UPRC Mid-SemesterPresentationFall 2006
Projects:University Place TV (UPTV)Improving Listening Environments (ILE)Computer Coaching (CC)
Team Role
Ilhwang Chung, Brian Lee Audio debugging Timer & Switch Implementing Development system
Vince Ruppert Web-based applications using a database
Eric Buysse Rewiring & Documentations
Works done this semester Audio Debugging - We have found the resistance value, so audio
debugging needs the final testing on the actual device.
Switch/Timer - It is still in Design Phase
Development System - Need some more parts to be purchased or
received from the project partner to be assembled fully.
Problems Encountered Audio Debugging - We had some difficulty when we tried to
measure the resistance form the audio output of the VCR but it was resolved.
Switch/Timer - We thought were confident when building each
device separately but having to build a device that needs both function in one made us lost.
Development System - Device needed for building the development
system are not still received or purchased.
Projected Outcome Audio Debugging - We are hoping to try the found resistance value on
the actual device to see rather it works properly.
Development System - Receive or purchase the parts needed for full
assembly.
Switch/Timer - Currently we are thinking to use a micro-processor to
implement the functions required. If a suitable micro-process that can count exactly “one second”, we might be able to program that can show on the screen and get inputs from device.
Software - Database Paperwork problems at UPRC
Barbara expressed difficulties keeping up with all the paperwork she has to go through.
Had the idea to implement a database to help out with the paperwork, by doing everything online instead of by hand.
UPTV issues with PowerPoint, inconsistencies with flyers Barbara had to make paper flyers and UPTV
slides separately, this does not need to be the case with a database
Expressed difficulty using PowerPoint in general, had to manually change flyers every week.
Software - Database Solution to both problems: Utilize a database
A database holds information, like a file cabinet. Data in the form of text or specially formatted fields (think of labels) can be stored in the database and then retrieved and then displayed in any way you want it.
Using a database would eliminate PowerPoint all together. Now the database would be in control of displaying formatted flyers to the TV system. It would be able to do this automatically withoutthe need to manually change the slideshow or restart the system.
Able to update database from any computer connected to the UPRC network. No need to ever touch the actual computer the database is being run off of.
Software - Database How will this be accomplished?
Database software being used is called MySQL. It is quite popular and free to use, and the programming language being used in conjunction with it is also popular and easy to use.
Online programming language being used is called PHP. PHP is a very popular language to use online mainly because of it’s close ties to MySQL and it’s ability to display dynamic web pages. It allows web developers to use variables to display data that can change based upon the values of the variables. Think of a web page that can keep track of your name and greet you every time you visit.
Both PHP and MySQL need something called a web server to function. The web server being used is called Apache, and it is being used because again of it’s cost (free) and popularity.
Software - Database A database is like a file cabinet, storing data and files
The database being designed for UPRC will be a bit morecomplex than a file cabinet, but generally that is how it works.
Instead of only paper being the input, there will be many inputs.
Flyers Events Food Menus Sign-up forms (events, trips, transportation, etc) Room Reservations Work Requests
Likewise, many outputs Online view, and forms to be put back into the database UPTV slideshow Calendar Printable Flyers
Software - Database How to go about designing the database
When it all comes down to it, everything is just code Easier to split functions (inputs and outputs) into separate files,
rather than one large file. Easier still to split functions up into manageable chunks.
Two ways to accomplish communication from inputs to outputs
Many small individual files which represent the functions themselves in control of themselves, put together to form the system.
Hierarchal design - Slightly larger files, dependent on one larger “control” file which sends all variables and data to the other files.
Decided to use Hierarchal design due to it’s proficient use in computer engineering classes such as EE495d & EE437.
Software - Database Hierarchal design?
Think of a boss that splits up tasks into smaller portions for workers to perform. Notice number of connections to database.
Software - Database Expected progress
As Vince Ruppert is the only person working on this part of UPTV, he is planning on completing the basic form of the final database by the end of the semester. There will still be some fine-tuning to be performed at the beginning of next semester and the product may not be 100% ready to be used until the end of Spring 2007.
Next semester will focus more on working with the layout of the web pages that communicate with the database. This will allow the users of the database (the UPRC staff) a much more pleasant experience when working with the database system.
