Howard University Teams in Cornell Cup USA 2012 - Presented by Intel
 
Contact: Dr. Charles Kim (ckim@howard.edu) (202) 806-4821
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059
 
 
Fall 2012, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering sent 2 proposals to the Cornell Cup USA 2012 competition, and the both teams were selected as follows:
Team "Green Lighting" - Selected as 1 of the 24 finalist ($2500 award) and will be in the final competition on May 4-5, 2012 in the Disney World.
Team "Blind Assistant" - Selected as 1 of 4 wild card teams and may be in the final competition.---- (5/1/2012 - This team is announced as the wild card team winner and invited to the final competition ($2500 award) !!. Now Howard has two teams in the competition.)
 
Final Competition of Cornell Cup USA 2012 is held on May 4 - 5 at the Disney's Contemporary Resort in Orlando, FL
 
 
Team "Green Lighting"
Team members: Chidi Ekeocha, Shamir Saddler, Ameer Baker, Isaac Collins, and Ravindranath Jaglal.
Advisor: Dr. Charles Kim
(Photo courtesy of Cornell Cup USA 2012)
Proposal Abstract:work environment in a given The goal of this Green Lighting project is to implement a system that will enhance the room by regulating the intensity of the lights throughout the day, while minimizing energy costs. This is to address the energy costs associated with maintaining standard or optimal lighting conditions for a workspace. The system will consist of light sensors connected to BASIC stamp boards (BS2) for each relevant sector of the room which link back to a Tunnel Creek which will process the data and return instructions to the light power system as to how the intensity of each light fixture should be varied to maintain lighting standards, or user preference. In addition to a physical override circuit, the user will have access to a web interface via which the main system controls for each room can be manipulated, thus making it easier to manage the entire building’s lighting from one terminal. The system will allow the users to experience appropriate lighting throughout the course of the day therefore creating a productive and enjoyable working environment while simultaneously subsidizing energy cost for the respective institution. This system will be a valuable asset to the smart lighting industry.
 
Team "Blind Assist"
Team members: Gerard Spivey, Joshua Durodola, Antonio McMechael,Keir Morris, and Christopher Urquhart
Advisor: Dr. Charles Kim
Proposal Abstract: According to the National Federation of the Blind, ‘The real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight. The real problem is the misunderstanding and lack of information that exist. If a blind person has proper training and opportunity, blindness can be reduced to a physical nuisance’. With over 39 million people who are totally blind, it is imperative that assistive devices and technology be a major investment. Current assistive products; walking canes, guide dogs, compasses, text-to-speech software, PDAs have all helped improve the quality of life of individuals who are blind. A common factor with all these products is that they are designed to assist visually impaired individuals in only one aspect: either with mobility or providing PDA functions. To further assist visually impaired we are proposing a device that utilizes the strength of the atom processor to both provide PDA functions and assist with mobility. The device should be able to provide access to the internet alongside calendar, news updates and scheduling tasks. It should also be able to alert users of obstructions in their path, provide GPS directions and recognize certain objects (doors, signs). Overall, the device should improve the quality of life of blind individuals.
 

 

Final Competition on May 4-5, 2012 (Disney's Contemporary Resort, Orlando, FL)
 
The Team Grrent Light presents to the two groups of judges.

 

The Team Blind Assist presents to the group of judges.
 
Joshua Durodola and Christopher Urquhhart of the team Blind Assist receives the Certificate of the Wild Card Team Winner.

 

Sponsors:
Mathworks --- Matlab Software
Tektronix --- Lab equipment
Keithley Instruments -- Lab Equipment
Intel --- Atom boards and award
 
* Special thanks to General Motors Foundation for providing the travel cost of the Blind Assist team through the Howard University Robotics Organziiation (HURO).

 

Link to Senior Design Class
 
Link to Intel Grant Activity

 

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