Eugene Chabot

Microcontroller based artificial synapse

This paper discusses a novel artificial synapse implementation utilizing a PIC microcontroller. This artificial synapse controls a postsynaptic neuron based upon the frequency of pulses input from a presynaptic neuron. The artificial synapse is constructed to interface the Lymnaea stagnalis neuron and a neuron emulator capable of simulating this type of neuron.

Microprocessor Based Control of Electromechanical Devices by Using Electromyogram: A "Cricket Car" Model

The Cricket Car is a remote control car that uses electromyographic (EMG) signals to drive the car. Electrodes are inserted into the legs of the common field cricket and the myoelectric signal, also known as a motor action signal, is amplified. This amplified signal is then acquired by the PIC16F88 processor. Using threshold detection and conditional logic algorithms, the PIC processor sends command signals to the circuit of a remote control car. Features such as object/collision detection, cricket stimulus, and additional signal processing algorithms have been studied and developed. The project has been incorporated into a neuroengineering course. Continuation of this project by undergraduate and graduate students will serve as the impetus for further improvements.

Designing Android Applications Using Voice Controlled Commands: For Hands Free Interaction with Common Household Devices

Utilizing assistive technology to aid persons with neuromuscular disabilities, this study improves upon previously created offline voice control of household devices through an input-output peripheral interface control processor driven using an application on the Galaxy S Android smart phone. In trial, the most effective type of voice recognition software for offline communication was Pocketsphinx. This offline capability is used and tested for accuracy of several commands on a direct television remote though the exchange of Bluetooth signals between the phone (input) and transfer station (output). The application was designed to recognize key word commands and send signals to corresponding pins on the input-output board. The execution of a command was enabled through the interface of the smart phone with a television remote. In the laboratory, experiments were tested for accuracy taking into account distance between person and device as well as level of ambient noise and the vocalization of the subject.

The Effect of Recording Methods on the Frequency Response of Breathing Sounds Measured with an Electronic Stethoscope

The stethoscope has been used for almost two centuries mainly for listening to the lung and heart sounds. This study was conducted to characterize the frequency contents of the breathing sounds recorded with an electronic stethoscope under different conditions. These conditions included different levels of pressure applied to the probe and the use of a double-sided adhesive tape for interfacing. The goal of this study was to quantify the differences in frequency response and assess the attenuation of high and low frequencies caused by the probe-skin interface during testing. Various pressures were applied and quantified using a pressure-sensing handle developed in conjunction with this study. The signal was analyzed by using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) implemented in MATLAB. The data showed significant differences in frequency response with varying recording methods. The result of this study is useful for controlling the recording method when the acoustic signal from the stethoscope is used in a quantitative way.

Activity Analyzer for Guided Independent Living Environments (AAGILE)

The AAGILE is a device designed to reinforce a healthy daily regimen for those who choose to live independently, especially those with diminishing cognitive or physical functions. The device does so by setting goals, providing personalized interactive reminder messages, and monitoring daily activity in 5-minute increments. The purpose of this study is to minimize the overall device size and footprint of the motherboard, further develop the functions of the AAGILE and test the overall health benefits with respect to different physical and cognitive limitations and in comparison to different commercially available monitoring devices.

Balance board rehabilitation device for ankle proprioception assessment

A three-dimensional accelerometer was incorporated into a balance board to report real-time ankle attitudes during ankle sprain rehabilitative treatment. The design consisted of an embedded sensory module wirelessly linked to an Android mobile device with a graphic user interface to assess proprioceptive improvements. Preliminary results demonstrated an ability to report ankle attitude at a rate of 6 Hz, thereby providing a useful real-time feedback during the rehabilitation.

A microprocessor-based wrist pulse simulator for pulse diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine

The pulse diagnostics has been an important practice in traditional Chinese medicine for diagnosing various diseases. It is based on the patterns of blood pressure pulses at the wrist felt with three fingers. The device developed in this study mimics the outward forces generated by blood flows through the radial artery. The embedded system platform allows for the implementation of various pulse patterns in response to the depression pressure of the fingers. The resulting pulse simulator is useful for demonstrating and teaching the art of pulse diagnosis.

Development of an Electrophysiological Instrument for Universal Clamp Testing

The purpose of this study is to design a mixed-signal device capable of producing an output signal modeling a neuronal action potential. While targeting generalized lab use for education, the neuron emulator has been designed and tested with a versatile voltage, current, and patch clamp - the Universal Clamp. Results from this testing have been reported and used to improve performance.

A Silicone Human Head Model for Testing Acoustic Properties of the Upper Airway

The purpose of this project is to create an actual-size, anatomically accurate human head model that contains a void for the upper airway. The model is intended to be used for studying the acoustic properties of the breathing sound. The model was constructed with silicone rubber that has acoustic properties similar to those of soft tissues. The main challenge of the project was to construct the model with a single, homogenous piece of silicone, which is necessary to avoid any interface affecting the sound transmission. The model included the head, portion of the neck containing the suprasternal notch, a functioning airway with nasal and oral passageways, sinuses, and the trachea. A technique developed in this study was the development of an airway model made of gelatin. The gelatin model occupied the space in the head model mold when silicone rubber was poured. The gelatin was later removed by boiling the model in water to leave the void of the airway inside the model.

Development of a Pressure-Sensing Handle for a Stethoscope

Acoustic signals recorded with a stethoscope could be significantly affected by the probe-skin interface. The goal of this study was to develop a pressure-sensing device to measure and control the applied pressure at the probe-skin interface. Since placing a pressure sensor directly at the interface would block the transfer of acoustic signals, a custom-made handle was attached to the top of the stethoscope head. A handle was made of silicone rubber with an embedded pressure sensor that measures the force transferring from the hand to the stethoscope head. A microprocessor based device was also developed to provide a numerical readout of the force. This system was successfully built, providing accurate and repeatable pressure measurements. The resulting device should be useful for standardizing the applied pressure at the probe-skin interface for acoustic measurements with a stethoscope.