Solace - Solar Powered Automated Window Shades
Solace will be a solar powered automated system for the blinds in your house. This system will aim to save the user money by reducing the amount of solar heat entering the home thus reducing the energy bill. The blinds will run off solar power accumulated from the solar energy exposed to each window. Windows with little to no solar exposure will not have the blinds shut, however, windows with the most exposure to sunlight will automatically close. Solace will aim to have an unobtrusive design that offers a concealed unit that will not obstruct the view while also maintaining quiet automation. The idea is to be able to install Solace and have it run effectively and efficiently without the user even knowing it is there. Solace may have customizable settings for timers and may also feature a battery backup for automation during times without solar exposure. These features will maximize privacy for the user, efficiency of power consumption, and reliability of the device while still maintaining an inconspicuous unit with no unnecessary wires leading to power units.
— Matthew Baute, Douglas Paiz
System Block Diagram:
White Cane Enhancement
The proposed idea is to add a lightweight, low cost, and a small handled (storage) to the white cane to aid the visually impaired. These additions will not change the legal requirements of a white cane. The modifications include a global positioning system (GPS), echolocation system, two-way, voice recognition, emergency calling, topology, and an audible system for added self-dependability. The addition will be power by a rechargeable battery and will work under various weather conditions.
The white cane is not a replacement for human advice and guidance. The goal of the white cane enhancement is to help, plot a path, and to provide two-way communication with the end-user. On the other hand, the white cane will recalibrate, make necessary adjustments, and suggest routes from voice command from the end-user, if needed. Lastly, the white cane can guide the user safely back home, to the nearest first responder’s location, and call 9-1-1 in extreme circumstances.
— Matthew Baute, Douglas Paiz
System Block Diagram:
Solar Outdoor Walkway Lights
The design will aim to provide an all-in-one package for solar powered pathway lights for driveways, pools, gardens, and more. The lights, as indicated by the name, will be powered by solar energy harvested during the daylight hours. The design may aim to have the solar energy harvested last over a period of a few days or include a battery backup for days there is no solar exposure to the surface, where the mounted solar panel will be. The design may take a more rugged, weather-proof approach or a sleek and stylish approach or a combination of the two.
The actual light itself will be an LED to provide excellent intensity and lifetime. The focus is to achieve a ‘total package’ as far as providing a product with all the pros of existing products without any of the drawbacks. To take the design further, we would like to integrate proximity sensors for the lights for security and practical applications. Additionally, the lights may be programmable to turn on during certain hours of the day, again for security and practical reasons. If the design up to this point is achievable and within the scope and timeframe of the design, an app could be integrated into the design to provide accessibility for setting custom timers, a dimmer switch setting, turning lights on or off manually, and more.
— Matthew Baute, Douglas Paiz
System Block Diagram:
