehab center.  Our team is currently developing a training program designed for delivery on the new generation of tablet computers.  The idea is that by following directions provided by the tablet, MWC users and their caregivers can independently learn, practice, and progress through a training regime designed by a remote therapist, and while they practice the tablet will collect information about the quantity and quality of the training sessions so that the therapist can monitor and adjust the regime.

Our prototype app is lacking one key feature: a method for taking video recordings of the training session.  What we need is some kind of inexpensive remote camera which can connect wirelessly to the tablet, can be started and stopped from the tablet, and can store

video files on the tablet (for later transmission to the therapist). It is expected that most of these features are available in commercial products; they just need to be integrated into our tablet prototype.

RESOURCES:

We have a Motorola Xoom tablet running Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) with 802.11 and bluetooth wireless connectivity.  We have funds to purchase a camera once a suitable product is identified.  We have a report detailing some preliminary attempts by a summer student to accomplish this task.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND:

Android tablets are programmed in Java.  Familiarity with mobile computing platforms and/or digital wireless video would be useful but not necessary.  Students can expect to learn elementary Android programming.

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46.  &     Optical Microscope-Based Spectroscopy of Single Nanostructures (YoungRieger)

Jeff Young, Georg Rieger - UBC Physics and Astronomy / Photonic Nanostructures Lab

 (& claimed by 459 group, 30 Sept)

In one of our ongoing research projects, our group needs to be able to detect and measure the optical absorption and emission from single semiconductor quantum dots and nanometre sized metallic particles. One of the difficulties is finding the location of these small structures - that are only ~ 5 – 50 nm in size - with high precision.

Our lab has a nanopositioning system consisting of a high-precision translation stage and a combination of stepper motors and piezoelectric actuators with a resolution of 100 nm and 10 nm, respectively. The system is controlled by a Lab View code that is currently able to control the stepper motors but lacks the control of the piezo actuators. It would be valuable for our project if the piezo actuators could be controlled by the same Lab View routine.   This system is already integrated with high numerical aperture lenses for high-resolution spectral imaging.

The two main tasks of the co-op student would be a) writing the Lab View code, b) testing the precision and reliability of the nanopositioning system, and c) obtaining extinction spectra from metal nanoparticles using the full system.

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47.  &   Numerical modeling of quantum antiferromagnet under a staggered field (Lau)

Bayo Lau, Department of Physics, Columbia University

(&  claimed by ENPH 479 group, Sept 12)

Strongly-correlated material is a very active area of research because of the lack of understanding about many exotic properties as well as the possible technological applications of such properties, for example in oxide electronics. One example is the quasi-two-dimensional spin-1/2 quantum anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) copper-oxides, which can be tuned from insulator, to metal, and to high-temperature superconductor. Unfortunately, a complete theoretical description of quantum AFM systems and their variations remains illusive despite decades of progress

.

Over the past months, we have developed a numerical approach to model quantum AFM systems with breakthrough efficiency (http://prb.aps.org/abstract/PRB/v81/i17/e172401). Effectively, the approach can, for example reduce a 2^64 by 2^64 matrix to a billion-by-billion matrix, allowing commodity computers to solve problems previously unmanageable even with supercomputers. The breaking of the technological limit proved to be valuable in identifying new physics relevant to the description of high-temperature superconductor (http://prl.aps.org/abstract/PRL/v106/i3/e036401 andhttp://arxiv.org/abs/1107.4141). More information can be found at http://hdl.handle.net/2429/33463.

Here, the student is tasked to evaluate the performance of the approach in the modeling an AFM under an external effect, staggered magnetic field. I will provide the precise definition of the problem, and the student can proceed by modifying existing software or from scratch. This proof-of-concept project does not involve heavy computation; that is, run time is expected to be much less than development time. The student is welcomed to add their own inventions.

Over the course of the project, the student will develop skills in scientific computing, in particular numerical linear algebra. The curious ones can learn more about quantum mechanics, many-body physics, and computation using parallel architecture. The project also serves as a preview of computational work in graduate school.

Requirements:

The student must be able to conduct all meetings through Skype or Facetime. comfortable with quantum mechanics and linear algebra. C++, or other language if willing to code without support.   Existing C++ source code is provided

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48. Software development for an numerical scheme for the modeling of quantum antiferromagnet (Lau)

Bayo Lau, Department of Physics, Columbia University

Strongly-correlated material is a very active area of research because of the lack of understanding about many exotic properties as well as the possible technological applications of such properties, for example in oxide electronics. One example is the quasi-two-dimensional spin-1/2 quantum anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) copper-oxides, which can be tuned from insulator, to metal, and to high-temperature superconductor. Unfortunately, a complete theoretical description of quantum AFM systems and their variations remains illusive despite decades of progress.

Over the past months, we have developed a numerical approach to model quantum AFM systems with breakthrough efficiency (http://prb.aps.org/abstract/PRB/v81/i17/e172401). Effectively, the approach can, for example reduce a 2^64 by 2^64 matrix to a billion-by-billion matrix, allowing commodity computers to solve problems previously unmanageable even with supercomputers. The breaking of the technological limit proved to be valuable in identifying new physics relevant to the description of high-temperature superconductor (http://prl.aps.org/abstract/PRL/v106/i3/e036401 andhttp://arxiv.org/abs/1107.4141). More information can be found at http://hdl.handle.net/2429/33463.

Here, the student is tasked to create a robust software design and implementation of the numerical approach. The software package should contain proper C++ interfaces and be able to reproduce existing results. Mechanisms for performance evaluation is desirable. The student is welcomed to add their own inventions.

Over the course of the project, the student will develop skills in scientific computing, in particular numerical linear algebra. The curious ones can learn more about quantum mechanics, many-body physics, and computation using parallel architecture. The project also serves as a preview of computational work in graduate school.

Requirements:

The student must be able to conduct all meetings through Skype or Facetime. comfortable with linear algebra. C++.   Existing C++ source code is provided

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49. Tracking Wandering Residents (HaroPark)

Haro Park Centre

(& claimed by ENPH 479 group)   (* available again, Sept 15)

Haro Park Centre is an accredited, non-profit Campus of Care located in downtown Vancouver (close to Robson and Bute).

A number of residents in the facility are at risk to leave the building, and potentially wander through the neighborhood and beyond unattended.  In order to prevent this, a security system has been installed in the center based on the WatchMate Wander Prevention system, which uses  Watchlet Plus tags worn on the wrist.   Residents who attempt to pass through the front door of the building will trigger an alarm, and the door is electromagnetically locked from the inside, preventing them from leaving the building.   However, the system doesn’t always work as desired - the door does not lock if it is already being held open by another person, and the entrance has a double-door arrangement which still allows people to bypass the system.  

