Honors Projects for Electrical Engineering

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10125/31090

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Now showing 1 - 19 of 19

Solar Panel Cleaning Robot
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-09-26) Yee, Christina; Garmire, David; Electrical Engineering
The Solar Panel Cleanerbot is an electrical engineering junior and senior design project. The objective is to build a robot that can clean the solar panels on the roof of Holmes Hall in order to maintain optimal efficiency. While it will first be designed for use on the Holmes Hall panels, we want to create a robot that can be modified easily to fit different photovoltaic arrays so that it can be used on both commercial and residential arrays. With little to no technology currently available to clean solar panels efficiently, this project could have a tremendous impact on solar panel life and clean energy efficiency.
Electric Power Interconnection of Five Islands of Hawaii
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Yoshida, Steven; Electrical Engineering
A high voltage direct current submarine interconnection of the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Oahu appears to be a possible solution to Hawaii's growing need for more electrical power. Such an interconnection will distribute the power output of at least two large power plants to be built, one on Oahu and one on Hawaii. These two plants may be either nuclearly powered or geothermally powered, permitting large plant output to cover the state's entire load. An interconnection of this nature may prove to be economically feasible, as shown by previous submarine interconnections in other parts of the world. However, due to the extreme depth encountered in the Alenuihaha Channel between the islands of Maui and Hawaii, this interconnection will be far more difficult than any previous interconnection, and will require a specially designed cable.
Optimization of Search Programs in a Given Population
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Yeh, Richard; Chattopadhyay, Rahul; Electrical Engineering
This report discusses optimal methods of search for physical disabilities in a given population. The study was motivated by a practical problem connected with school-health programs. Although it is primarily directed to solution of this specific problem, the mathematical model developed and the method of solution can be extended to more general problems. Consider a program for detection (for effective treatment) of physical disorders (such as hearing disabilities) in school-age children. Evidently, this involves a repetitive search within the student body for individuals inflicted with the physical disabilities of concern. This repetitive search is called a Search Program. As a search program consists of many constituents, the optimization of such involves the finding of a proper mix of these constituents such that the search program is optimal in some sense.
A Software Buffer-Control Unit for the Aloha System
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Yao, Anthony; Abramson, Norman; Electrical Engineering
This paper describes an interactive use of the HP 2114B minicomputer as an Input/Output and storage device to replace the ALOHA SYSTEM Buffer-control unit. The proposed system will consist of the Hewlett Packard 2114B minicomputer, the program and two or more interface boards. The introduction offers a general view of THE ALOHA SYSTEM as a whole and lists the advantages of the proposed system. We will also discuss the ALOHA Buffer and the HP 2114B computer.
A Design for a Computer Terminal
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Wong, William; Electrical Engineering
The purpose for this study is to redesign and build a cheap computer terminal--between $300 and $600 each--to be connected to the HP 2114 computer presently in use in Holmes hall. The original idea for the terminal was conceived of by Professor Vincent Nicholson. There is one original terminal which belongs to the Hewlett Packard company and by their permission is available here through Professor Nicholson. The essential features of this terminal remain the same as the one I have redesigned. The changes made will be evident in the following pages. Although the new model was to have been built, I have not yet received all the parts needed. As a result, this report is in some ways a building guide.
Musical Note Recognition Using the Intel 8080 Computer
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Wine, Jan; Weldon, E.; Electrical Engineering
An electronic device is to be designed and constructed that will analyze a musical note. A musical instrument, such as a guitar, will be played into the device. Immediately, the computer will output on the teletype the note being played and an indication of the frequency of the tone. The output will also indicate whether the note being played is either too sharp or flat. This unit will be differentiated from other electronic or mechanical tone analyzing techniques by the utilization of a computer to do the actual tone analysis.
An Interactive Algebraic Extension of the APL Programming Language
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Kau, Bruce; Electrical Engineering
Symbolic manipulation, as opposed to numerical computation, is a logical extension to many of the scientific programming languages today. A simple extension to the mathematically oriented programming language APL is described, with a pilot program to implement some basic algebraic features in APL.
Visual Sensing In Autonomous Robots
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Kamemoto, Seth; Electrical Engineering
This paper defines a visual sensing system that can be used in autonomous robots. Autonomous robots require better decision-making skills to expand their abilities. As the tasks become more complex, choosing the appropriate decision becomes more difficult and requires the analysis of more environmental factors. An improved sensory system allows autonomous robots to obtain the additional environmental information they need to make the appropriate decision in a complex environment. To demonstrate the visual system, a digital camera is connected to a personal digital assistant (PDA), which handles the image processing and decision-making. This system finds the shortest path through a maze by taking a birds-eye picture of the maze. Visual sensing depends on image processing to convert raw image data into useful information regarding the environment. Thresholding is used to find the walls of the maze in the image. From these walls, a graph is constructed representing the squares in the maze and the paths between squares. Dijkstra's Algorithm is applied to the graph to find the shortest path.
A Comparative Investigation of Computer Methods for Smoothing and Curve Fitting
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Kam, Gerard; Stoutemyer, David; Electrical Engineering
Seven subroutines for smoothing and curve fitting in FORTRAN and PL/1 were tested and compared for accuracy, speed, and robustness. The smoothing methods were local linear and cubic polynomial fits, and triple exponential smoothing. The curve-fitting methods were approximation by cubic splines, orthogonal polynomials, and rational functions. The data for smoothing and fitting were values of analytic functions with known rounding and random errors. Accuracy of a subroutine was based on the reduction of the original errors. From the comparisons of the results applications of each subroutine were presented in terms of the most suitable types of curves for accurate smoothing and curve fitting.
A Study of an Electrodynamic Mechanical Impedance Device
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Ishii, Dexter; Electrical Engineering
Although mammography when combined with palpation (the manual exploration of the breast for cancerous lumps) has been found to be extremely effective in detecting breast cancer in an early, still curable stage, the uncertainties involved in its safety make it necessary for other methods of cancer detection to be developed, to serve as intermediate steps, which can then justify the ordering of a mammographic series. One such device which could possibly aid in – but is not limited to - breast cancer detection, is the electrodynamic mechanical impedance shaker in which the mechanical impedance characteristic of the tissue involved is determined and compared to a standard characteristic. It will thus be the concern of this paper to discuss topics as related to this transducer system and its inherent characteristics. The need for such an intermediate device becomes evident when examining the breast cancer situation more closely. In 1974, a surge of publicity about breast cancer brought crowds of women to mammography clinics across the nation, but by mid-1976, this trend was to change drastically as newspapers, magazines, and other news media reported findings that a single mammographic examination with doses of one rad or less could be expected to increase a woman's lifetime risk of breast cancer by one percent.1 It was further reported that for a majority of women this one rad maximum, one percent increase does not apply, for in actual fact, one rad is seldom the case, since x-ray equipment varies, as does the amount of radiation necessary to get a good picture in different circumstances.2 Almost immediately, there was a 70% drop in such examinations, as women, even those with palpable breast lumps cancelled their appointments.3
A Dynamic Analysis of Aloha Systems with Blocking and Carrier Sense
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Ibaraki, Ronald; Electrical Engineering
A mathematical model of a proposed scheme to implement an ALOHA system with blocking and carrier sense is analyzed. New packets and blocked packets are each attempted to be sent at times which form a Poisson point process. A system of first order differential equations which describe the dynamic behavior of the system is obtained. These equations can be solved by conventional numerical techniques. If a steady state exists, the differential equations become a set of linear equations and a steady state solution is found with additional rate and normalization equations. Steady state solutions of simple examples for one and two user systems are given. It was found that throughput may approach 1/τ, but in that operating condition, the average delay approaches Nτ and the users are probably blocked most of the time. By reducing throughput, however, the average delay and average number of blocked users can be reduced.
A Modified Car-Following Model
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Hahn, Rory; Electrical Engineering
This paper is written in the hopes that an equation will evolve which will help predict and explain the phenomena of car-following. In order for this equation to be applied to traffic data, the road being investigated should be single-laned, afford following cars very little chance of passing, and be of fairly high density. As will be shown in the results later, densities of less than thirty vehicles per mile lead to very large mean squared errors for speed and volume. These first three conditions may not exactly be true of the road being analyzed, but they should be adhered to as closely as possible. Although there are quite a few models already in existence, they are all related to each other by the idea of reaction time. At this point, a resume of Perception, lntellection, Emotion, and Volition Theory is in order. P.I.E.V. Theory as far as we are concerned, is an explanation and dissection of how long a driver would take to respond to the lead car. He must first perceive the stimulus, after which he will absorb it and start to think or intellect about how he should respond to it. At this point, his emotions become involved and then he physically reacts to the stimulus with a corresponding acceleration or deceleration. The last step of physically reacting to the stimulus is called volition. The whole process takes an individual three to five seconds. In a broad sense, the response is the driver’s ability to accelerate or decelerate; the stimulus is the gap and speed differences between the lead and following cars; and the degree to which he reacts to the stimulus can be termed sensitivity. The sensitivity of a driver is measured in car-following models by a sensitivity coefficient. In this particular paper, it is called the “c” factor. This factor is dependent on the gap between the two cars and also on the relative velocities associated with the cars. Because we are considering the steady-state conditions of the vehicles and not the transient effects, the time lag factor is neglected in the following results.
Redesign of UHC2
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Chun, Gary; Electrical Engineering
The UHC2 microcomputer, being the first of its kind is understandably constrained by design considerations, a problem common to all such design prototypes. An attempt has been made to develop a more sophisticated machine while still retaining the original design concepts. Specifically, this means a machine with greater hardware capability, and software at least to the assembler level. However, over the duration of the project, circumstances have changed so that the original goals cannot be fully realized. Hardware and software designs are complete, and essential hardware additions have been built. Integration of the system parts remains.
Microwave Landing Systems (MLS) and their Feasibility in the Hawaiian Islands
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Chinen, Daniel; Electrical Engineering
Although most pilots will name the takeoff as the most hazardous phase of the flight operations, historically more accidents have occurred during the approach and landing operational phases. A study on executive turboprop and jets revealed that during the 20 year period from 1964 to 1984, 71 percent of corporate aircraft accidents occurred in the approach and landing phase.l A careful analysis of most landing accidents suggest that they are simply the inevitable result of a poor approach. Many landing accidents are the result of overshoots (touchdown too late on the runway) and to a lesser extent, undershoots (descending too soon or quickly). Hard landings are also uncomfortable for the passengers as well as dangerous since the impact may cause loss of control of the aircraft. Because of the potential for disaster during landing, the airline industry takes the approach and landing phase of operation very seriously. With the growing consumer airline industry in the past 20 years, there has been a growing concern for safety. As the aircraft industry began to develop more complex, heavier aircraft, more sophisticated landing aids were needed. When weather conditions are such that it is below minimums for Visual Flight Rules (VFR), aircraft cannot land at airports without precision approach guidance systems.A
The Acoustical Spectrometry of Plants
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Chin, Francis; Koide, Frank; Electrical Engineering
Research has shown that acoustical waves do affect the growth of plants. The first step in elucidating the pertinent mechanism(s) involves the determination of the testing frequency by using mechanical resonant frequency as the pertinent criterion. While the actual experimentation was not done, a method is suggested, along with possible transducers that may be used.
Electrical Potential of the Human Epidermis
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Chang, Sek Yee; Koide, Frank; Electrical Engineering
Electrical potentials exist on the human epidermis. They respond to internal and external stimuli by transient variations in their D.C. levels. The speed, amplitude and shape of the response depend on the individual as well as the type of stimulus applied. In general, there are two types of responses: one is localized and the other is generalized. The localized response is detectable mainly in the area where the stimulus is applied. The generalized response is detectable from more than one locations. The existence of generalized responses suggests involvement of the nervous system.
A “Hamming” Encoder/Decoder For Single Channel, 7.42-Unit, Teletype Systems
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Benevides, Francis; Electrical Engineering
The “Hamming” encoder/decoder is capable of detecting and correcting and single-bit error which may occur during the transmission of a data word. This report presents a detailed analysis of a “Hamming” encoder/decoder design to be used with a single-channel, 7.42-unit, teletype systems. Evaluation of a constructed prototype is included, along with a method used to induce single-bit errors to test the detection and correction capabilities of the system. Tests on the prototype were made at a teletype speed of approximately 100 words per minute and after one hour of operation the system detected and corrected all but two single-bit errors. Distortion checks were also made on the system by applying up to 20% marking and spacing bias to both encoder and decoder, resulting in an output distortion measurement of less that 1% switching bias. This system can provide up to 100%, error-free data transmission if it is utilized in a communication environment where only single-bit errors per data word is tolerated.
Marine A.M. Broadcast Antennas of the Omnidirectional Type
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Arnold, William; Electrical Engineering
The advantages to a marine broadcast site in general are given by pointing out short comings of antennas in the modern city. Novel marine radiators are suggested as a solution using fold-over, loop, and slot antennas.
UHC-2: A Demonstration Microcomputer
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014-01-15) Ageno, Wilfred; Weldon, E.J.; Electrical Engineering
I undertook the project of building a working computer for my honors thesis. Initially, I started with the basic logic building blocks, patchcords, and a large mounting panel. The finished computer stands as seen in figure 1.

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