BME 484/485 Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design

BME 484/485 Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design I & II

BME 484/485 Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design (3+2 credits): Applications of engineering skills; team projects in biomedical areas such as neuroengineering, assistive technology, cardiopulmonary measurements, medical imaging, and modeling of physiological systems. Two-course sequence for fall and spring. (Lec. 1, Lab. 3) Pre: (207 and 362) or permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit. This course satisfies the Integrate & Apply category of General Education.

Specific Program Outcomes for BME 484/485
2: an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
4: an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5: an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objective.

Instructors: Ying Sun, Eugene Chabot, Jiang Wu, BME Technician: Tanya Wang
Syllabus: 2019-20.
Conference presentation photos: NEBEC'12, AT'13, NEBEC'13, NEBEC'14, AT'14, NEBEC'15, NEBEC'16,
                NEBEC'17, NEBEC'18, NEBEC'19.
Timeline: spreadsheet.     Report templates: mid-year report, final report.
Engineering standards: Introduction to Standards, RoHS, excerpt of IEC60601, excerpt of AAMI EC11, AAMI catalog.
Class photos: 2015,   2016,   2017,    2018,    2019.

URI Undergraduater Research and Innovation: Link.

Class meets from 1:00 pm to 4:45 pm on Monday in the spring, with a lecture from 1:00 pm to 1:50 pm, starting September 9, 2019 in the BME Lab (Engineering room 110).

Capstone Projects 2019-20 Fall'19 Demo

Prof. Ying Sun is the lead supervisor of the following projects:

MagnetPeutics: Innovative motor design for rotating therapeutic permanent magnets – To develop a circuit controlled motor assembly to be used in a transcranial magnetic stimulation helmet for stroke rehabilitation. (Collaboration with Dr. Brian Silver, Neurology, UMass Medical School, Worcester). Victor Chung, Joseph Reyes, Julius Chen
Prosthetics: Balance detection with vibro feedback for lower limb prosthetics – Develop a 3D model of a lower-limb prosthetic that detects the balance of the amputee. It will involve an arduino board including an accelerometer, gyrometer, and magnetometer on top of the foot to measure the angles and direction in the XYZ planes at both stationary and moving positions. The board will be connected to vibrotactile device that will alert the amputee when they are off balance. (Collaboration with Prof. Kunal Mankodiya's lab). Amanda Celia, Steph Hamilton, Becky LeBlanc
ModelHouse: Model house for assistive living – Develop a scaled-down model house to demonstrate assistive technology devices that are more difficult to implement in full scale. The house will include a motorized wheel-chair lifter and self-descending cabinets. (Collaboration with Ocean State Center for Independent Living, Lorna Ricci). Lexie Duntzee, Kiera Mantyla, Mackenna Dunn
Neuron: Voltage-clampable electronic neuron emulator – Implement a novel design of the action potential generation circuit such that the rise time can be reduced and fall into the physiological range. The resulting instrument will have a significant impact. It will allow the neuroscientists and equipment manufacturers to test, calibrate, and evaluate their electrophysiological instruments without the need of preparing an experimental setting with live neurons. Develop an experimental setup for microelectrode recording of live neuron. Klara Szilagyi, Madison Lewis
CellCap: Emulating capacitance change during cell endocytosis and exocytosis – Cell Capacitance Emulator/Digital Voltage Clamp - The purpose of this project is to create a system that measures the dynamic changes of the cell membrane capacitance due to endocytosis and exocytosis, specifically that of a neuron. The device will ideally replicate live biological processes that can eliminate the need for wet lab electrophysiological testing. As for the digital voltage clamp, we would like to develop an experimental setup for microelectrode recording of live neurons. The digital voltage clamp will be utilized to test the cell capacitance emulator. JT Ketzebberger, Aaron Landry

Prof. Eugene Chabot is the lead supervisor of the following projects:

