Help I'm surrounded

A dimly lit auditorium, the smell of popcorn and hot-dogs accompanied by the sound of fizzy drinks slurped through straws; the lights dim and a hush of expectation descends, sound fades in from all around, drawing the audience into the illusion of another reality. This is the world of the cinema, but is it possible to recreate this cinematic surround sound experience in the home? In order to address this question it is necessary to understand what is meant by "cinematic" surround sound and to consider some of the challenges faced by those seeking to translate it to the home environment. This article examines these issues through an exploration of the development of surround sound in the cinema and its transference to the home and concludes with a tentative look towards possible future developments

PHALANX: Expendable Projectile Sensor Networks for Planetary Exploration

Technologies enabling long-term, wide-ranging measurement in hard-to-reach areas are a critical need for planetary science inquiry. Phenomena of interest include flows or variations in volatiles, gas composition or concentration, particulate density, or even simply temperature. Improved measurement of these processes enables understanding of exotic geologies and distributions or correlating indicators of trapped water or biological activity. However, such data is often needed in unsafe areas such as caves, lava tubes, or steep ravines not easily reached by current spacecraft and planetary robots. To address this capability gap, we have developed miniaturized, expendable sensors which can be ballistically lobbed from a robotic rover or static lander - or even dropped during a flyover. These projectiles can perform sensing during flight and after anchoring to terrain features. By augmenting exploration systems with these sensors, we can extend situational awareness, perform long-duration monitoring, and reduce utilization of primary mobility resources, all of which are crucial in surface missions. We call the integrated payload that includes a cold gas launcher, smart projectiles, planning software, network discovery, and science sensing: PHALANX. In this paper, we introduce the mission architecture for PHALANX and describe an exploration concept that pairs projectile sensors with a rover mothership. Science use cases explored include reconnaissance using ballistic cameras, volatiles detection, and building timelapse maps of temperature and illumination conditions. Strategies to autonomously coordinate constellations of deployed sensors to self-discover and localize with peer ranging (i.e. a local GPS) are summarized, thus providing communications infrastructure beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) of the rover. Capabilities were demonstrated through both simulation and physical testing with a terrestrial prototype. The approach to developing a terrestrial prototype is discussed, including design of the launching mechanism, projectile optimization, micro-electronics fabrication, and sensor selection. Results from early testing and characterization of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components are reported. Nodes were subjected to successful burn-in tests over 48 hours at full logging duty cycle. Integrated field tests were conducted in the Roverscape, a half-acre planetary analog environment at NASA Ames, where we tested up to 10 sensor nodes simultaneously coordinating with an exploration rover. Ranging accuracy has been demonstrated to be within +/-10cm over 20m using commodity radios when compared to high-resolution laser scanner ground truthing. Evolution of the design, including progressive miniaturization of the electronics and iterated modifications of the enclosure housing for streamlining and optimized radio performance are described. Finally, lessons learned to date, gaps toward eventual flight mission implementation, and continuing future development plans are discussed

Enabling New Functionally Embedded Mechanical Systems Via Cutting, Folding, and 3D Printing

Traditional design tools and fabrication methods implicitly prevent mechanical engineers from encapsulating full functionalities such as mobility, transformation, sensing and actuation in the early design concept prototyping stage. Therefore, designers are forced to design, fabricate and assemble individual parts similar to conventional manufacturing, and iteratively create additional functionalities. This results in relatively high design iteration times and complex assembly strategies

Bioresorbable silicon electronics for transient spatiotemporal mapping of electrical activity from the cerebral cortex.

Bioresorbable silicon electronics technology offers unprecedented opportunities to deploy advanced implantable monitoring systems that eliminate risks, cost and discomfort associated with surgical extraction. Applications include postoperative monitoring and transient physiologic recording after percutaneous or minimally invasive placement of vascular, cardiac, orthopaedic, neural or other devices. We present an embodiment of these materials in both passive and actively addressed arrays of bioresorbable silicon electrodes with multiplexing capabilities, which record in vivo electrophysiological signals from the cortical surface and the subgaleal space. The devices detect normal physiologic and epileptiform activity, both in acute and chronic recordings. Comparative studies show sensor performance comparable to standard clinical systems and reduced tissue reactivity relative to conventional clinical electrocorticography (ECoG) electrodes. This technology offers general applicability in neural interfaces, with additional potential utility in treatment of disorders where transient monitoring and modulation of physiologic function, implant integrity and tissue recovery or regeneration are required

