Project Proposalthe gEEk squad

Michael Cozzolino

Elizabeth Reed

Andrew Williams

Colleen O’Hagan

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The Problem• Design a method for alerting a

visually impaired swimmer when to flip turn.

• Problems with this method– Requires dedicated personnel– Inconsistent– Lack of independence– Uncertainty inhibits full potential

• Current “technology”:

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Our Customer• Professor Richard Strebinger• Coach Annie Sawicki

Operating Environment• “Our pool” (Rolfs Aquatic Center)• Underwater

Parts of the Problem• Sense the swimmer• Alert the swimmer

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Constraints and Considerations• Electricity + Water = Bad• Regulations prohibit auditory

signaling• Swimmer must wear device so

minimal drag is desired• Impact on device• Signal interference from

multiple swimmers and noise at surface

• Different sizes of users - calibration?

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Features for Solution• Sensors at each end of lane• Determine if swimmer is

inbound or outbound• Vibrating device• Failure signal/ Low battery

warning• Calibration• Use of blacked out goggles

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Useful Technologies• SportzJam underwater radio• Cell phone vibration motor• CAD/CAM prototypes• Sensor research at ND

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The Plan• Research sensor technologies• Understand vibration

technology• Study underwater power

sources to learn about waterproofing and safety

• Make decisions for product design based on research– Determine sensor type– Determine notification method– Develop interfaces: sensor to

processor, processor to swimmer– Device use logistics

• Product design