Haro Park is looking for solutions in improving the existing system for operating the door, and for locating residents who have made it through the system and are in the local neighborhood.  In addition, a system for tracking residents outside the building could be used to allow greater freedom and independence to these residents, allowing them to go outside the building but still being monitored by staff members.  

A final solution to the system might include:

1. a wireless localizing system which making use of the existing Watchlet Plus tags. (these are low-power FM transmitters.Although it is possible to generate some proximity measurements using FM signals, it doesn’t provide relative positioning info)
2. a GPS tracker could be used in conjunction with the existing wristbands to locate residents outdoors, in order to have both the door-locking and outdoor tracking features  (most likely solution.  Commercial units used to be large, but tend to be getting smaller over time. Existing systems can have high monthly fees, and some require SIM cards)
3. a new solution which attempts to solve the problem.

The existing security system is unlikely to be replaced in the immediate future, so any solution will likely use the existing Watchlet Plus tags to trigger the system and indicate people leaving the facility. The current Watchlet Plus tags last for 3-5 years, and cost $150 each.

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50. 3D Angular Momentum Controlled Satellite (Kotlicki)

Andrzej Kotlicki, UBC Physics and Astronomy / PHAS Outreach

A Physics 420 course student built a model of a angular momentum orientation control of a satellite, based on the idea of having orthogonally-spinning discs stabilize an object from angular oscillations.  Following this, a recent APSC 479 group worked on a wireless controller, accelerometers, and brushless DC motors and controllers for the satellite.   The current system still has spinning discs, but is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal mount which allows for free rotation of the setup.  

Left:  Current system.     Right:  Proposed system.

This new project involves the design and fabrication of a new system, still using 3 orthogonally-spinning discs to carry angular momentum, for stability and orientation control, but to now enclose the entire system in a bouyant sphere which can be floated in water.    In this way, the final prototype will ideally look like a ball floating in water which a user could hold oriented in a fixed position, or could rotate to point in any desired direction.   Such a design is inherently safer to outside users (no pinch-points as with the previous versions), and far more portable than the previous setup.  

Before building the unit, a group working on this project would need to analytically determine the angular momentum required (and the change of angular momentum required) to operate the mechanism in water, given the effects due to gravity, surface water friction and bouyancy.  The unit can be of arbitrary size, but visible from a distance (i.e. although the central unit of the existing setup was ~20cm across, there’s no reason why the final system here does not scale down to something much smaller, if the analysis shows it to operate better and easier at a smaller scale)

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51. &     Sound-source localization antenna (Hodgson)

Murray Hodgson, UBC Mechanical Engineering / Acoustics and Noise Research Group

(& claimed by ENPH 479 group Sept 15)

Sound-source localization using microphone arrays has important acoustics applications. This method is commonly used for speech capture, automated camera pointing and creating devices to assist the hearing impaired.  A new sound-source localization method which uses a hemispherical array of microphones to estimate the 3D direction of a single dominant sound source in an enclosed environment was proposed in the PHD thesis of a recent UBC Electrical Engineering PHD graduate.  The microphone array was designed as a hemispherical array consisting of twenty six omni-directional microphones on its shell and one omni-directional microphone at the center.   All microphones are connected to custom-made pre-amplifier/filter circuit and then fed to data acquisition cards (DAQ, National Instruments).    Multiple methods of analysis have been used to process the information (Time Difference of Arrival, Beamforming) to estimate the distribution of sound intensity incident on the microphone array, for single and multiple sources of noise in the audible range, with preliminary testing completed in the UBC Anechoic Chamber.

This follow-on project will calibrate the antenna, and test it more exhaustively.  It will implement and the DAMAS algorithm for improved spatial resolution.  It will use the antenna to identify the sources of sound on musical instruments in the Anechoic Chamber.  It will apply the antenna and triangularization techniques to the determination of the 3D coordinates of sound sources, and test it first in the Anechoic Chamber and then in real rooms such as industrial workshops.

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52. Building acoustical-environment monitoring system (Hodgson)

Murray Hodgson, UBC Mechanical Engineering / Acoustics and Noise Research Group

It is increasingly common for buildings -- for example, sustainably-designed ('green') buildings -- to include monitoring systems, to continuously measure aspects (light, heat, airflow, air quality) of the building's performance.  The new UBC Centre for Interactive Research in Sustainablility has an extensive Honeywell monitoring system. However, the acoustical conditions in the building are never monitored.

This project will make a first attempt at developing a cost-effective acoustical-environment monitoring system, and build and test a prototype for use in a single room. The system should not only monitor noise levels, but also the time response of rooms.  This can be done by continuously radiating high-order pseudo-random noise signals at low levels, and continuously calculating impulse responses by Hadamard Transform.  From the impulse response, reverberation times can be continuously determined;  from these, measured noise levels and assumed speech levels, the acoustical conditions for speech could be continuously calculated.  One option for introducing pseudo-random noise into a building in a way which is not only not detrimental, but is beneficial, for the occupants is to use it as the source signal in a sound-masking system, often used in naturally-ventilated buildings to replace the background noise of an HVAC system and improve speech privacy.

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53. Replace on-site transformer oil testing, with remote diagnostic device (Grubner)

Michael Grubner, UBC

Project scope

The project is to produce and test a prototype remote diagnostic device for transformer oil testing. The intended purpose for the testing is to calculate and monitor the electric field within the transformer, which may be later used to replace or supplement current testing standards. In most countries annual transformer oil testing is mandatory as a safety precaution due to the highly dangerous prospect of transformer failure and the ensuing power outage.

There are over 300,000 transformers in British Columbia alone, thus power industry is motivated to avoid failures since they are also costly. Today testing is done in the field by a technician having to access oil from the transformer (usually on a pole).  

This project seeks to build a device right into the new transformer or retrofit it into an existing transformer on site by a standard field technician, such a device must communicate wirelessly with the utility software system and report on the status of the transformer oil. For this to work, a method must be investigated and developed to effectively measure the status of the oil, which today is quantified by its breakdown voltage.  The sponsor proposes investigating whether measuring the electric field in the transformer with and electrode-less device (patented) is a viable solution and if so implement it into the prototype or otherwise to propose an alternate method for remote testing.

Thorough anatomical information can be provided to build the electrode-less device to test the electric field. As such the objective of this project is to build a device, which can effectively measure the electric field of the insulating transformer oil and transmit that data to utility management software. Additionally, it is imperative that when retrofitting the device into the transformer that the waterproof properties not be compromised. As such a method of fitting the device into existing transformers must be developed that utilizes the various ports on the exterior of the transformer to effectively connect the measurement portion of the device with the wireless transmitting module, which the sponsor proposes is located far enough from the transformer that the electromagnetic field of the transformer does not interfere with the wireless transmitter.