A Novel, Bio-Inspired, Soft Robot for Water Pipe Inspection

abstract: This thesis presents the design and testing of a soft robotic device for water utility pipeline inspection. The preliminary findings of this new approach to conventional methods of pipe inspection demonstrate that a soft inflatable robot can successfully traverse the interior space of a range of diameter pipes using pneumatic and without the need to adjust rigid, mechanical components. The robot utilizes inflatable soft actuators with an adjustable radius which, when pressurized, can provide a radial force, effectively anchoring the device in place. Additional soft inflatable actuators translate forces along the center axis of the device which creates forward locomotion when used in conjunction with the radial actuation. Furthermore, a bio-inspired control algorithm for locomotion allows the robot to maneuver through a pipe by mimicking the peristaltic gait of an inchworm. This thesis provides an examination and evaluation of the structure and behavior of the inflatable actuators through computational modeling of the material and design, as well as the experimental data of the forces and displacements generated by the actuators. The theoretical results are contrasted with/against experimental data utilizing a physical prototype of the soft robot. The design is anticipated to enable compliant robots to conform to the space offered to them and overcome occlusions from accumulated solids found in pipes. The intent of the device is to be used for inspecting existing pipelines owned and operated by Salt River Project, a Phoenix-area water and electricity utility provider.Dissertation/ThesisMasters Thesis Engineering 201

In-Mold Assembly of Multi-Functional Structures

Combining the recent advances in injection moldable polymer composites with the multi-material molding techniques enable fabrication of multi-functional structures to serve multiple functions (e.g., carry load, support motion, dissipate heat, store energy). Current in-mold assembly methods, however, cannot be simply scaled to create structures with miniature features, as the process conditions and the assembly failure modes change with the feature size. This dissertation identifies and addresses the issues associated with the in-mold assembly of multi-functional structures with miniature components. First, the functional capability of embedding actuators is developed. As a part of this effort, computational modeling methods are developed to assess the functionality of the structure with respect to the material properties, process parameters and the heat source. Using these models, the effective material thermal conductivity required to dissipate the heat generated by the embedded small scale actuator is identified. Also, the influence of the fiber orientation on the heat dissipation performance is characterized. Finally, models for integrated product and process design are presented to ensure the miniature actuator survivability during embedding process. The second functional capability developed as a part of this dissertation is the in-mold assembly of multi-material structures capable of motion and load transfer, such as mechanisms with compliant hinges. The necessary hinge and link design features are identified. The shapes and orientations of these features are analyzed with respect to their functionality, mutual dependencies, and the process cost. The parametric model of the interface design is developed. This model is used to minimize both the final assembly weight and the mold complexity as the process cost measure. Also, to minimize the manufacturing waste and the risk of assembly failure due to unbalanced mold filling, the design optimization of runner systems used in multi-cavity molds for in-mold assembly is developed. The complete optimization model is characterized and formulated. The best method to solve the runner optimization problem is identified. To demonstrate the applicability of the tools developed in this dissertation towards the miniaturization of robotic devices, a case study of a novel miniature air vehicle drive mechanism is presented

New technologies for urban designers: the VENUE project

In this report, we first outline the basic idea of VENUE. This involves developing digital tools froma foundation of geographic information systems (GIS) software which we then apply to urbandesign, a subject area and profession which has little tradition in using such tools. Our project wasto develop two types of tool, namely functional analysis based on embedding models of movementin local environments into GIS based on ideas from the field of space syntax; and secondlyfashioning these ideas in a wider digital context in which the entire range of GIS technologies werebrought to bear at the local scale. By local scale, we mean the representation of urban environmentsfrom about 1: 500 to around 1: 2500

The Leaf for Leaning Pine Arboretum

The goal of this ARCE 415 senior project course was to create a shade structure that could be incorporated into The Leaning Pine Arboretum, located on campus at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. From start to finish, these three ARCE students took on the role of form-finders to form-testers to form-makers. We are putting the architectural back in architectural engineering as we reclaim the historical tradition of the engineer as the form finder. In many of our design labs we focused primarily on sizing members and analysis, just using a structure that the architect already had established. In this one-of-a-kind studio, we started with nothing and ended with a fully realized concept

Development and evaluation of custom prosthetic devices for a companion animal utilizing additive manufacturing.

