Now arguably the most difficult assignment of them all, as this was done in groups of 3-4 alongside a presentation; however, is something I’m proud of since it came better than I expected. Like always, Here’s the instructions:

“This assignment consists of a collaboratively written proposal and an oral presentation. Students will be divided into groups and will identify a void or a need for a specific engineering innovation; the design and production for which you will conceive and propose. 

The Assignment:

• Your proposal will have two components: the written proposal, and the oral presentation.
• Your written proposal will have an introduction.  The introduction will introduce “the need for this innovation or the void that this innovation fulfills or the need for an engineering-based improvement on an already existent innovation, AND all the existent circumstances of ‘the technical environment’ that are affected by or affect the innovation.”  
• You will need another section addressing: engineering innovations that have been proposed but would not work, or innovations that are in effect but do not work.  You will have to put yourself in the position to shoot down other proposals or similar, but deficient, innovations in the field. Then you will need to write the technical description of your innovation.  This will include graphics and spec sheets. 
• You will need to write the process of the innovation of itself, and the process of building the innovation.  You will be required to address COST, TIME, MATERIALS, DESCRIPTION OF MATERIALS, … and all other necessary and important factors.  (These components can be rough estimates and theoretical if need be. You can draw this information from the production and data of similar and previously invented innovations.)
• Your proposal will have a presentation component.  Each group will create an oral presentation, which must be five to eight minutes. Be sure to include charts, graphs, and images of said innovation. Every member of your group (for which you will have a name) will participate in the presentation. You will be required to report what each member of the group did for the project.  
• Your classmates will challenge and ask questions if they like.  

You will notice there are several components to the project.  You will have to determine who will be responsible for which project components.  Identify individual strengths and work with those. Who is your team leader? Who’s the best speaker?  Who’s the best writer?…  

You will produce your work at home but turn your work and production in your group in class workshop sessions to have your material commented on, proofread, edited, changed, etc. by your group.  

Project objectives:

• Innovation
• Process
• Group work
• Oral presentation
• Overall thoroughness and logic of the proposal structure

Proposal Minimum 7 pages. 

Each group member must submit a personal self-reflection (1-2 pages) with the group essay (to Blackboard) to attain credit for the assignment.”

And here’s the paper:

“Engineering Proposal

Ashrafur Rahman, Sazid Hossain, Alejandro Espinosa

The City College of New York

ENGL 21007 – Writing for Engineering

Sara Jacobson

5-6-24

Engineering Proposal

As futuristic innovations and technologies consume the world, a percentage of the

population has yet to be introduced to them. Blindness is a stark reminder that amidst the rapid

advancement of technology, accessibility remains a crucial concern. While groundbreaking

innovations emerge, their benefits often stay out of reach for those with visual impairments.

These individuals lack opportunities for independence and participation in an increasingly digital

world. This is why we invented the Navi Guide to help these deprived people experience the

beautiful advancements of the technological world. One of the main ideas behind this innovation

is to make the person feel included and not stand out. Our minimalist headband design features a

fabric mesh band that helps blend in with anyone’s outfit while offering tremendous benefits.

With the power of AI, this headband becomes a personal assistant. Advanced sensors and

cameras enable the AI to see the surrounding world for the person, using haptic vibrations to

give a sense of direction. In-built speakers/headphones allow the AI assistant to speak to the

person directly, as an average human would. This advanced technology is designed to aid safety

measures as well. The AI will always let users know of their surroundings, ensuring the person is

constantly alert.

Projects like Sentiri have set an essential foundation in innovations designed to assist the

visually impaired. Sentiri, developed by Chaotic Moon Studios, represents an early iteration of

wearable technology to aid navigation for blind individuals. According to Rao, “The team

working on this project is developing a headband that detects obstructions in all directions, not

just straight ahead”(Pras 2, 2015). However, while promising, Sentiri primarily focuses on

obstacle detection without integrating comprehensive navigational support or interactive AI

capabilities. Our invention, the Navi Guide, builds on and significantly enhances the concepts

introduced by Sentiri. Unlike Sentiri, which requires a connection to a smartphone for

navigational guidance, the Navi Guide integrates its advanced AI assistant. This AI is not just

reactive but proactive, capable of not only detecting immediate physical obstacles but also

understanding and navigating complex environments. It offers verbal guidance directly to the

user through built-in speakers or headphones, making the experience more intuitive and

seamless.

