Class 2B update

Hello all,

Apologies for the lack of updates from class 2B thus far, we have been busy at work defining our problem and investigating possible solutions. We've decided to tackle the problem of ensuring the safety of cyclists in primarily motor vehicle dominated roadways. We believe the heart of the issue lies within the limitations of cyclists and drivers, which causes them to be unaware of one another's presence. These limitations include but are not limited to, the cyclists' impaired hearing and ability to see motor vehicles due to wind rushing part their ears, and the fact that their backs face oncoming traffic. Additionally distraction in both drivers and cyclists poses a large threat of a collision. After defining our problem we have begun to focus on exploring existing technologies and concepts in hopes that we may apply them in our solution. One technology we are currently exploring is the XBox Kinect sensor, which we hope to modify and reprogram with the help of a team from General Electric, in order to use it as a motion sensor to detect oncoming traffic behind the cyclist. We also hope to employ a Raspberry Pi as a means of interpreting the Kinect data and driving outputs, including lights and vibration motors, etc. The main pitfall we can foresee with the Pi is finding a consistent, durable, and portable power source to ensure the Pi's power requirements are met. If any of our readers have experience with a similar power supply for the Pi we would be very interested to hear your thoughts! More updates on our progress to come soon.

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Class 4B, 11-28-16

Class 4B spent the majority of their last meeting testing purchased technology. The class split into three groups. One group tested The NeuroSky MindWave, another tested the StopSleep, and the remaining group researched software and tested an Arduino kit. Testing will continue Wednesday when 4B meets again. The Contact Committee toured the Ellis Medicine sleep center on Tuesday, November 29th, and will share their findings with the class on Wednesday as well.

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Fundraising Committee Update

Fundraising is a big part of our year in EDD. Without money and fundraising, the class can accomplish almost nothing. The first idea for fundraising is the “fidget spinners”. A fidget spinner is a cheap and easy way to help provide our class with money. The function of the spinner is a quiet and fun way to keep someone focused. The spinner makes little to no noise while rotating about its bearing and can keep the user focused and on task. The production of these spinners will begin soon and the cost will be about $5.

-Konstantinos Tsitos

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Class 4B, 11-21-16

Class 4B last met on November 21st. The class began by discussing the project timeline. This was productive and important as the stages of our project and the respective deadlines were clearly outlined. By winter break 4B plans to be done studying existing technology, and plans to move into the designing prototypes stage. The fundraising committee also presented briefly, and shared their current attempts at raising funds. The class spent the remaining time presenting and discussing research that was conducted outside of class. The focus was on EEG technology, and what hardware and software the class could utilize in the future.

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Making More Progress

Class 4B made more purchases on Thursday.  The class purchased the anti-sleep alarm from StopSleep and bought a laptop Bluetooth connecter. Testing the StopSleep will provide insight on the effectiveness of electrodermal sleep detection technology. The Bluetooth connector will allow the class to test the NeuroSky using a PC, which will provide more in-depth brainwave analysis than the MacBook currently being used. The contact committee contacted the Ellis Medicine sleep center, and secured a tour of the facility for the 29^th of November. The committee will have the opportunity to speak to sleep experts while they are visiting the facility. The fundraising community continued to work on their projects. The class also continued to research EEG technology.

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Testing the NeuroSky MindWave

Class 4B split into three groups on Tuesday November 15^th. The fundraising committee met, and worked on an idea that they hope will increase class 4B's revenue. The committee will have more to share about this in the near future. Another group researched electrodermal technology, as class 4B are considering using this as an indicator of the onset of sleep for the feedback system 4B is working to create. The remaining group tested the newly purchased NeuroSky headset. The group was able to set up the headset, and test some of the featured apps. Next class, the group will try another app that graphs the different brainwaves recorded by the headset.

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4B's First Purchase

Class 4B decided to purchase a NeuroSky MindWave starter kit. This headset utilizes EEG technology to monitor brain waves. The product is meant to boost health and wellness, but 4B will test it to see how effective this product is at measuring the different types of brainwaves, especially beta and alpha waves. The class will also discuss the pros and cons of the design, as our own product should be comfortable and aesthetically appealing. The product will arrive by the time 4B meets again, and testing will begin that class.

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Back in Business

 Saratoga Springs High School’s EDD class is underway. Class 4B spent the first six weeks researching potential problems to solve under the command of project manager Matthew Chmiel. Class 4B began this journey with over fifty problems to choose from, all of which they generated on their own. By October 27^th, the class had narrowed their scope down to three possible problems. 4B presented these problems to a panel of General Electric engineers, who helped evaluate which problem is best for the class to pursue. It was decided that the problem of unexpectedly falling asleep while driving and while listening to/watching media content was the best fit. Class 4B is currently researching the science of sleep, as well as existing technology that can be applied to this problem.

We are excited to share our progress with you, subscribe to the blog to receive weekly updates!

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