ENSE 623 Projects, Fall Semester, 2008
[ Project 1 ]:
Systems Engineering for Modular Ship Assembly
[ Project 2 ]:
Smart Medical Record Card System
[ Project 3 ]:
Investigation of Single Stream Recycling: Process and Contamination Minimization Validation
[ Project 4 ]:
Dubin Vehicle Path Planning System
[ Project 5 ]:
Dynamic Requirements Modelling for a Human-Robot Team
[ Project 6 ]:
Microcontroller-Based Voice-Activated Wheelchair
[ Project 7 ]:
Space Environment Monitor Sensor System
[ Project 8 ]:
Future Air Traffic Control Technology
[ Project 9 ]:
Face Poser; Rapid Modeling for Animation
[ Project 10 ]:
Combining DSM's with System Readiness Level (SRL)
[ Project 11 ]:
Importance of the Human Interface in System Design:
A Validation and Verification Problem.
[ Project 12 ]:
Visualization of Military Testing Imagery and Data
[ Project 13 ]:
Bank Management System
[ Project 14 ]:
Library Information Systems
[ Project 15 ]:
Power Failure Detection and Response System
Class presentations will be on Nov. 25 and December 2.
Please make every effort to attend class on both evenings.
Don't worry if your project isn't complete -- just talk about your main
ideas, what you are hoping to accomplish and the method.
Plan for 20 minutes + 10 minutes of questions/discussion.
The purpose is to share ideas and receive constructive feedback.
Title: Systems Engineering for Modular Ship Assembly
Authors: Kizsonya Smith and Chijioke Ogbonna
Abstract: In modern shipyards, modular ship hull construction system has been introduced to improve productivity and quality. However, scheduling of modular ship hull construction is very risky. This is because ships are one-of-a-kind, made-to-order products. This makes the standardization of the module production processes difficult. In this research, we look to find a system that has been developed to support the risk management in scheduling of modular ship hull construction considering the module division plan, the construction plan of each module and rework. Also, in this paper we look to provide the criteria for defining the amount of modularity possible and an approach to selecting the proper level and degree of Modular/Open Systems for a specific ship application. Finally, the process for implementing this concept in a ship design is briefly outlined -- highlighting the necessary steps that must be taken for successful results.
Class Presentation: Scheduled for December 2.
Final Report: ....
Title: Smart Medical Record Card System
Authors: Harlena Hickson and Eboney Howard
Abstract: The medical historty of a patient is very important, and crucial, when a dramatic event has taken place. Before any true assistance is administered to the patient, medical staff want to know the blood type, prescriptions the patient is taking, their last doctor visit and surgery to name a few. A way to display this information, and still provide privacy to their medial records, is through a smart chip embedded in a card that individuals would have on them at all times. Most individuals have a health insurance or Medicaid card, so we would embed the chip into that specific type of card. Just like you carry around your identification, each individual should keep this card on them in case of an emergency. Being able to carry this type of information on you at all times, will allow parametics, fire fighters, and other emergency personnel to provide proper care and service during an emergency.
Class Presentation: Scheduled for Nov. 25
Final Report: ....
Title: Investigation of Single Stream Recycling: Process and Contamination Minimization Validation
Authors: Beth Dixon and Sunny Kalsi
Abstract: We will review the advancement of single stream recycling programs over the past 10 years and visit a local facility to observe and document the process implemented. Investigation into other programs nationwide for comparison will be done, and research into successfully implemented procedures to minimize or prevent contamination of recyclable material yield will be conducted. Recommendations for further improvements, if possible, will be made.
Class Presentation: Scheduled for Dec. 2
Final Report: ....
Title: Dubin Vehicle Path Planning System
Author: Wayne Jiang
Abstract: Dubin Vehicles are forward-only moving vehicles with a minimum turning radius, such as an aircraft. What I would like to design is a system that can predict the minimum cost path an aircraft has to fly in order to visit a series of waypoints. The solution to the problem is very similar to a traveling salesman problem when the distance between waypoints is greater than the minimum turning radius of the aircraft, as the aircraft is capable to making all the turns without additional cost. But as the distance between waypoints become less than the turning radius, the aircraft would have to perform teardrop turns in order to visit the next waypoint.
The theory behind Dubin curves describes that there are 6 possible maneuvers that an aircraft could make in order to move from one point to another (given the outgoing direction of the first point and the ingoing direction of the second).
Left-Straight-Left
Right-Straight-Right
Left-Straight-Right
Right-Straight-Right
Left-Right-Left
Right-Left-Right
Out of these six maneuvers, one of which is the minimum cost (time) path.