Recommended introductory reading

• "Electric field meter based on the breakdown of gases" (Friedman et al, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 53(8),1982)
• "Electrical Transformers Exploding in US Cities", alightingstore.com
• Review of Condition Assessment of Power Transformers in Service (Wang et al, IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine, 2002)

Resources available

Sponsor can arrange to obtain a transformer for testing from BC hydro as well as financing if necessary. Moreover, extensive literature on the anatomy of the preliminary device proposed to be used for measurement of electric field.

Expected Technical Background

Standard course work should be sufficient, electrical power transmission courses would be an asset. Knowledge of wireless transmission of measured results using standard equipment is required.

Preference for 1-Term project if possible.

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54.  &     Modified Bicycle Front Suspension Fork with Electric Motor (Zender)

Bernhard Zender, Engineering Physics Project Lab

(&  claimed by ENPH 479 group, Sept 13)

The aim of the project is to verify and evaluate a hubless wheel design that integrates an electric motor with a front suspension fork for use on a bicycle. Removing the spokes and using a friction wheel to engage motor and wheel on the inside of a bicycle rim makes it possible to obtain a favourable gear ratio. This allows the use of a comparatively small motor operating at higher RPM compared to existing hub motors, which have many poles for good torque at low speeds, but result in them being big and heavy.

Additionally, conventional heavy hub motors that are used with suspension forks have the entire motor mass unsprung, greatly reducing the effectiveness of the suspension, increasing wear on the suspension fork and adding loads that the fork is not designed for.

This hubless design would see the motor being placed right with the axis of rotation for the suspension, at least two additional idler wheels guiding the rim and a single central shock absorber / spring unit as normally used on the rear suspension of fully suspended bicycles.

One objective of the project is to find the best position for the motor in such a setup. The small scale model (see photo) has it in a forward position. Other locations are to be considered, one example would see the motor in the position of idler one (see layout sketch) with the shock/spring unit being ahead of it. To find out about this, a prototype fork will have to be constructed, and tests performed (without motor). One option for doing this is using structural framing (“8020”) aluminum extrusions.

As normal bicycle rims are using spokes that pull inwards, these rims can’t be used for testing without reinforcement to take loads that face the opposite way. A solution will have to be found.

With no wheel center available to attach disc brakes, this kind of a front wheel will have to rely on modified rim brakes, ideally in several locations to uniformly apply braking power. This is not necessarily a part of the project, but can be included if a simple solution comes to mind.

There are plenty of hubless bicycle designs out there, but most are impractical and have no advantage or even severe disadvantages over conventional designs.

The final part of the project would see the use of a high power brushless motor to drive the wheel, using a slightly modified conventional e-bike controller.

The ideal student team would have at least one person specialized in mechanical and one for electrical systems. High proficiency in Solid Works is desired.  Solid experience riding bicycles is also a highly valuable skill, particularly during prototype-testing..  

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55. &    ROV Construction, Field Test and Trouble-Shooting (Vancouver Aquarium)

Dr. Jeff Marliave, VP Marine Science,  Vancouver Aquarium Howe Sound Research and Conservation Program

(&  claimed by ENPH 479 group, Sept 12)

The Aquarium’s Fish Research team conducts year-round SCUBA dive monitoring of shallow seabeds in Howe Sound (http://www.vanaqua.org/research/fish).  Many projects lead the team to desire information on marine life below the depth limits of the dive program.  ROVs (remote operating vehicles) are widely used for obtaining video information on deep-sea habitats, but they involve costly ship time and very expensive equipment.

New video technology, however, has opened the possibility for inexpensive exploration of intermediate depths in the range of 40-100m with kit-built mini-ROVs.  The Aquarium will purchase an ROV kit that has been taken to 100m without failure.  The camera, light and motors all survived to that depth.  The manufacturers do recommend, however, that dual 24V/12V power be used at that depth, because thruster performance is lost to line resistance, so that taking the motors up to 24V (using a second 12V battery in series) will compensate for the voltage drop (you're actually getting 4x the power than you would with 12V because V = IR and P = IV means P = V^2/R.).  To save S&H, we will locally buy the second battery (car, motorcycle, or alarm battery -- it should be 12V with capacity of >= 7.5 Ah).

Above:  “ROV In a Box” starter kit.

The ROV we have chosen will be this "ROV In A Box" kit designed by high school students.  The basic kit includes all parts needed for operation (e.g. propulsion, 50' tether, control box, and dry-cell battery).   The ROV design is good to 300', provided we have enough tether.

The Aquarium team will provide vessel and boat crew for field testing.  The trouble-shooting will involve all the problems of surface disturbance (winds) and tidal current conditions that are an integral part of this sort of deployment.  The true challenge for the engineering physics students will be customizing flotation attachments for the tether cable and weighting systems for the ROV pipe frame, as well as optimizing video quality under the range of field conditions to be met.  This is a project for sharp students with a taste for field adventure.  Must be swimmers comfortable with boating!

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56. &    Underwater light Project (Dennison/HarveyClark)

Glen Dennison, Electronics Technologist, TRIUMF / Chris Harvey-Clark, Director of Animal Care, UBC

 (& claimed by ENPH 479 group)

Introduction:

Studying deep water glass sponges in Howe Sound in conjunction with Dr Jeff Marliave of the Vancouver Aquarium we are in need of better lightning systems. We would like to develop a high intensity lighting system that is stand alone (no external power) for deep video work on sponge bioherms located on sea mounts in Howe Sound.

Specifications:

Working depth; 300Meters

Light source; LED 2000 lumens or higher  (manually focusable  in wide angle or narrow beam)

Magnet switch control with intensity control (stepped or continuously variable)

Power; Battery lithium rechargeable or gel cell

Size; must be hand held, reflector size 10 cm

Pressure Housing Material; Al

Mounting; ¼ screw mount

Knowledge & Skills Needed:

Electronics; analog & digital eg; pic micro (pic16C71 or similar)

Physics; gas laws, magnetics

Machining

Pressure Seal technology (o –rings)

Budget: $150 + sponsor supplies

Hardware Supplied:

Leds, Battery , some electronic components

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57. &     Pan & Tilt Drop Camera (Dennison/HarveyClark)

Glen Dennison, Electronics Technologist, TRIUMF / Chris Harvey-Clark, Director of Animal Care, UBC

 (& claimed by ENPH 479 group)  (* available again, Sept 15)

(& claimed by 459 group, 30 Sept)

Introduction:

Studying deep water glass sponges in Howe Sound in conjunction with Dr Jeff Marliave of the Vancouver Aquarium we

are in need of a pointable video camera systems for deep video work on sponge bioherms located on sea mounts in Howe

Sound.

Left: CCTV 400-line resolution video camera

Center:  Example of drop camera and lighting

Right:  Camera and tether line reel with an RF slip ring assembly

Specifications

Working depth:  300 Meters

Light source; LED 800 lumens or higher

Power; Battery lithium rechargeable

Size; must be movable by one crew person

Pressure Housing Material; Al.