EyeBlink: Classifying eye movement using machine learning on EOG signals – We will be using machine learning to characterize eye-movement using recorded EOG signals. A neural network or other paradigm will allow for the recognition of gaze direction from the signal and possibly control a system like a cursor. Dylan Kennedy, Graem Timmons, Renee Gordon
LimbMonitor: Limb activity monitoring during sleep – Wearable sensors including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers will be attached to all four limbs to track the amount and type of movement being done. This will allow a clinical trial to be carried out giving insight into how much and what kind of movement will decrease the likelihood of blood clots in stroke patients. (Collabotation with Dr. Brian Silver, Neurology, UMass Medical School, Worcester). Ryleigh Alfonse, Kate O’Rourke, Jackson Gutekunst
iGolf: Adaptive golf tee off practice – Create adaptive sports equipment for disabled Veterans to relearn golf with their disability. VA Providence is interested specifically in designing golf balls that provide auditory feedback for blind Veterans. (Collaboration with Providence VA Medical Center, Jordan Anderson). Brendan Driscoll, Alex Hastings, Prestor Saillant
Hearing: Online hearing loss test – Develop a web-based test for hearing loss using a series of “Yanny or Laurel” type of questions. Arjita Bhasin, Micheal Kukluski, Richard Sirisouk
Balance: Intelligent balance board for rehabilitation – Develop a sensor-embedded wobble board for rehabilitation of ankle or knee injuries with a focus on adding a stress sensor to determine pressure applied by different parts of the foot and improving real-time feedback/calculation. (Collaboration with physical therapist Craig Simpson). Rafael Javier, Dann Erwin, Tobi Williams

Prof. Jiang Wu is the lead supervisor of the following projects:

BikeHelmet: Bicycle helmet turning signals – Existing bicycle helmets with turning signals are relatively expensive due to the use of wireless remote controls. Using accelerometers & gyroscopes embedded in the helmet, the turning signals can be activated with a jerk of the head toward the right or left. (Collaboration with Dr. Brian Silver, Neurology, UMass Medical School, Worcester). Rock Fortna, Josh Brodeur, Alex Roduit
PainDetect: Detection of facial expressions in pain – Develop a personalized pain detector based on a real-time image processing algorithm implemented on an Android smart phone or tablet. The focus is on scale and rotation invariance for a pixel based matching algorithm. (Collaboration with Seven Hills RI, Marie Capobianco). James McIntyre, Amal Guptan, John Kearns
PulseOx: mplementation of pulse oximetry in the Biomedical Instrumentation Lab – To develop a reflective pulse oximeter for measuring arterial oxygen saturation and heart rate based on the PIC microprocessor system developed at the URI BME Lab. Nick Akers, Douglas Coppa, Nathan Labonte
UV: Disinfection chamber using ultraviolet light – Improve last year’s UV disinfection chamber to safely kill surface bacteria on medical equipment, with a specific focus on oxygen tanks. Perform tests to determine appropriate exposure time and effectiveness of the UV dosage. (Collaboration with Providence VA Medical Center, Jordan Anderson). Elizabeth Bushey, Sam White, Rebecca Donegan

Capstone Projects 2018-19

Prof. Ying Sun is the lead supervisor of the following projects:

HR (heart rate monitoring for the newborn): HR of the newborn provides useful information for performing the CPR. The objective is to develop a light-weight HR monitor using a reflective PPG sensor taped to the forehead of the newborn. The device needs to provide reliably beat-to- beat HR on a small LCD or OLED display with a minimal setup time. The device eventually is intended to be disposable. Pulse oximetry can also be helpful, but not essential at this point. An ECG based approach is another option, which needs to address the issue of electrode placement. This topic could support two teams with each team taking on a different approach. Clinical adviser: Dr. Greg Welch (who has a pending patent on this invention). Luke McConnaghy, Alex Gray, Brandon Williams.
PAR (pulse amplitude ratio for assessing heart failure): Using photoplethysmogram to measure PAR during the Valsalva maneuver, a forced exhalation against a closed glottis (throat). A large PAR is associated with a healthy heart with a responsive baroreflex control of the autonomic nerve system. This ratio is likely decreased in heart failure patients and thus can serve as a useful marker. The present project aims to developed the instrumentation system for PPG that can measure PAR as well as the induced heart rate variability during the Valsalva maneuver. (Potential collaboration with Dr. Carlo De Cecco of Emory University). Kareem Boura, Mack Cash, Rebecca Edgerton.
Neuron (electronic neuron emulator): Develop a new version of the electronic neuron emulator that can represent the wave shapes of the sodium and potassium currents better. Test the voltage clamp performance of a commercial voltage-clamp amplifier and our own Universal Clamp using the improved neuron emulator. Pascaline Uwase, Fatima Issa, Huafen Guo Samuel Ng.
HRV (heart rate variability): Using ECG to heart rate variability (HRV) during the Valsalva maneuver, a forced exhalation against a closed glottis (throat). Heart variability can be assessed during the Valsalva maneuver or the sudden standing-up. The former is related to preload, while the latter is related to afterload of the heart. For heart failure patients we expect lower heart rate variability during the Valsalva maneuver. The present project aims to fine-tune the instrumentation system for ECG using a PIC-based circuit and to display the current beat-to-beat heart rate on an Android application developed with Android Studio. (Potential collaboration with Dr. Carlo De Cecco of Emory University) Abdulrahman Alsasa, Nate Guillemette, Dylan Young.
PPG (continuous heart rate monitoring based on PPG): Beat-to-beat heart rate monitoring during exercise is typically done with ECG, and is much more difficult with PPG. Commercial PPG HR monitor (such as Apple Watch or FitBit) usually determine HR with a 15-s average. One idea is to develop a sinusoidal oscillator with frequency modified by a digital phase-lock- loop in synchronization with the PPG. An effective beat-to-beat HR monitor based on PPG should represent a significant break-through and has commercial value. Jake Matte, Jack Cammarata.