My goal is to investigate a system/algorithm that would allow the prediction and generation of these paths given a series of waypoints and a turning radius vs. speed curve.
Class Presentation: Scheduled for Nov. 25
Final Report: ....
Title: Dynamic Requirements Modelling for a Human-Robot Team
Author: Kevin Sloan
Abstract: The current direction of NASA and other public space agencies will likely see human crews conducting missions on the surfaces of both the Moon, and Mars over the coming decades. The complexity of managing a rigorous science exploration agenda for a small crew with limited resources was evident during Apollo lunar missions, and more recently has been been explored in Mars mission simulations. Work at NASA Ames has developed astronaut-assisting rovers that amplify a human's capabilities when constrained to a spacesuit.
This project will investigate the dynamic requirements modelling associated with a human-robot team operating on the surface of Mars. This will include managing constantly evolving mission support science and engineering requirements, crew driven requirements, and operational requirements to maximize a team's effectiveness in the field. Requirements modelling abstractions/tools such as higraphs will be pursued as part of this project.
Class Presentation: Scheduled for Dec. 2
Final Report: ....
Title: Microcontroller-Based Voice-Activated Wheelchair
Authors: Digvijay Kale and Sonik Sikka
Abstract: Most of the conventional electric powered wheelchairs are using joystick as a used input mode of control to operate the powered wheelchairs. The drawback of joystick control is that it is not suitable for physical disabled person who cannot control their movements especially the hands. The voice-activated powered wheelchair supplementary with joystick control allows physically disabled person to exercise the wheelchair easily without the need to use hands. Microcontrollers are used to tune the power wheelchair system to the user's individual needs. Many wheelchair controllers permit adjusting maximum speed, acceleration and deceleration rate, input filter parameters, and input device dead-zone.
The usage of voice-activated control is fairly simple by giving commands to the wheelchair to go forward or backward and turn left or right correspondingly. A head-worn microphone is used. Voice would be recognized based on multi-training and pattern matching techniques. As a supplementary, joystick control would give a more accurate control for the speed, which allows the user to control movements in a confined area.
Class Presentation: Scheduled for Dec. 2
Final Report: ....
Title: Space Environment Monitor Sensor System
Author: Rebecca Hamilton
Abstract: Monitoring the near-earth environment is essential for protection of space assets and their capabilities from extremes in space weather. Particle radiation impacts military and civilian communication, navigation, aviation, and spacecraft operations, as these systems may be vulnerable to high-energy particles. A low-cost sensor system to detect such particles for space weather forecasting and early warning is required to be launched in 2013 on the National Polar-orbiting Operational Satellite System (NPOESS).
The focus of this project will be on the systems engineering aspect in the design of a sensor system that meets program constraints and requirements. The system must also ensure seamless data continuity with current military and civilian space weather sensors to multiple user sets.
Class Presentation: Scheduled for Dec. 2.
Final Report: ....
Title: Future Air Traffic Control Technology
Authors: Kurt Kesselman and Avi Chandra
Abstract: With the continuous growth of air traffic, air traffic control technologies of yesterday cannot keep up with the ever increasing traffic loads. Even though new (1960 forward) digital airport surveillance and communication systems have been added to the previous analog radar systems, human interaction in the form of an air traffic controller is still the primary interface for all airport flight management operations.
This project will try to determine what will be required to automate a system from the former hybrid of surveillance-data-human system to a complete digital informational technology system that requires minimal human interaction.
The project will focus on the analysis of:
As the complete air traffic control system is an integration of systems (a system of systems) this project will evaluate a single part of the air traffic management system, (most likely ground control). In doing so, the other systems will need to be considered as a part of the interfaces in the environment.
Class Presentation: Scheduled for Nov. 18.
Final Report: ....
Title: Face Poser; Rapid Modeling for Animation
Authors: Sunil Sharma and Mahesh Sahn
Abstract: It has been a long awaited challenge in computer graphics to build an interactive system that allows users to model realistic facial expressions quickly and easily. Using this system the user can create and edit facial expressions by drawing freeform strokes, or by directly dragging facial points in 2D screen space. An intuitive interface for interactively posing 3D facial expressions will be presented in this Project.
Class Presentation: Scheduled for Nov. 25.
Final Report: ....
Title: Combining DSM's with System Readiness Level (SRL)
Author: Mike Wei
Abstract: The Design Structure Matrix (DSM) is a useful technique to identify and model data flow or interactions between components, teams, or activities in order to achieve a better design process (e.g., by removing or reducing the need for potential rework). The focus of DSM is closely tied with how to integrate the design process. On the other hand, the concept of System Readiness Level (SRL) integrates the aspects of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Integration Readiness Level (IRL). This project will explore ways to combine techniques used in DSM models to assess a system or subsystem in terms of IRL and the resulting SRL.