Video Port: Domed observation port

Wire tether; Single cable coaxial

Signals; NTSC video 400 line minimum horizontal resolution / Digital control signals for pan and tilt / Power can be local battery or feed down the cable

Knowledge & Skills Needed:

Electronics; analog & digital / Physics gas laws / Machining / Pressure Seal technology

Budget: $200 + sponsor supplies

Hardware Supplied:

Camera, Leds, Battery, Lasers, Cable, some electronic components

Results:

Deep water video footage; the team will be taken out into the sound for test runs on their system with test drops on glass sponge beds.

Improved Functions Needed

Pan & Tilt on the video Camera

Increased Depth Capability (Al housing)

Green Laser width measurement references marks

Red Laser height over the bottom reference Marking

Above:  Green Laser Module

Current Results

Still Clips from NTSC video feed

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58. Bidirectional Single Cable Power and Signal to ROV (Dennison/HarveyClark)

Glen Dennison, Electronics Technologist, TRIUMF / Chris Harvey-Clark, Director of Animal Care, UBC

Introduction:

Studying deep water glass sponges in Howe Sound in conjunction with Dr Jeff Marliave of the Vancouver Aquarium we are in need of a ROV cable systems for deep water work on sponge bioherms located on sea mounts in Howe Sound.

Specifications

Wire tether; Single cable coaxial RG59 or similar

Signals; NTSC video 400 line minimum horizontal resolution

                  Digital control signals for pan and tilt

              Power feed down the cable 400 watts minimum

                  Signals transmitted top side; video, NMEA format depth, temperature, heading

                  Signals transmitted bottom side; RF modulated motor controls, pan & tilt for cameras

Knowledge Needed:

Electronics; analog, digital, RF

Programming in C or assembler code

Physics; coax cable transmission theory

Budget: $100 + sponsor supplies

Hardware Supplied:

Camera, Cable, pressure sensors, brushed DC motor controls, power switching modules.

Results:

Team to demonstrate in the lab power transfer through 1000 ft of cable at the same time video and control signals are bidirectional transmitted.

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59. &    ROV (Dennison/HarveyClark)

Glen Dennison, Electronics Technologist, TRIUMF / Chris Harvey-Clark, Director of Animal Care, UBC

(&  claimed by ENPH 479 group, Sept 12)

Introduction:

Studying deep water glass sponges in Howe Sound in conjunction with Dr Jeff Marliave of the Vancouver Aquarium we are in need of a ROV system for deep water work on sponge bioherms located on sea mounts in Howe Sound. Using pressure compensating system the team will design and build a full ROV using low cost components (no bilge pump thrusters).

Specifications

Depth rating 2000 feet (pressure compensated housing).

Wire tether; Single cable coaxial RG59 or similar

Signals; NTSC video 400 line minimum horizontal resolution

Digital control signals for pan and tilt

Power feed down the cable 400 watts

Signals transmitted top side; video, NMEA format depth, temperature, heading

Signals transmitted bottom side; RF modulated motor controls, pan & tilt for cameras

Knowledge Needed:

Electronics; analog, digital, RF

Programming in C or assembler code

Physics; gas laws, coax cable transmission theory

Machining

Pressure Seal technology

Budget: $300 + sponsor supplies

Hardware Supplied:

Camera, cable, pressure sensors, brushed DC motors & controls, power switching modules, Leds, lasers, seals, some enclosures hardware (to be reviewed with design team).

Results:

Team to demonstrate a working ROV.

Above Left:  Motor Controller

Above Right:  RF Receiver

Above Left:  ROV Body

Above Right:   Thrusters (x3)

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60. Digital Caliper Measurement Improvement (SOCRobotics)

SOC Robotics

(* added Fri Sept 2)

Overview:

SOC Robotics developments and markets embedded processor, DSP, web server, sensor and mechanical actuator products to customer’s worldwide. The firm recently introduced a Linear Actuator (LA) integrated with a linear position feedback sensor that measures carriage position.  The LA can be fitted with either a low cost digital caliper (with digital interface) or higher accuracy glass sensor. Digital calipers have a measurement resolution of 0.0005 in and accuracy of approximately 0.002 in. Glass sensors are available with a measurement accuracy of either 5um (0.00025in) or 1um (0.00005in). The LA is capable of position changes as small as 0.000016in.   The picture below shows our LA with a 5um glass sensor attached to the frame with the slide sensor attached to the carriage assembly.  Glass sensors are expensive and bulky while digital calipers being smaller and more rugged unfortunately lack the accuracy.

A digital caliper’s lack of accuracy may be due more to target market requirements than physical limitations. Digital calipers also suffer from a slow position update rate (30Hz). If through re-engineering a capacitive linear sensor could approach the accuracy of a glass sensor it would provide not only a lower cost solution with a significantly smaller size but provide greater mounting flexibility on mechanical structures. The pictures below show the structure of a typical digital linear caliper sensor subsystem.

The goal of this project is to improve both the resolution and accuracy of a capacitive linear sensor through either a modification of the plate structure, improved component selection and/or better digital processing. Low cost digital calipers measure the change in capacitance as a top PCB plate moves over a bottom PCB plate - both PCBs have a unique copper pattern. The sensor electronics drives the plates using a technique that probably measures change in frequency due to change in capacitance as the top plate changes position.  The processor to be used on this project is the ATxmega128A1 which is a member of Atmel’s new xmega AVR processor family. The ATxmega family has an ultra high speed event subsystem, DMA, ADC and DAC. The xmega event system is capable of capturing ultra high speed events such as signal thresholds without processor intervention. The event system will be used to measure the time required to charge the capacitance formed by the top and bottom plates as a voltage is applied to the top plate. The change in capacitance as the top plate moves over the  bottom plate is converted to a change in position. The software development environment is Atmel’s AVR Studio 5 Windows IDE.

Task List:

The project involves the following major tasks:

1. Determine the method used in conventional capacitive digital calipers to measure change in position by measuring the top plate signal of a digital caliper.
2. Calculate the capacitance of the top/bottom plate copper configuration and how it will change as the top plate moves.
3. Design a signal processing front end to both drive and measure the change in capacitance.
4. Implement a control algorithm running on an ATxmega128A1 to measure change in position.
5. Verify the accuracy of the new measurement system on a supplied linear actuator.

Supplied Equipment

SOC Robotics will supply the top and bottom plates mounted on a LA controlled by an embedded motion controller. A 5um glass linear sensor will be mounted on the LA. The motion control module is our MC165U controller with embedded G Code control and quadrature decoder built-in. The MC165U is capable of moving the LA carriage in precise movements while decoding the linear position in real time provided by the 5um glass sensor. Also supplied is one of our XB132 development boards with an ATxmega128A1 mounted on it. In order to speed development the firm will give a short seminar on xmega software development and event system programming in particular. The new MC165U xmega based single axis stepper controller with quadrature and digital caliper interfaces is shown in the picture below.

Deliverables

Working prototype with full source code.

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61. 3D Printing - now in foam   (Kotlicki)

Andrzej Kotlicki, UBC Physics and Astronomy / PHAS Outreach

(* added Fri Sept 2)

3D printers are available (we have one in Engphys now, and members from  UBC Rapid had put together a RepRap machine as well... and UBC Electrical Engineering have just received 3 Objet Machines), but many make use of solid extrusion of filament material made from either ABS or PLA plastics which pass through heated nozzles for forming the material.    Having the ability to extrude an air-impregnated foam extrusion would open up the possibility of lighter structures, structures which use less material, and possibly new materials currently too difficult to use with heated nozzles.  

Students would be expected to research different possible methods of materials and nozzle design to attempt forming foam extrusions, and build and test a prototype device, starting with a 1-axis linear stage laying down single layers of material and possibly building up to 2-axis or more using existing 3D motion stages.

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62. RoboCup@Home   (ThunderbirdRobotics)

Bahador Moosavi, Thunderbird Robotics

(* added Mon Sept 5)

Project Description

RoboCup is one of the largest conferences and competitions held annually with the goal to advance the state of the art robotics and automation. UBC Thunderbots has been participating in the RoboCup Small Size League (SSL) since 2009. This year, with the high possibility of RoboCup 2014 taking place in Canada, the team has decided to look into participating in the other leagues of RoboCup, such as RoboCup @Home. RoboCup @Home focuses on developing autonomous and naturally interactive assistant robots which help people in their daily lives at home and in public.

The purpose of this project is to design and implement a system which uses facial recognition and speech recognition to interact with a user. More specifically this is intended for use by a UBC team in the international RoboCup @Home (see http://www.robocupathome.org) competition.

Please also check this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HldlwjK0TM

Requirements

The system is required to work in a very dynamic ("real world") scenario where lighting and background may not be consistent. Also, the system is required to respond to basic verbal commands by the user. Thus, once a user communicates with the system, it should detect the user's face and determine whether it already "knows" the user. If not, the system asks them for their name and memorizes it, and if it already "knows" the user, it will greet them.

Features

There are two recommended features that the robot should have. The robot should be able to verbally and naturally communicate with the user. Also, the robot should be able to detect the emotional status of the user (i.e. if they are happy or sad, etc)

Note: We'd be happy to sponsor other projects related to RoboCup @Home.

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63. Development of a Novel Nerve Refraction modality to facilitate Electrosurgical endoluminal Bladder/Prostate Surgery (Nguan)

Christopher Nguan MD FRCSC  - Assistant Professor, Dept of Urologic Sciences, Vancouver General Hospital / Director, STELLAR facility

(* added Mon Sept 5.   *revised with pictures on Wed Sept 7)

Introduction    

Transurethral surgery (TUR) remains the standard for diagnosis, treatment and ongoing surveillance of the bladder for bladder cancer.  As bladder cancer represents a field defect, tumors can arise from any location of the lining of the bladder wall.  Unfortunately, the bladder is a central pelvic organ and when distended, as in TUR surgery, will contact many adjacent pelvic organ structures including the nerves innervating the muscles of the leg as they exit the pelvis.  Resection of lesions over these nerves will result in the direct stimulation of those nerves, and result in the activation of the distal muscle causing contraction, disruption of the operating surgeon, and increasing the potential for bladder perforation.  In the setting of bladder cancer, this is highly undesirable is it allows for bladder cancer cells to potentially spread outside the bladder.

Much is now known about nerve physiology, and the formation of an action potential, the transmission of nerve impulse and characteristics of the neuron transmitting these signals.  It is known that nerves typically have a refractory time following transmission of an electrical impulse, and that no stimulation of the nerve will result in distal transmission during this time.

Modern day electrosurgical units (ESU) used in surgery are complex machines and vary current power, waveform and frequency in order to achieve desired coagulation and cutting properties.

I propose the development of a novel ESU algorithm leveraging characteristic nerve properties such that the ESU itself induces nerve refractory state while cutting or coagulation objectives to be met close to the nerve itself; prototypic operation: transurethral bladder tumor resection (TURBT).

Click the above image to view online demo from mcgill re: refractory period quantification:   [ http://www.medicine.mcgill.ca/physio/vlab/cap/refract.htm ]

Project Description    

Development of a novel electrical dispersion algorithm for inducing nerve refractory state while cutting or coagulating.

Expected Outcomes    

Development of  prototypic profiles for integration with current ESUs.

Resources Available    

• expert MIS surgeon mentor and departmental resources
• large animal facility for preclinical trials
• small animal facility for preclinical trials
• basic science laboratory resources
• financial assistance
• opportunity for operating room / clinical experience for data gathering
• research ESU available for testing

Customer Requirements    

Development of  prototypic profiles for integration with research ESU for preclinical trials.

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64. Development of a Magnetic Stone Attractant Catheter for Endourological Ureteroscopy and Laser Lithotripsy (Nguan)

Christopher Nguan MD FRCSC  - Assistant Professor, Dept of Urologic Sciences, Vancouver General Hospital / Director, STELLAR facility

(* added Mon Sept 5)

Introduction    

The field of endourology encompasses the diagnosis, management and treatment of nephroureterolithiasis (kidney/ureteral stones).  Stones can be comprised of many different chemical combinations (often calcium containing) and therefore varying hardness.  Stones form in the kidney following supersaturation of the urine, which forms a crystal nidus, subsequently growing over time until a clinically significant stone (pain, obstruction, bleeding, infection, impact renal function, etc) is formed.

One method for treating stones of appropriate size either in the ureter or kidney is with a specialized endoscope called a ureteroscope which is inserted per urethra and then up the pathologic ureter.  Once at the stone, a Holmium laser is then deployed through the working channel of the scope and used to break the stone into smaller and smaller fragments suitable to pass spontaneously.  (Stones smaller than 5mm have a > 95% chance of passing spontaneously.)  

One limitation of this treatment type is the fact that although holmium laser treatment of stones is highly effective, much time is wasted during the procedure chasing the stone with the scope.  When the laser is activated on the surface of the stone, a microbubble is formed which immediately cavitates causing a pressure wave suitable for fracturing the stone, however the pressure wave also causes the stone to move in the opposite direction to the laser fiber; i.e; away from the scope and surgeon.  Thus the surgeon must then find the stone again to once again deliver the laser to the stone surface to attempt ongoing stone ablation.