Prof. Eugene Chabot is the lead supervisor of the following projects:

LimbMonitor: Develop a motion sensing system using miniature accelerometers that measure movement of each limb for patients who are lying in a hospital bed. Dr. Silver would like to do a research studying comparing different durations of bed rest following stroke. It would be very useful to have information on what the total volume of movement was throughout the day and what percentage is represented by each limb. Clinical adviser: Dr. Brian Silver (neurologist, UMass Medical School). Sydney Robinson, David Edgar, Julia Donovan.
FireFighter (smart firefighter helmet): Develop a physiological and environmental monitoring system by embedding sensors such as pulse oximeter in the seal of a firefight helmet against the forehead with display and communication capabilities based on Bluetooth and smartphone. Jake Duerwald, Tom Totillo, David Cleary.
Balance: Develop and improve an intelligent wobble board that has embedded motion sensors into for rehabilitation of ankle or knee injuries. The motion signals are wirelessly transmitted to a smartphone, which provides instructions for specific rehab protocols, keeps scores, and analyzes the data. The focus will be on an IRB-approved study and adding a stress sensor to determine pressure applied by different parts of the foot and improving real-time feedback/calculation. Clinical adviser: Craig Simpson, physical therapist. Tessa Arsenault, Aiden Keene, Meghan Keenan.
VR/AR (virtual reality and augmented reality): Apply VR/AR technology (such as the Google's ARcore library for Android) to therapy programs for stroke rehabilitation. The use of VR as a form of rehabilitation method will allow patients to perform the exercises whether they are bedridden or at home. The system can be modified for those in a wheelchair or for those who only need to exercise a specific limb to prevent atrophy. It will focus on researching and applying general muscle exercises and routines in the form of VR based everyday activities to provide patients with a basic procedure on how to perform these exercises. Corvah Akoiwala, Anya Brian Duroha, Merci Ujeneza .

Prof. Jiang Wu is the lead supervisor of the following projects:

SafeTransport: Improve the prototype of system for safe transport and storage of infusion pumps and other IV pole transported equipment. Collaboration with the Providence VA Medical Center. Lilly Margolis, Laura Parra, Scott Selig.
UVcabinet: Improve the prototype of a UV disinfection cabinet to safely kill surface bacteria on medical equipment. Assess the effectiveness of UV exposure for objects with irregular shapes. Collaboration with the Providence VA Medical Center. Andrew Strong, Sam Charpentier, Kendra Michaud.
Hearing (hearing lost characterization): A filter bank will be developed to generate audio clips that missing specific frequency bands. In a sense similar to the “Laurel or yanny” test, a serial of A-B tests will be developed. A scoring system to assess the auditory sensitivity in the low-, middle, and high-frequency ranges will be developed. An IRB-approved human study will be conducted. The participants will be asked to go through the test and be assessed. The initial development can be done on a laptop using MatLab. The final implementation can be in the form of an Android app. Justin Jewell, Liam Stamp, Mohammed Janoudi.
iClimb (rock climbing aid for persons with prosthetic lower limbs): Improve the prototype of embedded pressure sensors embedded in shoes to help persons with prosthetic limbs during rock climbing. Design and conduct an IRB-approved study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness. Collaboration with the Providence VA Medical Center. Meaghan O’Connell, Lauren Bartlett,Gianna Morrongiello.