Internal Components

Black, S. C. (2023, April 17). What is a Cardioid Capsule? – How Microphones Process Sound

– Home Studio Basics. Home Studio Basics. https://homestudiobasics.com/what-is-a-

cardioid-capsule-all-about-microphones/

Starting with the internal components. The Navi Guide will have a microphone. The

Navi Guide microphone ensures good listening for visually impaired individuals through

multiple auditory signals, enabling them to acquire situational awareness for safe travel at any

time of the day, including night. This gadget, as vital as it already is, also serves as a tool that the

user can use or engage in verbal communication without having to write down any information

or type messages. The headband will specifically have an omnidirectional condenser

microphone, which was selected because it has high sensitivity and low noise floor. Moreover,

this device was designed with emphasis on its frequency response and signal-to-noise ratio,

which lets it capture significant noise within different environments and scan for sounds in the

surrounding area. Thus, our approach is to integrate sophisticated noise-free systems; apart from

that, it incorporates cancellation algorithms meant for excluding background sounds, hence

guaranteeing clear audio signals even when there is noise, enabling an effective navigation

system and audio in general. Therefore, this microphone is subjected to extensive tests to meet

the required performance specifications and reliability.

SSZTAP9 Technical article | TI.com. (n.d.). https://www.ti.com/document-

viewer/lit/html/SSZTAP9

The vibration system is one of the most critical aspects of this device. Using haptic

vibrations initiated by the device allows the user to be truly connected with the Navi Guide. The

primary purpose of the included vibration motors is to be an interactive directional system for

blind users to navigate. The vibration motors are designed around the Navi Guide to give 360

degrees of emersion. Asking the personal AI assistant questions such as, “How can I get to the

nearest park?” will make the AI start finding the nearest park using GPS signals and map

coordinates to help come up with instructions to say to the user. Suppose the park is directly on

the user’s left side, about one block away. In that case, the AI will process its surroundings using

advanced sensors and cameras to safely direct the user using haptic vibrations on the left side of

the headband. With the addition of a gyroscopic sensor, the direction of the vibration stays

locked into place regardless of whether the user decides to turn in other directions. To help better

visualize this, imagine the north arrow on a compass. It will face the north no matter how much

you turn it. Now, if the vibration happens to be in the north, it will vibrate in that direction no

matter how much the user turns. As the user follows the AI assistant’s navigation to the park, the

Navi Guide will also ensure that the user is alert constantly by being told about the surroundings.

If there happens to be a car approaching or a group of people walking by and the user is during a

collision, the Navi Guide will initiate a strong vibration along with AI speech to warn the user a

few seconds before so the user can change tracks. There is more haptic vibration integration,

including messages or call notifications.

Shepard, J. (2024, March 26). Li-ion batteries: building massless batteries – Battery Power Tips.

Battery Power Tips. https://www.batterypowertips.com/li-ion-batteries-part-1-building-

massless-batteries-faq/

The following internal part of the Navi Guide is the battery. The battery will power the

headband and must do so for a long time to meet the user’s requirements. This makes it essential

to influence the band’s ability to accomplish much or how it operates during use. In this case, the

headband will have a rechargeable lithium-ion battery because it has high energy density, a long-

life cycle, and can be charged quickly. The battery has four main parts: electrodes, electrolytes,

separators, and casing. The cathode is typically made from lithium cobalt oxide, while the anode,

this negative pole, consists of graphene or graphite, among other materials. Thus, these materials

help in conductive electron transfer between the electrodes during charge and discharge,

respectively. In addition, the battery also includes sophisticated safety features such as

overcharge protection and thermal regulation to avoid overheating. The headband battery will

have an innovative battery management system, enabling the use of intelligent power

management algorithms to maximize battery life and optimize power consumption. Energy waste

minimization and operational uptime maximization are necessary, which means these principles

increase our customers’ reliability and convenience when using the Navi Guide. Now, choosing

capacity, voltage, and discharge rate are some performance parameters to consider when

selecting a battery. During production, strict quality control measures will be implemented for

the battery to ensure consistency and dependability.

Amplifier Circuit Board Parts, HD Png Download – kindpng. (n.d.). KindPNG.com.

https://www.kindpng.com/imgv/iiwbJRw_amplifier-circuit-board-parts-hd-png-

download/

The circuit board will be the next internal component. By acting as a central hub for

data processing and communication, the circuit board in the Navi Guide creates an environment

where many functions can be easily integrated. This determines how well the headband will

work. It works with an advanced CAD software design and a multi-layered PCB that combines

complex methods to make up a circuit board of multiple layers of conductive lines enclosed by

insulating materials. Such conductive lines are created from copper, and they make way for

connection among electronic components like resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits; on the

other hand, insulating materials such as fiberglass epoxy resin (FR-4) offer mechanical support

and electric isolation between these conductive layers while additional components needed for its

protection and marking purposes include solder mask and silkscreen. It is designed to cause

minimum signal interference and maximize power efficiency. The Circuit board design will be

continuously refined during testing through computer simulations and prototyping. At the same

time, using rapid technology helps develop the design implication as it verifies any necessary

improvements within the shortest time. As for a board, we would aim to obtain a circuit board

that undergoes mechanized assembly and examination to ensure consistent quality and reliability.