Project Description    

We propose a project to develop a method by which stones are fixed/refixed in place once identified during ureteroscopy to allow more facile laser ablation.  The method we propose is to investigate the charge properties of stones as they are lased and develop a charge-attracting laser “jig” such that as stones are lased, they are immediately attracted back to the laser tip for further energy delivery.  This will make the procedure more facile, more efficient and increase the stone-free rates per ureteroscopic procedure (thereby reducing secondary and tertiary treatments).

Expected Outcomes    

Concept drawings, in vitro testing of charge properties of stone and stone fragments under lasing in different media environments, and prototype generation as time permits.  Assuming a prototype is generated, in vitro testing can be conducted through our department’s endourology lab.

Resources Available    

• expert MIS surgeon mentor and departmental resources (2 full time fellowship trained endourologic specialists)
• large animal facility for preclinical trials
• small animal facility for preclinical trials
• basic science laboratory resources
• financial assistance
• opportunity for operating room / clinical experience for data gathering

Customer Requirements    

Concept drawings, in vitro results as above and prototype generation if possible as proof of concept.

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65. Conceptual development of an improved urethral catheterization system (Nguan)

Christopher Nguan MD FRCSC  - Assistant Professor, Dept of Urologic Sciences, Vancouver General Hospital / Director, STELLAR facility

(* added Mon Sept 5)

Introduction    

One of the most often performed procedures in the acute care setting is urethral catherization; the placement of a plastic tube through the urethra, into the bladder, to be left in place draining the urine into a collection device.   Catheterization allows staff to monitor urine output, urine quality, obviates the need for the patient to mobilize to urinate, establishes a safe route into the bladder for further procedures, decompresses the bladder for further imaging or therapeutics, reduces the risk of upstream end-organ failure due to urinary retention, prevents secondary complications of retention (bladder perforation, detrusor myopathy, uti, stones, hemorrhagic cystitis, etc), and more.

In men especially however, because the urethra is long and somewhat tortuous with multiple areas of narrowing (both physiologic and pathologic), and because typically urethral catherization is performed blindly, success is not always guaranteed.

Project Description    

Development of a system for increasing the reliability of urethral catheterization.  This may involve sensor technology, guidewires, catheters, Seldinger techniques, etc.

Expected Outcomes    

Development of a prototype system for preclinical trials.

Resources Available    

• expert MIS surgeon mentor and departmental resources
• large animal facility for preclinical trials
• small animal facility for preclinical trials
• basic science laboratory resources
• financial assistance
• opportunity for operating room / clinical experience for data gathering

Customer Requirements    

Development of a prototype system for preclinical trials.

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66. Development of a novel imaging method using transcorporeal transmitted light (Nguan)

Christopher Nguan MD FRCSC  - Assistant Professor, Dept of Urologic Sciences, Vancouver General Hospital / Director, STELLAR facility

(* added Mon Sept 5)

Introduction    

Current diagnostic imaging modalities have limitiations: X ray and CT use ionizing radiation, ultrasound requires direct contact of a probe with the surface of interrogation, MRI has long acquisition times and limits field-interacting equipment, etc.  There is a need for the development of a  nontoxic, noninvasive, realtime, noncontact , high fidelity diagnostic and therapeutic imaging modality for future medical and surgical applications.

Transmission versus reflectance imaging is used in penetrative energy type imaging modalities such as X ray and CT.  These methods are useful as they allow for highly detailed imaging by analysis of characteristics of energy changes as they pass through various tissue types on the way to the detector.  

With contemporary understanding of this type of imaging, combined with increased availability of detector technology and computational power, would it be possible to leverage transmissive imaging theory obviating non-ionizing radiation in favor of less lethal means (e.g: visible light).

Project Description    

Conceptualization, development and prototyping of a system for transcorporeal imaging using non-ionizing radiation.

Expected Outcomes    

Prototype development and demonstration.

Resources Available    

• expert MIS surgeon mentor and departmental resources
• large animal facility for preclinical trials
• small animal facility for preclinical trials
• basic science laboratory resources
• financial assistance
• opportunity for operating room / clinical experience for data gathering
• interface with Diagnostic Imaging dept at VGH

Customer Requirements    

Prototype development and demonstration.

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67. &     Transblood Imaging of Surgical Areas (Nguan)

Christopher Nguan MD FRCSC  - Assistant Professor, Dept of Urologic Sciences, Vancouver General Hospital / Director, STELLAR facility

(* added Mon Sept 5)

(& claimed by 459 group, 30 Sept)

Introduction    

One of the primary problems in all surgery is the lack of visualization of the operative field once blood enters it.  One cannot see through blood with typical reflective white lighting, once the level is above the source of the bleeding, one cannot identify the point source of the blood, and the remainder of the operative field becomes homogenously indecipherable to the point of increasing risk of further organ injury and complication.

I challenge the design team to develop an imaging modality and system which would prove usable to mitigate the above problems.

Project Description    

Per last year’s recommendation report:

The main objective at the outset of the project was to construct an LSI device and examine the feasibility of its LSI imaging ability inside a blood- or liquid-flooded volume. The LSI device was to be able to image through blood to show where tissue structure is located. Another object was to measure blood perfusion behind the tissue such that information of the haemorrhaging origin could be found.

The project objectives were originally listed as below in the project proposal:

1. Establish a basic Infrared imaging device for imaging through blood volume.
2. Produce a recognizable image of the non-blood portions of the test platform using reflective imaging.
3. Develop a regular LSI device and produce a skin perfusion image.
4. Testing feasibility of LSI operation performed inside a liquid volume.
5. Feasibility and data collection (eg. Wavelength, max imaging distance, etc.) and
6. recommendation report.

Expected Outcomes    

Ongoing development of a suitable imaging system for realtime surgery.  

Development of a prototype system available for use in a preclinical model of surgery.

Resources Available    

• expert MIS surgeon mentor and departmental resources
• large animal facility for preclinical trials
• small animal facility for preclinical trials
• basic science laboratory resources
• financial assistance
• opportunity for operating room / clinical experience for data gathering

Customer Requirements    

Prototype system designed, manufactured and delivered in suitable form for preclinical testing.

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68. Development of a System for Assisting Visualization and Tracking of Urinary Stones for Targetting during Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (Nguan)

Christopher Nguan MD FRCSC  - Assistant Professor, Dept of Urologic Sciences, Vancouver General Hospital / Director, STELLAR facility

(* added Mon Sept 5)

Introduction    

Physicians often utilize imaging modalities such as x-ray to visualize structures within the body either for diagnosis or for targeted therapy.  In the operating room, we utilize realtime fluoroscopy (x-ray) to imaging moving parts of the body, results of therapy or to image the dynamic processing of administered agents such as radiocontrast dye.

It is often necessary to image and treat structures which are of low contrast relative to surrounding tissues.  However, with detailed knowledge and experience of regional anatomy of the genitourinary system, Urologists are able to locate and treat lesions effectively even with relatively poor assistance from realtime imaging.  Even with the most experienced surgeon however, and even more so with those of lesser experience, there comes a time when imaging is critical to the success of the procedure and optimization of the acquired image is required.