Class Presentation: Scheduled for Nov. 25.
Final Report: ....
Title: Importance of the Human Interface in System Design:
A Validation and Verification Problem.
Author: Simplice Z. Gbedie
Abstract: Almost all systems (if not all) built by humans have the purpose of serving human one way or another. Although such purpose sounds obvious the human interface has not always been fully taken into account or perhaps not been fully understood. This lack of full consideration, although not deliberate, has and continues to have desastrous consequences. Some systems, however few and simple in nature, have passed the validation and verification test in that they have met the general human requirement; such systems have been very reliable up to this day, and their longevity should inspire on how to better design...
This project will ...
Class Presentation: Scheduled for Dec. 2
Final Report: ....
Title: Visualization of Military Testing Imagery and Data
Author: Sara Stoner
Abstract: Aberdeen Test Center's Technical Imaging Division is responsible for documenting, through still, video, and high-speed photography, a wide variety of military testing. TID's current browser is limited in its ability to display and export this imagery. In addition, there is currently no way for a test director to see all data collected on his or her test, which often includes TID, Ballistic Instrumentation, and Geodetics Survey data.
The intent of this research is to improve the current browser, and integrate it into an overall visualization tool, capable of reading and displaying disparate data, to give test directors a robust visualization of data collected.
Class Presentation: Scheduled for Dec. 2.
Final Report: ....
Title: Bank Management System
Authors: Arivnd Padma and Rohit Iyer
Abstract: Whether you are in a school or university, whether you are employed or retired, banking plays a very important life in day to day activities. As a student you need to do banking to pay off your pending fees online or if you are employed you may withdraw some money quickly from the ATM as the banking hours are over. Whatever are the reasons; in a nutshell, banking plays a very important role in a common person's life.
We are designing a banking system which interacts with the daily customers in a number of ways. It will help in the online transactions, help transfers, keep a track of customer transactions, and help him/her withdraw/deposit money through the ATM etc. This is just one part of the system. A bank without security is indeed a no bank at all. The second part will deal more with the security related issues. This Bank Management system will validate the customer's transaction by keeping a track of account number, passwords and respective balances in the account. The teller machine which is the most important aspect of the system, is supposed to validate and verify authorized cards. The machine will prompt the user three times to insert the proper card and if the user still doesn't insert the authorized card his card will be taken back and he has to take it from the bank. There are many other features of this bank management system, which we will be talking throughout the project and it will be made still clearer as the project goes on.
Objectives. The Bank Management System is an interactive system used for the banking purposes. The idea behind a BMS is to make the banking facility available inter-office, as well as over the web and through the ATM. Its main features are:
Class Presentation: Scheduled for Nov. 25.
Final Report: ....
Title: Library Information Systems
Authors: Bhaskar Adhikari
Abstract: Library systems are big information systems which need to have functionalities and features to satisfy the needs of the different users. The users of a library system are very varied, but can be broadly classified into two groups viz. the customers or the patrons and the providers or the back-end users.
The study would like to show how the same system has to integrate the needs of both the users. Some of the core requirements would be validated and analyzed. If possible, suggestions would be made to improve the system. Example, the selectors in the library need a better tool to decide on the selections. (I would specifically like to do a study on the prospect of improving the electronic resource management system from the standpoint of the selectors)
Class Presentation: Scheduled for Nov. 25.
Final Report: ....
Title: Power Failure Detection and Response System
Authors: Oliver Daley and Kwabena Okrah
Abstract: Power interruption caused by bad weather or other conditions poses great inconveniences along with some emergency situations. Residences detect potential fires, carbon dioxide exposure, and burglary intrusions; however, introducing the Power Failure Detection and Responsive System (PFDRS) will optimize Broadband over Power Lines and will complement and further complete the modernized smart electronic homes. The PFDRS design offers comprehensive detection analysis on the source of failure and executes a three-point-access user alert response; which identifies power failure to critical applications such as medical devices, appliances, electronic equipments, security systems, home offices, and telephone and internet systems.
The PFDRS will employ the use of systems analysis, design structure matrices, validation and verification techniques, and design with UML. Processes will be developed to model the PFDRS system; then the system will be decomposed, into understandable subsystems, showing all its various relationships with each system component.
Class Presentation: Scheduled for Dec. 2
Final Report: ....
Developed in October 2008 by Mark Austin
Copyright © 2008, Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland