IPFW Senior Engineering Project DescriptionFall 2017
Title: Sound Level Management System for Group Exercises
Sponsor: YMCA (Tentative)
Students : 2 EE and 1 CmpE
Budget = $1000
I Introduction
Group exercise classes have become increasingly popular as a way of maintaining personal fitness. These classes genearlly combine cardiovascular exercises with strength and coordination routines. The exercises are accompanied by popular music to motivate and enhance the exercise experience. The tempo rate and volume of the music is matched to the level of exercise. The instructor also has a voice system (which may be mixed with the music in the sound system) to give commands and direct the movements in the exercises. A problem that arises is the control of the level of sound. If not managed, the sound levels can exceed levels considered safe to prevent hearing loss. The proposed project would construct a sound level monitoring system that would enable the group exercise leader to manage the level of the sound and keep it within recommended guided lines.
II Project Description
It is envisioned that this project will make use of the Arduino family of microcontroller devices. These devices are inexpensive and readily available. Additionally there is a wide range of auxillary devices that work with the Arduino processor including sound sensors, blue tooth communication units, and display interface units. The construction of this system will involve the basics of good engineering practice including:
1. Investigation of the problem and development of a preliminary set of specifications and standards requirements.
2. Development of candidate solutions with consideration of such factors as cost, risks, schedule, and perforamce.
3. Formal review of candidate approaches with stake holders and selection of a best approach to begin implementation.
4. A report detailing the design and results of the project.
III RequiredEngineering Skills
This project will require a team of three to four senior engineering students with the following skills:
1. Digital signal processing
2. Familiarity with Arduino microcontroller hardware and software
3. Programming (C and possible the Swift language for apps).
4. Physics associated with sound propagation and audio signals.
IV Cost Estimate
This cost estimate assumes the stake holder’s time is available without cost.
Thc cost of the parts should be relatively inexpensive. It is estimated to be on the order of $1K.