Project Description    

We propose a project that will require students to acquire a realtime datastream from a C-arm, angio suite or other source of realtime fluoroscopic data, process the image with the intent on isolating and highlighting the target of choice in either a semi-autonomous or fully autonomous mode, and tracking it over time in an environment with poor imaging conditions (poor contrast, overlying structures, movement of other structures during imaging, poor penetration overall of Xray, etc).  The prototype procedure to be used is extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) where we utilize realtime fluoro and a shockhead to fragment stones between the kidney and the bladder in a minimally invasive fashion.

Expected Outcomes    

Hardware / software and interfaces to result in a demonstration of efficacy versus manual visualization and targeting.

Resources Available    

• expert MIS surgeon mentor and departmental resources
• large animal facility for preclinical trials
• small animal facility for preclinical trials
• basic science laboratory resources
• financial assistance
• opportunity for operating room / clinical experience for data gathering
• opportunity to experience the Acute Stone Center and lithotripter unit in operation at VGH
• resources of a full basic science endourology lab with artificial and human stones

Customer Requirements    

Prototype system demonstration.

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69.  Web-based Citation Comparison of Scientific Computing Research Articles (Mitchell)

Ian Mitchell, UBC Department of Computer Science

(* added Mon Sept 5)

Computer programs are increasingly used to process large amounts of raw data in complex ways in modern scientific research.  Unfortunately, a number of high profile incidents has made it increasingly clear that results stemming from such processing is often not as repeatable as might be desired.  One prominent recent example was the "ClimateGate" scandal that arose in late 2009 when a server the Climate Research Unit at East Anglia University was hacked and thousands of emails and files were publically leaked.  While many review committees have subsequently found no evidence of scientific misconduct, it did become clear that the researchers were sometimes unable to locate or recreate analyses from previously published papers (see "harry_read_me.txt").

Reproducible research is a movement to try to correct this problem in the computational and data sciences.  The idea is that a publication in these fields is merely an advertisement for the actual scientific contribution: the code and/or data.  Consequently, this code and/or data must be made available in addition to the traditional publication.

While reproducible research has considerable support from many groups within the computational and data sciences, a concern that is often raised is that reproducibility requires extra effort from the researcher, effort that is wasted in a community that values grants and publications above all else.  The goal of this project is to attempt to quantify whether reproducible publications are worth additional effort, at least in the field of numerical computing.

OBJECTIVES & SCOPE:

Researchers in scientific computing have severaltop tier journals which have been publishing articles for many decades.  One of these journals has had a special category of papers which required submission of the code associated with the research.  We would like to compare the citation count for articles in this category with the counts for other articles from the same journal as well as contemporary articles from other journals.  Citation count -- the number of subsequent papers that cite the paper in question -- is an commonly used measure of the impact of a research publication.

Article metadata (eg: title, authors, publication date, etc) and citation counts are available from a variety of websites.  The challenge in this project is to write programs capable of locating and extracting this information into a simple database for further analysis.

RESOURCES:

UBC students have access to all of the relevant websites through the UBC library system.  The programming and analysis should not require anything more than a standard laptop / desktop.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND:

Experience with web programming, or a willingness to learn.

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70.  Design of a compact high-resolution atomic force microscope for future integration with optics and liquid environment (Burke)

Sarah Burke, UBC Physics & Astronomy

(* added Tues Sept 6)

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has become an important metrology tool for fields ranging from metallurgy to biology.  The proposed project is to design an AFM optimized for high-resolution imaging, an uncommon aim for so-called “table-top” AFMs.  The design should include provision for a future optical path and liquid environment integration.  These two considerations will make possible measurements of biological samples in realistic environments and on model dye-sensitized solar cells which operate in a liquid electrolyte environment.

Design considerations:

• High resolution scanner (may be commercially obtained)
• High resonance frequency of AFM head for attenuation of acoustic and seismic disturbances
• Low-noise deflection sensor
• Optical beam path access for both deflection sensor and complimentary simultaneous optical measurements (eg. confocal microscopy)
• Sample holder for operation in liquid environment (“liquid cell”)

Design-only project appropriate for 4 months, design and prototype construction appropriate for 8 months.  Timelines and possible co-op opportunities can be discussed.

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71. &    Rodent Deterrent (UBCFarm)

Andrew Rushmere, Academic Coordinator, UBC Farm

(* added Tues Sept 6)

(&  claimed by ENPH 479 group, Sept 12)

Background:

The UBC Farm/Centre for Sustainable Food Systems is a 24 hectare teaching, research, and demonstration farm located on the UBC Vancouver campus. The farm's seedling greenhouse is heavily used in the spring to start many crops in a potting mix in flats and in the fall to dry and cure crops such as winter squash and grains. Every year rodents invade this building and eat large seeded crop seedlings such as squash and corn in the spring, and chew at the squash and grains in the fall, destroying hundreds to thousands of dollars in plants and produce. Maintaining rodent traps is time-intensive and several off the shelf rodent deterrent devices such as high-frequency plug-in units have not proven effective. Quotes for rodent-proofing this aging building suggest it will be prohibitively expensive.

The Project:

The UBC Farm is interested in pursuing the design and construction of an effective rodent deterrent that will repel rodents within the seedling greenhouse. This device could employ a range of technologies, though farm staff have brainstormed a device that is low maintenance and off-grid which will use motion sensors sensitive only to animals squirrel-size and smaller that trip a ballistic rodent chasing robot which will scare rodents out of the building.

Design Criteria:

Must:

• effectively remove rodents from the greenhouse before they attack seedlings or fruits
• operate without human intervention
• not exit from the two open doors at either end of the seedling greenhouse
• be waterproof (needs to withstand constant watering from above
• Not break down at high temperatures (up to 50 degrees C)
• function in dirty, dusty environment
• fit under current seedling greenhouse tables (i.e. be no taller than 2.5')

should:

• Not be tripped by human presence in the seedling greenhouse
• require minimal maintenance and be easily repairable by a person of average mechanical/electrical inclination
• not trap or injure birds that fly into the seedling greenhouse
• be off-grid or use a single 110 AC 15 amp circuit

The big opportunity:

Besides our on site interest in this unit at the UBC Farm, a successful and small-budget prototype would have applications and market potential in many other settings: agriculture, shipping and transport, storage etc.

