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University of Massachusetts at Lowell

Assistive Technology Design Fair 2009

Project Proposal

School Name: TEAMS Academy

Project done by Josh Weinberg

Team Advisors: Janna Thomas, Don Rhine, Bill Harmon

Statement of Need: The client needs a remote control that has four independent inputs.

Background

A client that is confined to a wheelchair or paraplegic will greatly benefit from this device. No longer will the disabled client have to get to four different electronic components to turn on and use them. With this remote control device, the client will be able to control a variety of electronic components (up to four) with just a few pushes of buttons.

Research On Existing Products:

DTMF Remote Control:

# uses a 16F877 chip and integrates in software

# has 4 outputs to drive 10 Amps at 120 V AC

# 3 inputs (commands)

# Hardware consists of:

# phone line interface

# relay drivers

# all logic functions are integrated in 16F877 micro controller

# $49.00

IRIDA Dream Remote Control

# Has 4 independent outputs that can act for activation or deactivation for many electric and electronic components

# User can enter and store time delays in addition to On-off control

# XOR function can automatically transition from one state to the opposite, enabling an intermittent operation of a device

# 4 digital inputs

# 4 independent timers for each relay output with time function (1 sec to 999min)

# Dimensions (mm): 94x64x26

# Compatible with GSM networks

# Programmable via sms commands or via serial port wit IridaSoft

# $408.94

4 input 1 ouput HDMI Remote Control (Avenview HDMI-VS-4X1 switch)

# Displays HDMI signal from 4 different inputs to 1 output via IR

# Designed for home theaters, conference rooms, and connecting DVD players, game consoles, digital boxes, PCs, etc. to TV

# Has auto switching, manual switching, and remote control switch modes

# HDMI 1.3 and HDCP compliant

# Supports 1080p resolution

# Built-in equalizer to fine tune picture quality

# $125.00

Impact Acoustics™ Amplified Volume Control

# Designed for use with the Impact Acoutics™ four or eight zone audio distribution modules

# 10Watt amplifier is within control

# 3.5mm jack for MP3 or portable CD player for local playback

# IR capability to control audio components

# $87.96

Design Requirements/Constraints:

Must have multiple inputs
Must have fairly long range (1ft. - 20ft.?)
Must have substantial battery life
Must be user friendly
The product has to be safe for the client to use
The product must be completed in our time frame
Costs must be under $75
The product must incorporate a sensor (probably IR) to transmit output