Such materials as FR-4 laminate mentioned before or copper foil provide electrical properties

and manufacturability optimization with the help of improving performance and lifespan,

respectively.

Johnson, D. (2022, August 23). What is a CPU? A guide to the “brain” of your computer

or phone, including how it works. Business Insider.

https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/what-is-a-cpu

The CPU, or central process unit, is a core internal component in the Navi Guide. Our

chip selection process prioritizes power consumption and thermal management. Crucially, we

focus on processors with integrated neural network accelerators and hardware-level security

features. This strategic selection enhances AI system performance and safeguards user data.

When choosing a CPU, we compare its performance metrics with those of other central

processing units regarding clock speed or cache size. At the same time, the floating-point

operation per second (FLOPS) rate is also considered. We must ensure cost effectiveness through

cost-benefit analysis before making any purchase. Our chips must also pass rigorous diagnostic

trials, verifying whether they satisfy specified criteria. Furthermore, some essential things to

remember are that for the CPU to be compatible with this headband circuit board, SMT would

have to be employed to integrate it and use thermal management solutions for heat dissipation

optimization, among other things, which aids in enhancing reliability.

NVIDIA announces three new mobile GPUs with Spring 2022 availability. (n.d.). TechPowerUp.

https://www.techpowerup.com/290011/nvidia-announces-three-new-mobile-gpus-with-

spring-2022-availability

The GPU, or graphic process unit, is also a crucial component in the Navi Guide. It plays

a significant role in enabling advanced image processing and augmented reality overlays. This

functionality is essential for delivering visual feedback to blind users, enhancing their spatial

perception, and aiding navigation. A Graphics Processing Unit typically consists of vital parts

like shader cores and memory controllers, including rasterizers and Texture Mapping Units. The

memory controllers manage data transfers between external memory and these Graphics

lower latencies. Our selection process for graphic computing chips is inclined towards those with

Processing Units, ensuring higher performance rates through optimal memory access times and

low power consumption levels yet possess high computing capabilities. A quality driver support

system ensures drivers work as expected when installed into operating systems. By capitalizing

on modern graphics APIs and development frameworks, we can cut down on development time

and increase the overall efficiency of applications, especially for mobile platforms. On top of

this, very stringent quality control measures exist during the fabrication of this graphic

computing chip to ensure operational consistency and reliability.

Adnanaqeel. (2023, December 31). Introduction to HC-SR04 (Ultrasonic Sensor). The

Engineering Projects. https://www.theengineeringprojects.com/2018/10/introduction-to-hc-sr04-

ultrasonic-sensor.html

Sensors are the next internal component that will play a role in navigation. They will

play a significant role in helping blind people navigate their surroundings. They make the Navi

Guide sensory input the backbone, allowing for real-time data collection and interpretation. The

sensor array comprises proximity sensors, ambient light sensors, and inertial measurement units

(IMUs). These sensors have been carefully chosen and calibrated to detect relevant

environmental cues and user inputs. Additionally, they contain other vital parts like sensing

elements, signal conditioning circuitry, and an output interface. Our sensor integration strategy

uses advanced sensor fusion algorithms and machine learning methods to ensure high data

accuracy. Other vital considerations will include sensors with low power consumption for

prolonged battery life spans and those with high sensitivity or robust environmental resilience

properties to enhance usability under different conditions. Moreover, like usual, we must put

every selected sensor through comprehensive testing and validation to ascertain its performance

against specifications for accuracy and precision response time while looking into shape size

weight, factor interface compatibility, and Cali, the brain needs that facilitate its seamless

integration into our headband design. As for the headband itself, we will use optimized

placement to integrate them into the headband structure and achieve maximum sensing coverage,

hence minimizing interference.

Schiesser, T. (2014, July 29). Know your smartphone: A guide to camera hardware. TechSpot.

https://www.techspot.com/guides/850-smartphone-camera-hardware

The camera plays a significant role in the Navi Guide, guiding blind people through

visual assistance, instant scene identification, object detection, and navigation support. The

primary sensor captures still pictures, enabling users to relate them to real-world objects that

augment their spatial perception. This means that the camera within it is an integrated high-

resolution imaging device with advanced optics and processing power. The AI analyzes the

images taken and videos recorded to offer guidance or information related to movement when

moving around various places. A camera comprises the main elements: lens, image sensor,

shutter mechanism, and image processing unit. The role of the lens is to collect incoming light

and focus it on the image sensor, determining such characteristics as field of view, focal length,

and aperture size. This sensor, in return, converts focused light into an electrical signal

representing the image captured in digital or analog form. At the same time, the image

processing unit processes raw image data obtained by the sensor, applying corrections, and

enhancing the final image quality. We will ensure precise and accurate image capture by

focusing on sensors with high sensitivity, low noise, and wide dynamic range to offer them

visual input. Moreover, advanced image stabilization algorithms must be incorporated into the

system whereby autofocus enhances quality in practical terms apart from usability. Therefore,

this necessitates us to conduct extensive testing and calibration procedures to align them with the

user’s expectations or desired outcomes and use diverse types of cameras, such as 360-degree

cameras, compact cameras, and waterproof cameras for weather purposes.

The AI in the Navi Guide functions as the brain of the device, processing data from

multiple inputs like cameras and sensors to enable obstacle detection and navigation. It is

powered by a CPU and GPU and uses a network processor to handle complex spatial awareness

and decision-making algorithms. This processor uses advanced silicon chip technology, typically

on a small scale, to minimize energy consumption while maximizing processing power. The AI’s

ability to learn and adapt to the user’s environment and habits is crucial, necessitating constant

software updates and optimizations, which can significantly drive-up development costs.

An AI voice assistant will also be programmed into the Navi Guide. This feature will

improve user interaction by enabling voice commands to operate the device and provide useful

responses for hands-free use. It utilizes built-in speech recognition software that interprets

spoken language through a signal processor. The digital signal processor and microphones are

calibrated to pick up audio while reducing background noise, which is essential in outdoor

settings. The headband will allow users to customize their experience by choosing their AI voice

assistant. This function enables integration with known voice assistants like Google Assistant,

Siri, and others, allowing users to select the one that best aligns with their preferences and

requirements. The device enhances user satisfaction by incorporating voice assistants through

personalized options and integration with existing ecosystems. Users can effortlessly switch

between voice services based on their needs or device compatibility.

DJI Phantom 2 Part #01 GPS Module. (n.d.). RotorLogic. https://rotorlogic.com/dji-

phantom-2-part-01-gps-module/

Lastly, the Global Positioning System (GPS) will be the last interior component in the

Navi Guide. GPS operates through a network of satellites that orbit the Earth, transmitting

signals that GPS receivers use to determine their location through triangulation. This technology

provides the device’s geographical position with varying degrees of accuracy, typically within a

few meters under open-sky conditions. Incorporating GPS technology into devices like the Navi

Guide allows visually impaired users to receive accurate, real-time feedback on their

geographical location. This feature is fundamental for enabling independent navigation and

enhancing the user’s confidence and safety while traveling in unfamiliar environments.

External Components

OpenAI. (2024). Headband with high-quality materials [Digital image]

The headband’s outer casing is made from soft plastic rubber, specifically chosen for its

flexibility, durability, and comfort. These materials are often silicone rubber, which provides the

necessary elasticity and softness to prevent discomfort during extended wear. Additionally, these

materials are resistant to environmental damage, such as UV exposure and moisture, making

them ideal for outdoor use. The choice of high-quality silicone can affect the overall cost,

especially if custom formulations are required to achieve the desired level of performance and

tactile feel. The headband will also have comfortable braided cable fabric made of nylon and

spandex. This combination ensures the band is flexible and strong, keeping the headband

securely in place without irritating the scalp. The braiding technique also helps the fabric

maintain its shape and stretchiness over time, even with frequent use. While this specialized

fabric provides excellent durability and comfort, producing it can be expensive. Depending on

the quality, specialized materials like soft plastic rubber and braided cable fabric could cost $5 to

$20 per unit.

(I apologize for the horrible quality)

Addicore. (n.d.). Boffintronics 3.5mm Headphone Jack Breakout Board Kit.

Boffintronics 3.5mm Headphone Jack Breakout Board Kit

The headband will include a headphone jack, a standard 3.5mm or 2.5mm component

that allows users to connect external headphones and a feature that enables private and clear

auditory guidance. The headphone jack is made from durable metals like brass or stainless steel

for the contacts and is typically covered in sturdy plastic or metal to ensure it can handle frequent

use. Although the materials for this component are inexpensive, the precise work needed to fit it

into the device’s compact design can make the manufacturing process more complex. It will also

include a USB-C charging port, a component for managing power, enabling charging, and

effective data transfer. Its contacts are made from copper, which is great for conducting

electricity and are covered in durable plastic to keep the connections safe. The outside part of the

port is strengthened with metal to protect it from damage. While the essential cost of USB-C

ports is low, making them durable and able to resist water and dust can add to the overall

development cost.

What is USB-C? An engineer explains this one device connector to rule them all. (2023,

September 17). PBS NewsHour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/what-is-usb-c-

an-engineer-explains-this-one-device-connector-to-rule-them-all

Including a USB-C charging port in assistive devices like the Navi Guide brings several

user-centric benefits. USB-C is renowned for its reversibility and ease of connection, simplifying

the charging process and being an essential consideration for visually impaired users.

Additionally, USB-C ports support fast charging, enabling rapid recharging of the device’s

battery, which is essential for those who rely on their assistive technology throughout the day.

The universal compatibility of USB-C means that users can use the same cables and chargers

they already own for other devices, minimizing the need to carry multiple cables and enhancing

convenience.

OEM SPEC Earpiece Ear Piece Speaker Listening Replacement for iPhone 6 & Plus. (n.d.). The

Perfect Part Inc. https://theperfectpart.net/oem-spec-earpiece-ear-piece-speaker-listening-

replacement-for-iphone-6-plus/?setCurrencyId=1&sku=R7-B32-i6-

EAR..&com_cvv=81c269aab9bc5fc4177fabac3c77acd26f491510dd5f94a06570d6c8198

46581

Separately, integrating a high-quality speaker within the Navi Guide dramatically

improves the device’s functionality by providing precise and audible feedback directly to the

user. This speaker is designed to offer a crisp, distinct sound that conveys important navigational

cues and environmental information. Adjustable volume settings ensure that the audio feedback

can be tailored to the user’s ambient noise levels and personal comfort. The ability to receive

spoken instructions and descriptions not only aids in navigation but also enriches the user’s

interaction with their surroundings, enabling greater independence and confidence.

The power button is on the bottom side of the left side panel. It is easy to reach and

textured to make it distinct. A press-and-hold turns on the device waking up the Navi Guide. The

press-and-hold, after the device has been turned on, turns off the device. Double tap activated

“Do not disturb” mode on the Navi Guide, which is great if the user is trying not to be distracted

when they are navigating outside or in other more serious situations.

In a world where the pace of technological advancement can sometimes feel

overwhelming, it is essential to remember that progress should be inclusive. The Navi Guide

headband represents a significant advancement in assistive technology for the visually impaired,

building upon and enhancing earlier innovations like Sentiri. It will have sophisticated internal

components, including AI capabilities, sensors, cameras, and spatial audio technology,

empowering individuals with visual impairments to navigate confidently and independently. This

device provides comprehensive navigational assistance and enhances user safety and

independence. Its thoughtful design features, such as the minimalist and comfortable headband,

high-quality materials, and user-friendly interfaces like USB-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack,

ensure the device is practical, durable, and easy to use. Through continuous innovation and

refinement, the Navi Guide aims to bridge the technological gap for the visually impaired,

offering them a more inclusive and accessible way to engage with the world around them. The

estimated cost of producing the Navi Guide may vary significantly depending on the quality and

sourcing of components, but preliminary estimates suggest a range of $800 to $100 per unit in

production. This cost estimation considers the technology and materials required to effectively

meet the needs of visually impaired users.

References

Rao, V. (2016, July 20). Sentiri: Headband to Help Blind People Navigate – Assistive

Technology blog. Assistive Technology Blog.

Fox, A. (2024, January 7). How are microphones made? (Designs, materials, production). My

New Microphone. https://mynewmicrophone.com/how-are-microphones-made-designs-

materials-production/

How do batteries work? A simple introduction. (2024, February 13). Explain That Stuff.

https://www.explainthatstuff.com/batteries.html#parts

Waseem, U. (2024, January 19). Understanding Circuit Board Components: A

Comprehensive guide. Wevolver. https://www.wevolver.com/article/understanding-circuit-

board-components-a-comprehensive-guide

Paul, I. (2020, December 17). What is a GPU? graphics processing units explained. How-

To Geek. https://www.howtogeek.com/702766/what-is-a-gpu-graphics-processing-units-

explained/

How camera is made – material, manufacture, history, used, parts, components, product,

industry, History, Design. (n.d.). https://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Camera.html”