Capstone Projects 2017-18 Fall'17 Demo Spring'18 Demo

Prof. Ying Sun is the lead supervisor of the following projects:

Biofeedback: Develop a microprocessor frontend for measuring ECG and temperature and an Android app that implements a biofeedback protocol for controlling emotion dysregulation (in collaboration with Seven Hills health and human services). Elaine Joyce, Samantha Provencher, Zachary Silveira. Proposal
AAC: Develop an EMG based adaptive switch and an Android app that provides Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) using the built-in Android accessibility and text-to-speech functions (in collaboration with Seven Hills health and human services. Joshua Harper, Zachary DiMartino. Proposal
ModelHouse: Design a 16:1 scale accessible model house for demonstrating home modifications and various assistive technologies such as wheelchair lifter and accessible kitchen counter for persons with limited mobilities (in collaboration with Ocean State Center for Independent Living). Ahmaad Randall, Amy Harmon, Alexis Welch. Proposal
MagnetPeutics: Develop a light-weight headwear for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) rehabilitation treatments that uses a novel design to achieve fast and quiet rotation of permanent magnets (in collaboration with Dr. Brian Silver of UMass Medical School). Austin Ramos, Zachary Brown, Juan Malvar. Proposal
PulseSim: Intended for teaching pulse diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine, develop a simulator that can represent blood vessel width in addition to depth, strength, rhythm, length, and propagation (in collaboration with veterinarian Dr. Mona Boudreaux). Mackenzie Mitchell, Jake Morris, Ian Kanterman. Proposal

Eugene Chabot (Ph.D., Naval Underwater Warfare Center) is the lead supervisor of the following projects:

PainDetect: PainDetect: Develop a personalized pain detector based on a real-time image processing algorithm implemented on an Android smart phone or tablet (in collaboration with Seven Hills health and human services). Rachel Bellisle, Jessika Decker, John McLinden. Proposal
IRsensor: Develop a laser-guided IR sensor with temperature display and physiological signals such as breathing rate on an OLED screen to be integrated into a firefighter face mask. Ryan Dolan, Seth Gergel. Proposal
PPG: Develop and compare the reflectance and transmittance photoplethysmogram (PPG) systems for heart rate monitoring at various location. Aaron Gilmore, Sydney Beck, Emily Ensom. Proposal
Balance: Develop a sensor-embedded wobble board for rehabilitation of ankle or knee injuries with a focus on adding a stress sensor to determine pressure applied by different parts of the foot and improving real-time feedback/calculation (in collaboration with physical therapist Craig Simpson). Daniel Salazar Herrera, ThankGod Ugochukwu, Matthew Brass. Proposal
EOG: Develop a PIC-processor based electroculogram system using two pairs of skin electrodes around an eye. The project aims at the combination of EOG and electromyogram (EMG) to improve accuracy and reliability of controlling assistive device. Ryan Ivone, Peter Cerce, Greggory Dambrosca. Proposal

Jiang Wu (Ph.D., Bose Corporation) is the lead supervisor of the following projects:

EyeBlink: Develop a video-based real-time algorithm to detect eye blinks. The system aims at controlling assistive devices for persons with disabilities. Rachael Amore, Jason Mercier, Sawyer Nichols. Proposal
PulseOx: Implement a pulse oximeter sensor with the PIC-processor based system used in our biomedical instrumentation course. Derek Santos, Rory Caldas. Proposal
RFID: Using the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, track personnel in a hospital environment when they enter or exit a specific area with a focus on the development of a web server (in collaboration with Dr. Brian Silver of UMass Medical School). Tyler Gagan, Delaney Santos, Lauren Porto. Proposal
Spectrogram: Develop a real-time spectrogram app on an Android smart phone based on the short-time Fourier transform for monitoring the frequency-domain characteristics of the electromyogram (EMG). James Baez, Melissa Santi. Proposal
Insole: Develop a sensors-embedded shoe insole with a smartphone display for real-time pressure distribution of the foot (sponsored by Delsys Inc. of Natick, Massachusetts. Colby Thomas, Timothy O'Connor. Proposal

Jordan Anderson (MS, Chief Clinical Engineer, Providence VA Medical Center) is the lead supervisor of the following projects:

TeeItUp: Create a smart tee with IR range sensors and an audio feedback (pitch-varying beeps) to help aiming the golf club for golfers with visual impairments (in collaboration with Providence VA Medical Center). Proposal
iClimb: Use embedded pressure sensors in a shoe to provide foot placement feedback and help people with prosthetic limbs during rock climbing (in collaboration with Providence VA Medical Center). Jillian Holden, Emma Orton, Riley Temple. Proposal
SafeTransport: Create a safe linkage and storage system that meet hospital standards to help protect infusion pumps and other IV pole transported equipment from damage (in collaboration with Providence VA Medical Center). Dan Haberek, Daniel O'Brien, Margaret Franklin. Proposal
UVcabinet: Create an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection cabinet to safely kill surface bacteria on medical equipment (in collaboration with Providence VA Medical Center). Daniel Medeiros, William Kiernan, Kyle Riley. Proposal

Capstone Projects 2016-17 (Click here for a tabulated summary.) One-slide presentations: all demos
Download all 13 NEBEC papers for the senior design competition of NEBEC at New Jersey Institute of Technology on March 31, 2017.

MagnetPeutics: Adjustable lightweight transcranial magnetic stimulation helmet for brain injury rehabilitation. --- Rachel McAteer, Alex Gianos, Daniel Wec, Tanya Wang; clinical adviser: Dr. Brian Silver (neurologist, UMass Medical School); paper
Handwashing: Radio frequency identification and mobile technologies for personnel tracking in a hospital environment. --- Robert Thottam, Joshua Powers, Michael McAfee, Tanya Wang; clinical adviser: Dr. Brian Silver (neurologist, UMass Medical School); paper
RFID: Radio frequency identification for the development of a smartphone integrated monitoring system for hand hygiene compliance. --- Tou Khang, Jacques Dorval, Esteban Tamayo; clinical adviser: Dr. Brian Silver (neurologist, UMass Medical School); paper
Riders: The implementation of safety systems into ride-on cars to enhance play therapy for children with physical disabilities. --- Celia Dunn, Alaa Eid, Miranda Mitchell, Joseph Maestri; in collaboration with the Lil' Rhody Riders Program of URI Physical Therapy; paper
HRV: Developing an Android application to determine short-term induced heart rate variabilities. --- Leah Acquaviva, Emma Hindinger, Abdullah Albakr; clinical adviser: Dr. Sal Charamida (cardiologist, Medical Univ. of South Carolina); paper

PPG: Impact of placement of facial PPG sensor on pulse-rate monitoring accuracy. --- Matthew K. Bailey, Colton J. Smaldone; paper
Balance: Developing an Android application to determine short-term induced heart rate variabilities. --- Thomas Jancura1, Kelley Magill1, Ryan Buckley; clinical adviser: Craig Simpson (physical therapist); paper
VisualSub: Pattern recognition of dorsal mounted linear vibrotactile array. --- Samuel Karnes, John Donahoe, Chris Morino; paper
EOG: Integrated EOG and EMG front-end for differentiating intentional and unintentional blinks. --- Mark Plugovoy, Matthew Forde, Tanya Wang; paper

Weight: Android application to prevent foot ulcers and monitor weight of diabetic patients. --- Brian McHugh, Michelle Bierman, Ryan Brown; paper
Height: Ultrasonic sensors height and BMI device. --- Alexander Nguyen, Michael Heath, Anthony Messina; paper
EyeBlink: Image-based open/closed eye status determination for embedded system. --- John Paquet III, Andrew Rosenberg, Rory Makuch; paper
Retinal: GUI based optic disc and cup characterization from fundus images. --- Samuel Spink, Mitchel Apatow, Scott Goyette; paper

Capstone Projects 2015-16 (Click here for a tabulated summary.) One-slide presentations: all demos
Download all 12 NEBEC papers for the senior design competition of NEBEC at SUNY Binghamton on April 5, 2016.