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72. Novel Tensor-based Features for DTI Registration (Abugharbieh)

Rafeef Abugharbieh, UBC Electrical and Computer Engineering

(* added Fri Sept 9)

The advent of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has enabled non-invasive investigation of anatomical brain connections, which serve as the physical substrates for human brain function. To compare anatomical brain networks over a population of subjects, one must first establish an accurate subject correspondence. Such correspondence is typically drawn through image registration. Most existing registration algorithms are designed for scalar inputs, which are not directly applicable for aligning DTI images. A widely-employed approach to circumvent this limitation is to derive scalar feature images from DTI data so that scalar registration algorithms can be applied. Features, such as fractional isotropy and mean diffusivity, are often used, but neglect the orientation information encoded in the DTI data. In this project, we explore whether exploiting features that retain orientation information improve DTI registration. Tasks involved in this project include comparing the proposed method against current state-of-the-art over large synthetic data sets and applying the proposed method to real clinical data to examine network differences between healthy and patient populations. The expected duration of this project is roughly 4 months. Some familiarity with MATLAB is required.

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73. Virtual Bronchoscopy (Abugharbieh)

Rafeef Abugharbieh, UBC Electrical and Computer Engineering

(* added Fri Sept 9)

Tumors in the airway tree are diagnosed through biopsy, which requires sampling some of the cancerous tissue using a needle guided by a bronchoscope (thin video camera). However, the network of the airway tree is very complex and it can be easy for the practitioner to get lost in its maze. Providing a tracking system for the navigating camera would greatly reduce this uncertainty and hence the duration of the biopsy as well as the discomfort of the patient. A new tracking method that enables real-time 3D reconstruction of the airway walls, from the video feed captured by the camera, is currently pursued with plans to register the reconstruction to a complete representation of the tree from pre-operative CT data.

2.A. Feature Detection and Matching

The reconstruction from video through stereo vision has been already completed but there remains a need for robust detection of suitable features/texture in the different frames, which in turn enables the establishment of accurate correspondences throughout the sequence. This project aims at finding, implementing and testing a new method to match features from one video frame to another, most likely based on curvature. The expected duration of the project is 4 months. Good Matlab knowledge is required.

2.B. Real-time System Implementation

The most challenging step which is the reconstruction from video through stereovision is complete. However, most of the code has been written in Matlab and suffers from slow run times. This project involves re-implementing the algorithms to greatly improve the runtime and get them close to real-time. The expected duration of the project is 4 months. Matlab knowledge and strong C++ skills are required.

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74. &     High Altitude GPS Glider, revisited (Halpern/Waltham)

Mark Halpern and Chris Waltham, UBC Physics & Astronomy

(* added Thurs Sept 15)

(& claimed by 459 group, 30 Sept)

This project builds on the results from a 459 group from 2010/2011:   [ High-Altitude GPS Glider (Black, Mclean, Wang, April 2011) ]   Review their accomplsihments as the starting point for the project this year.  Below is the description posted last year:

“  We would like to retrieve 1 TB of data from a balloon payload in the stratosphere by flying a remote or self-controlled glider containing a hard drive back to a chosen landing spot.  Starting point is at 40 km elevation.  Desired range is ~200 km.  Has a radio beacon.  It could home to a radio beacon on the ground.

Above is an image of the GPS Boomerang, a unit that was available in the UK but is now reaching end-of-life production, and had limitations on the overall height and range (35km altitude limit, 60km range limit).  

Likely starting points for the project may include modeling and analysis of appropriate airfoil designs to accommodate the large variations in air density, electronics and software for GPS positioning and guidance, and environmental testing to ensure operation at low temperatures and pressures.   “

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75. &     Robotic Parts-Cart for Human-Robot Collaborative Manufacturing (CARISLab)

Chris Parker, UBC CARIS Lab

(* added Thurs Sept 15.   Cross-posted from MECH 45x class)

(& claimed by 459 group, 30 Sept)

For the complete project description, please read the full project description here:    

PDF:   [ Robotic Parts-Cart for Human-Robot Collaboriative Manufacturing (CARISLAB) ]

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76. Design and build a high efficiency keel foil for use in robotic sailing competition (UBCSailbot)

UBC Sailbot Team

(* added Thurs Sept 15.   Cross-posted from MECH 45x class)

For the complete description, go here:  

 PDF - [ Design and build a high efficiency keel foil for use in robotic sailing competition (UBCSailbot) ]

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77. Develop programing logic and code for a wind direction controlled steering system for use in Robotic Sailing competition (UBCSailbot)

UBC Sailbot Team

(* added Thurs Sept 15.   Cross-posted from MECH 45x class)

For the complete description, go here:  

 PDF - [ Develop programing logic and code for a wind direction controlled steering system for use in Robotic Sailing competition (UBCSailbot) ]

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78. Slipstream Hovercraft Fan Design (Slipstream)

Dr. Mahmoud Alidadi, Slipstream Vehicles LTD.

(* added Thurs Sept 15.   Cross-posted from MECH 45x class)

For the complete description, go here:  

 PDF -  [ Slipstream Hovercraft Fan Design (Slipstream) ]

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79. Lateral Tilt Axle and Bearing (SunnyHill)

Sunny Hill Health Center for Children

(* added Thurs Sept 15.   Cross-posted from MECH 45x class)

For the complete description, go here:  

 PDF - [ Lateral Tilt Axle and Bearing (SunnyHill) ]

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80. Lever Drive Caster for Manual Wheelchairs (SunnyHill)

Sunny Hill Health Center for Children

(* added Thurs Sept 15.   Cross-posted from MECH 45x class)

For the complete description, go here:  

 PDF - [ Lever Drive Caster for Manual Wheelchairs (SunnyHill) ]

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81. Floor Raiser (Scissor Lift) System (TetraSociety)

Tetra Society of Canada

(* added Thurs Sept 15.   Cross-posted from MECH 45x class)

For the complete description, go here:  

 PDF - [ Floor Raiser (Scissor Lift) System (TetraSociety) ]

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82. Suspension Design for UBC Solar

UBC Solar Team

(* added Thurs Sept 15.   Cross-posted from MECH 45x class)

For the complete description, go here:  

 PDF -   [ Suspension Design for UBC Solar ]

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83. Development of a fast load/unload procedure for ultra-low temperature electronics measurements (Folk)

Joshua Folk,  UBC Physics and Astronomy.

As electronic devices are made colder, their electrical properties typically improve, and at low enough temperature they are dominated by quantum mechanical effects.  Our lab studies quantum effects in electronic devices at ultra-low temperatures (within a few hundredths of a degree above absolute zero).  A few photos of lab facilities can be found here:    http://www.physics.ubc.ca/qdev/facility.php

One of the difficulties of this kind of research is the time and cost of cooling a single sample down to these extreme temperatures--this becomes a real barrier when many such samples must be cooled to find one that works.  We would like to create a "fast turnaround" interface with our ultra-low temperature instruments, allowing samples to be exchanged in only a few hours compared with the two-day operation that is currently required.  This project will require considerable design and engineering, and will require the student to solve a variety of high-vacuum, cryogenic, and electronics challenges.

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End.