Team Responsibilities Eric Buysse - rewiring the sound system in the
Great room/conference rooms Melissa Dunn - rewiring sounds system in the
Great room/conference rooms; advertising ReACT on UPTV
Rachael Fischer - creating and implementing plan for collection of noise measurements in the dining room; reporting results to residents and giving recommendations to improve listening conditions
Kendall McEwan - rearranging the seating in the Great room/conference rooms; researching ALDs to be used at University Place
Current Progress – ReACT & Sound System Connection ReACT
I am currently in the detailed design phase task. I have collected slides from past semester and
added some of my own personal touches. My next step would be to revise (add/eliminate)
ideas to make it presentable. Sound System Connection
In the last couple days, I have gone from specification development to detailed design phase tasks.
My next step, meet again at UPRC and actually take action. Once completed be able to get feedback from residents.
Current Progress – ReACT 10 Rules for Effective Communication
Do not speak from another room. Do not speak with your back toward the person with a hearing loss
(or their back toward you) Do not start speaking and walk away Do not start speaking and turn away from the person with a hearing
loss Do not speak in competition with something else (turn off the water,
turn down the radio, etc.) Do get the attention of the person with the hearing loss (do not start
speaking while s/he is reading or concentrating on the TV, etc.) Do try to speak face to face at all times Do try to remove obstructions while speaking (move your hand from
your face, the cigarette from your mouth, etc.) Do try to speak distinctly Do try to be patient
Current Progress - Sound System Connection 1. Saw what we had to work with
Removed the cover to the volume control in the Education Room.
Removed panels in the ceiling Ran into small problem!
Current Progress - Sound System Connection 2. Began to experiment
Turned on the main amplifier from the nursing station.
Undid some wires to see what would happen Removed the faceplate of the volume control in
the Great Room. Same set-up but one extra wire that we never figured
out what it did. Experimented with a stereo to see if our goal of
connecting the white speakers to the current system in the Education Room would work.
Finally, fiddled with the current system in the Education Room to see if the connection would accomplish our goal.
Current Progress - Sound System Connection 3. Came to conclusions
It is feasible to connect the white speakers to the current sound system in the Education Room.
If we want to use all 8 white speakers (Education Room & Great Room) we would need a separate wire going between the two rooms. Might need to involve extra people.
Plan For the Rest of the Semester – ReACT & Sound System Connection ReACT
Make plan for displaying ReACT principles on UPTV Distribute and display principles on UPTV Project will be completed by the end of the
semester Sound System Connection
Contact experts to get feedback Incorporate the unused speakers Make plan for connection of speakers
Current Progress – Dining Room I am currently in the Specification
Development phase of this projectLocated and reviewed noise measurement
data collected last semesterBrainstormed ideas for the new noise data
collection test plan In the process of creating new test plan
for noise data collection
Current Progress – Dining Room The noise measurement data collected in the dining room
last semester was located and reviewed The team used a docimeter to measure the noise levels,
however the use of a sound level meter would have been more appropriate
Docimeter designed for more high noise environments (e.g. factory)
Noise measurements collected were not very useful – descriptions of locations where noise levels weremeasured were not very accurate
Possibly due to use of docimeter and time constraints Average noise levels in the main dining room and Four
Seasons dining room was 70dBSPL
Current Progress – Dining Room Ideas for the new test plan for noise data
collection were brainstormed Detailed map will be drawn to aid in setting up
appropriate locations for measurements Use of a sound level meter to collect data
More appropriate than docimeter for our purposes Measurements will be taken in different
locations over several different days Would like to take measurements during both lunch
hours and dinner hours to see if there is a difference in the noise levels
Current Progress – Dining Room Began creating new test plan for noise data
collection Went to University Place to look at the dining
room Measurements of room dimensions for both the
Main dining room and Four Seasons dining room were taken
Created map for both dining rooms Need to return to University Place to look at Main
dining room again to finish map for that room
Plan For the Rest of the Semester – Dining Room Just began creating test plan so will
continue to develop this plan, which will be completed by the end of the semester
I will also be getting input regarding the design of my test plan from various sources
Implementation of my test plan will begin next semester
Current Progress – The Great Room
GREAT ROOM
Assistive Listening Devices
contact current users of ALD systems (i.e. churches, Elliot Hall)
contact manufacturer for specs. of potential ALDs
contact manufacturer re: how ALDs would work with current equipment
get samples of ALD and present to UPRC
consult residents/John re: ALDs ease of use
make cost analysis
buy equipment
monitor usage of ALDs
Rearranging Seating take measurements of the room
brainstorm ideas/rough designs
consult Barb/John
draw in each seat in a comprehensive drawing
arrange chairs for an event
get feedback from residents in the form of a survey
We are a little bit ahead of schedule on the ALD part of this because the issues of installation and how the ALD would work with our current system have already been addressed.