MagnetPeutics: This project is co-supervised by Dr. Brian Silver (a neurologist) of RI Hospital to develop a portable helmet with permanent magnets for the rehabilitation of stroke patients. The magnet fields from the neudymium magnets are alternated with a rotational mechanism. The engineering techniques include mechanical design with SolidWorks, 3D printing, pulse-width modulation for motor speed, and PIC microprocessor. --- JessH, MikeC, MosaA
Ride-on Cars: This project aims at adapting ride-on cars for children with mobility impairments, allowing them to better interact with peers and improve muscle strength and coordination. Each car will be custom adapted for each child's specific needs. We hope that this will increase each child's confidence and encourage them to actively participate in social interactions. The technical components include the design of supporting structures with thermally formed PVC pipes and a collision avoidance device based on ultrasound detectors and PIC processor. This project is in collaboration with Physical Therapy students Sandra Maliangos and Coral Hines. Video, Sample Instruction Manual, Fundraising page. --- CaraN, KatieB, ZachC
StoveFence: This project is co-advised by Dr. Shahla Yekta (URI Nursing) who is the lead scientist of the Burn Prevention -Africa project funded by the United Nations. Many children in the slums of Kenya have suffered from burns over coal stoves used inside their living areas. This project aims at developing a prototype based on a multi-panel metal mash design, identifying locally-available alternative materials, and reducing costs. (This project won the 3rd Place Prize of the NEBEC'16 Undergraduate Design Competition.) --- TracyW, RobV, SokounP
3DTissue: This project is co-advised by Prof. Samantha Meenach of Chemical Engineering. The project aims at the design of a tissue culture platform for growing 3D tumor spheroids in partial air culture. Since this has never been done before, there isn't a good way to do this in a high throughput fashion at this point. The techniques include SolidWorks designs, 3D printing, and mold constructions using silicone rubber. The platform also includes a multi-compartment hood for the administration of drugs in an aerosol power form. Image analysis techniques will be used to assess the effectiveness of the design in terms of the evenness of the spray." --- KatieN, TasiR, AnaliciaB
PulseSim: This project is in collaboration with Dr. Mona Boudreaux (Past President, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association) and Prof. Faye Boudreaux-Bartels. Pulse diagnosis is an important technical for diagnosing various diseases in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Using three fingers to feel the pulses at the wrist, an expert in TCM can detect up to 29 different pulse patterns. This project aims at developing a graphical user interface (GUI) for specifying various pulse waveforms to be downloaded and executed by a novel wrist pulse simulator. --- SaraB, JosephM, GeorgeH

The following projects have Dr. Eugene Chabot as the lead supervisor:

iWobble: This project is co-supervised by physical therapy expert Craig Simpson. A smartphone has been incorporated into a wobble board to report real-time ankle attitudes during ankle sprain rehabilitative treatment. The original design from last year requires further development. The front-end can be redesigned to be embedded in the wobble board. The Android software can be extended to include various protocols for rehabilitation. --- BrettK, MattB, CoreyG
bPASS: This project aims to develop a physiological monitoring system for the firefighters, called the Biomedical Personal Alert Safety System (bPASS), based on a PIC microprocessor and an Android smartphone. A warning signal is sent out by the phone if the heart rate is outside a predefined normal range. Additional physiological and environmental signals can be incorporated, such a breathing rate, SaO2, activity level, temperature, CO2 level, CO level, and location from GPS. This project can be further split into two parts, one focusing on the general bPASS design, another focusing on the instrumentation inside the fireman's face mask. --- RobB, MikeT, JohnP, TannerB
HRAge: This project introduces a novel index called the Heart Rate Age (HRAge) that reflexes a person's physiological age based on the induced heart rate variability (HRV). The baroreflex sensitivity is determined by the percent increase of heart rate resulting from an intervention such as the Valsalva maneuver or sudden standing-up. The induced HRV decreases with age, thereby correlating to a person's age in terms of the autonomic function. The formula for estimating HRAge will be determined from an IRB-approved human study. Data on induced HRV, age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) are being collected. --- AmandaJ, CallieT
VisualSub: This device relays motion information to an Android based Smartphone through the sense of touch. An Android App implements real-time image processing where motion is translated to vibrations using buzzers that are located in a belt that the user will wear around their waist. This assistive technology promotes the visually impaired to have greater independence and restore their freedom. --- RichM, CodyG, JustinP

The following projects have Dr. Jiang Wu as the lead supervisor:

CellCap: Exocytosis and endocytosis are important mechanisms for a cell to transport substances in and out. This is typically done by forming vesicles that carry substances through the cell membrane. When a vesicle cross the cell membrane, the surface area of the cell momentarily increase, which can be observed by monitoring cell capacitance with an electrode. This capacitance change is very small (on the order of 10 femto farads) and very difficult to measure. Dr. Sun and Dr. Wu have a novel instrument and algorithm to monitor the cell capacitance in a fast and accurate fashion. This project involves the development of a novel analog cell capacitance model, Matlab programming, and/or embedded instrumentation. --- MorganH, LisaR
Neuron: This project aims at improving a neuron emulator previously developed in our lab. The new design includes the representation for both the inward current and the outward current. Thus, the action potential waveform now accurately represents the hyperpolarization phase. The neuron emulator provides a useful means for teaching and for testing neuroscience instruments such as the patch-clamp amplifier. This technology has been included in a licensing agreement between URI and the Neuroscience Tools, a St. Louis based company, for commercialization. --- ViT, KimH, JessB
iActivity: This project aims at developing a cost-effective platform for real-time analysis of the daily activities for the older adults. The project is sponsored by Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI). ADI has donated two units of their Blackfin Low Power Imaging Platform (BLIP) built around the ADI's ADS-BF70X processor. Image processing algorithms are developed to perform local image/video processing for detection of occupancy, body positions, and body movements, and so on. Specific movement patterns can be used to identify situations of concern such as sudden fall, inactivity, overactivity, sedation, long-time sitting, dozing off, tremors, etc. --- ShaneR, ToriD, JesseM

Capstone Projects 2014-15 (Click here for a tabulated summary.)
Instructors: Ying Sun, Ph.D., Eugene Chabot, Ph.D.; BME Technician: Tanya Wang

Transcranial-magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Helmet - a light-weight helmet with permanent magnets to be worn by stroke patients during routine rehabilitation. The magnets are flipped to alter their polarity under the control of a microprocessor - Shante Dezrick, Riley Davis, Zachary Jacobson, (Sponsored by Dr. Brian Silver of Rhode Island Hospital): paper, proposal .
Heart Rate Monitoring During Physical Exercise - A photoplethysmogram (PPG) database from an IEEE sponsored cometition is available for developing an effective heart rate meter during exercise. The project also aims at the development of a rist-Type PPG heart rate meter during exercise using a PIC processor - Christian Chipouras, Anthony D'Onofrio, Kyle Sexton: (IEEE Signal Processing Society Challenge): paper, proposal .
Multi-Sensory System For Monitoring Diskinesias in Movement Disorders - This project aims at designing a body-worn multisensory system to detect dynamic symptoms??tremors, dyskinesias, and freezing of gait??associated with movement disorders . The sensors will send the data wirelessly to a close-by computer for signal processing and data analysis. It is also desired to produce symptom severity score which is very important element of clinical interventions -Trevor Bernier, Dan Tamayo, Thomas Lennon (Sponsored by Dr. Kunal Mankodiya): paper, proposal .
EEG Based Controls for Assistive Technology - The project aims at research and development of the use of electroencephalogram (EEG) to operate a switch, which in turn can control assistive technology devices for persons with disabilities. A Brainwave Headset (NeuroSky Mindwave) is used in the development of the initial prototype - Angelo Butera, Seth Crino, Tanya Wang (Sponsored by Dr. Ying Sun): paper, proposal .
Rehabilitation Device with Proprioception Feedback - The project aims at the development of a device to provide proprioception feedback for improving the efficacy of rehabilitation - Dana Demers, Erik Simpanen, Shawn Volpe (Sponsored by Dr. Eugene Chabot and Craig Simpson): paper.
Android Based Visual Sensory Substitution Device - This device relays motion information through touch/auditory sense to persons with visual impairments. Using the processing power of an Android smartphone, motions of large objects are extracted from a video stream. The motion information is conveyed to the user by use of touch and/or auditory signals - Jordan Sudario-Cook, Matthew Colletti, Brian Volpe (Sponsored by Dr. Eugene Chabot): paper, proposal .
Activity Analyzer with voice-Guidance for Independent Living Environments (AAGILE) implemented on an Android smartphone - An invention of Prof. Patricia Burbank (URI Nursing) and Prof. Ying Sun, AAGILE is a wearable device of with motion sensors and voice record/playback IC to encourage exercise for the older adults. A previous prototype has been built on a PIC processor platform. This project aims at the development of a new prototype of AAGILE based on an Android smartphone - Richard Kue, Nicholas Paiva, Kelsey Matthews (Sponsored by Burbank Industries): paper, proposal .
Silicone Head model with Airway Blockages - This project aims at developing a silicone head model with an anatomically correct airway. The focus of this project is to measure the frequency spectra of the breathing (airflow) sounds in relation to blockages at different sites such as the larynx and the back of the tongue where the problem of sleep apnea usually arises. - Jeremy Galle, Madison Moreau, Brian Myette (Sponsored by Dr. Ying Sun): paper, proposal .
Myoelectric Controls for a Lego Mindstorms Robot - Electromyogram (EMG) can be used to control assistive technology devices. This is an continuing project that develops a PIC based 2-channel EMG systems to interface with a Lego Mindstorms system via a bluetooth link - Jamie Brooks, Nicholas Gomes, Preston Steele (Sponsored by Dr. Ying Sun): paper, proposal .