BACKGROUND AND SIGINIFICANCE: Few options exist for companion animals in need of prosthetic devices. With the rise of rapid prototyping technology, the availability and customization of prosthetic devices for individual companion animals is now a viable and cost effective alternative to the current options of a peg leg prosthetic, or wheel-assisted prosthetic device. The goals of this study were to describe the (1) specific needs and (2) biomechanics of a feline with bilateral thoracic limb amputation, (3) develop custom prosthetic devices utilizing rapid prototyping technology, and (4) describe the biomechanics of a feline with bilateral thoracic limb amputation using the custom prosthetic devices. The feline being studied in this project is a 2 year old Maine Coon feline weighing 9 lbs. She was a stray that was found with severe frostbite on her thoracic limbs. These sections of her thoracic limbs were amputated to remove the necrotic tissue. SPECIFIC AIMS: The goals of this study is to describe the (1) specific needs and (2) biomechanics of feline with bilateral thoracic limb amputation, (3) develop custom prosthetic devices utilizing rapid prototyping technology, and (4) describe the biomechanics of a feline with bilateral thoracic limb amputation with the use of the custom prosthetic devices. MATERIALS & METHODS: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology was utilized to fabricate the prosthetic devices that were designed and put through a Finite Element Analysis to simulate static loading and fatigue testing during various stages of the gait cycle. The devices were mechanically tested to ensure device failure did not occur during static loading, as well as fatigue tested to resemble continued use. vii Kinematic gait analysis was performed prior to and after use of the prosthetic devices, and outcomes were compared between the scenarios. Gait data was also compared to published feline gait data to determine any effects to the feline’s gait resulting from the amputation, and if this effect was corrected through the use of the prosthetic devices. RESULTS: FDM was a cost effective way to fabricate strong, durable prosthetic devices designed specifically for a companion animal with dual thoracic limb amputation. Mechanical testing ensured that the prosthetic devices can survive over 10,000 loading cycles at 6 N, and 3000 N of vertical force. The gait analysis performed without the use of the prosthetic devices show increased flexion of the elbows, stifle, and tarsus joint during ambulation. Gait analysis during the use of the prosthetic devices removes this additional flexion. CONCLUSION: Use of prosthetic devices can have a positive influence in the gait of companion animals with amputations. The comparison between the two data sets shows removal of the additional flexion found in the thoracic limbs when the prosthetic devices are used. This project showcases the feasibility of using additive manufacturing to create cost effect and durable prosthetic devices for use in companion animals

Development of High Resolution Tools for Investigating Cardiac Arrhythmia Dynamics

Every year 300,000 Americans die due to sudden cardiac death. There are many pathologies, acquired and genetic, that can lead to sudden cardiac death. Regardless of the underlying pathology, death is frequently the result of ventricular tachycardia and/or fibrillation (VT/VF). Despite decades of research, the mechanisms of ventricular arrhythmia initiation and maintenance are still incompletely understood. A contributing factor to this lack of understanding is the limitations of the investigative tools used to study VT/VF. Arrhythmias are organ level phenomena that are governed by cellular interactions and as such, near cellular levels of resolution are needed to tease out their intricacies. They are also behaviors that are not limited by region, but dynamically affect the entirety of the heart. For these reasons, high-resolution methodologies capable of measuring electrophysiology of the whole entirety of the ventricles will play an important role in gaining a complete understanding of the principles that govern ventricular arrhythmia dynamics. They will also be essential in the development of novel therapies for arrhythmia management. In this dissertation, I first present the validation and characterization of a novel capacitive electrode design that overcomes the key limitations faced by modern implantable cardiac devices. I then outline the construction, methodologies, and open-source tools of an improved optical panoramic mapping system for small mammalian cardiac electrophysiology studies. I conclude with a small mammal study of the relationship between action potential duration restitution dynamics and the mechanisms of maintenance in ventricular arrhythmias