Current Progress – The Great Room
Assistive Listening Devices: Specification Development Phase The specification Development Phase was started last semester, and
three options were suggested for the future team to look into The Personal FM system was quickly dismissed because each
resident would have their own wireless mic, which meant that the speaker would have any number of mics on at one time
The infrared system and the FM system were both researched, but the infrared system was thrown out due to cost and needs of the residents confirmed by a survey
Of 26 residents surveyed, 18 think it is difficult to hear in the Education room
Only one resident had a hearing aid with a telecoil Additional notes from the survey: (1) the mic feeds back a lot, and has a
very tinny sound; (2) residents did not indicate trouble hearing during musical presentations; (3) staggering of chairs would be beneficial, as many residents were leaning out of their chairs to see (more later re: this)
Useful for majority of residents
Easily coordinated by staff
infrared system X
Performance FM system X X
Personal FM system
Current Progress – The Great Room Assistive Listening Devices: Specification Development
Phase Systems were narrowed down to three: the Listen Performance
package, the Personal PA value pack, and the Pro Wide Band FM system
The Listen Performance Package was used and recommended by Elliot Hall and Central Fellowship Church; in addition, the distributor Marilyn Electronics, hailed the Listen system as themost reliable and hands-free; however, the system is the most expensive
Originally had trouble getting in touch with the distributor, but Elliot Hall used a different distributor, Harrison Communications, which was much more helpful
Current Progress - The Great Room
CostFrequency
Response Range# of recievers/ price
of additional Mic?
Listen Performance Package $1,502.95 30 Hz – 17,000 Hz 1000 ft
4 recievers included; additional recievers $101.00 and up Y
Personal PA Value Pack WS-PPAVPE $ 990.00 22Hz - 1600 Hz
300 – 500 ft
4 recievers included; additional recievers $94.50 N
Pro Wide Band FM System (Model 375) $1,060.00
22 Hz - 16000 Hz 1000 ft
4 recievers included; additional recievers $94.50 Y
Recommendations/
Warranty/Reliability Installation
Listen Performance Package
2 recommendations; distributor recommended reliability; lifetime
warranty from manufacturer
more cumbersome and space consuming
Personal PA Value Pack WS-PPAVPE 5 year warranty Williams Sound
small T17 broadcasts from current
soundsystem
Pro Wide Band FM System (Model 375) 5 year warranty Williams Soundautomatically configures itself w/ wireless mic
• Assistive listening Devices: Conceptual Design Phase
Current Progress – The Great Room
Seating and Room Arrangement: Problem Identification Phase Rearranging the seating was just brought up this
semester as a possibility The team ran into a problem with accessibility issues
and fire codes, so not very much rearrangement of seating is possible
About 20 minutes of a lecture was observed when the survey was given out
Residents were leaning out of chairs trying to see The speaker did not really know how to use the equipment
Current Progress – The Great Room
Seating and Room Arrangement: Problem Specification phase – New goals were developed for this part of the project
directions for speakers about where to stand and how to minimize feedback
advising staff to stagger chairs slightly (not obstructing the aisles) to see if this will help residents see
Plan For the Rest of the Semester - The Great Room Find a way to get a sample ALD for
residents to try Develop a cost analysis for the ALDs
and decide on one recommendation move forward with Seating and Room
arrangement project by developing directions for staff/speaker
Project Status
Freshman groups trained and paired with
residents Students scheduled with residents Scheduling roadblocks addressed Provided basic project guideline sheet to
freshmen Required students use a status report sheet
weekly
Plan
Provide more helpful documentation to the freshmen
Contact more volunteer orgs Update the CC manual Complete feedback survey for methods
improvement Reload training volunteer group for Spring