Capstone Projects 2013-14 (Click here for a tabulated summary.)
Instructors: Ying Sun, Ph.D., Eugene Chabot, Ph.D.; Teaching assistant: Brian Ramos, Andrew Dunne
Download all 7 papers for the Northeast Bioengineering Conference, Boston, April 25-27, 2014.

Automated Applied Pressure Control for Acoustic Signal Analysis with an Electronic Stethoscope. Jonathan Ims, Samuel Hastings. Paper.
Graded Muscle Contractions Determined by Temporal Recruitment. Brooke McCarthy, Kimberly Stephens, Caitlyn King. Paper.
Instrumentation for Cell Capacitance Measurements: Switching Sinusoidal Excitations for Studying Cell Membrane Transport. Joseph Cullen, Prashil Patel, Julia Shannon. Paper.
Medication Reminding Activity Analyzer for Guided Independent Living Environments (MRAAGILE): Implementing Motion Dependent Medication Reminders. Alexander Batrakov, Patrick Merida, Nathan Bartels, Patricia Burbank. Paper.
A Microprocessor-Based Wrist Pulse Simulator for Pulse Diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Steven McLellan, Christina Liese, Melissa Andrews, Mona Boudreaux, G.F. Boudreaux-Bartels. Paper.
Time Dependent Skin Impedance Model: For the testing of electrocutaneous stimulating electrodes. Courtney Medeiros, Christopher Ross DeSanto, Ryan McDonough. Paper.
An Upper Airway Model for Studying the Acoustic Properties of Breathing Sounds. Andrew McNaught, Connor Walsh, George Douleh. Paper.

Capstone Projects 2012-13 (Click here for a tabulated summary.)
Instructors: Ying Sun, Ph.D., Eugene Chabot, Ph.D.; Teaching assistants: Brian Ramos, Aleksey Gladkov

Activity Analyzer with voice-Guidance for Independent Living Environments (AAGILE). Tanya Wang, Josh Harvey, in collaboration with a nursing student (Rachel Gingras) and faculty (Prof. Patricia Burbank): Paper, Progress Report.
Audio based visual substitution system. Garo Tashian, Cameron Elliott, Jeffery Crispo: Paper, Progress Report.
The effect of recording methods on the frequency response for an electronic stethoscope. Brittany Alphonse, Andy Spiewak, Erik Walder: Paper (FFT), Paper (device), Progress Report. (This project won the 2nd Place Prize of the NEBEC'13 Senior Design Contest.)
Highly efficient, low-cost environmental control system. David Ramsay, Brian Kennedy: Paper, Progress Report.
Mixed-signal myoelectric controls. Kaitlin Abbate, Thomas Franklin, Morgan Rosenberger: Paper, Progress Report.
Neuron emulator. Angela Phongsavan, Stephen Sladen: Paper, Progress Report.
Silicone head model with upper airway for studying breathing acoustics. Gemma Downey, Thaeje Shanker: Paper, Progress Report.
Smartphone based voice activated switch. Nicholas Mulhern, Nicholas Beretta, Neil McCaffrey: Paper, Progress Report.

Capstone Projects 2011-12
(Presented at the 38th Northeast Bioengineering Conference, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 2012)

Greene H, Dulude C, Neves A, Sun Y, Burbank P. Performance evaluation of the activity analyzer. 38th Northeast Bioengineering Conference, Philadelphia, PA, March 16-18, 2012. (This project won an award of the NEBC'12 Senior Design Contest.)
Barrena S, Klotz L, Landes V, Page A, Sun Y. Designing Android applications with both online and offline voice control of household devices. 38th Northeast Bioengineering Conference, Philadelphia, PA, March 16-18, 2012.
Gladkov A, Fagbote M, Hill R, Sun Y. Force clamp and electrical stimulation on decapod appendages. 38th Northeast Bioengineering Conference, Philadelphia, PA, March 16-18, 2012.
Lum E, Perez C, Sun Y. On detecting and adaptive timing for electromyogram based control signals. 38th Northeast Bioengineering Conference, Philadelphia, PA, March 16-18, 2012.