Student projects
The Hooper Memorial Project Presentation highlights the outstanding project work of our final year undergraduate and Masters students. The event provides high-performing students with an opportunity to present their work to our industry professionals, allowing a platform for interaction with prospective employees.
The annual event is an important part of the Department’s ongoing collaboration with industry partners, who sponsor the prizes awarded on the night.
Student Projects Showcase
Past sponsors have included EMCSI Pty Ltd, Future Fibre Technologies (FFT) Pty Ltd, IEEE Victorian Section, APEX Tool Group, Soanar Plus, RS Components and Electronics News Magazine.
Each year, students select a project from one of our five engineering streams: biomedical, communication, electronic systems, optical and sustainability in energy production.
Past projects
2012
Participants
| Name | Project |
|---|---|
| Matthew Anson |
Data Logger for an Antarctic Solar Car Expedition
A world-first solar car expedition to the South Pole will take place in January 2014. A data logger has been designed and developed to monitor and record information about the vehicle's systems. By measuring both the motors' and arrays' currents and voltages, as well as battery capacity, the optimum travelling speed and stopping times can be determined. Data Logger for an Antarctic Solar Car Expedition Poster [PDF 5.6MB] |
| Richard Carr |
Home Automation System
This embedded device was designed as a generic board to provide one of the features with power and processing. Using this board has allowed for faster and cheaper development of the project’s features. |
| Henry de Castro |
Exploratory mapping Ominibot
Mapping robots have been highly active in robotics and artificial intelligence research. Current models create 2D maps by constantly scanning an environment using a simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) technique that utilises the data from the robot’s distance and position sensors. The aim of this project was to generate a 2D map by implementing the SLAM technique on a holonomic tri-wheeled omnibot with light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and USB optical mice. These act as the distance and position sensors respectively. |
| Lucas Chenco |
Smart Remote Vehicle Management
Technology continues to get more personal and the smart phone is a good example. Smart phones are becoming the central hub of communication and control, with continuing expansion in capabilities. The intent of this project is to harness the power of the smart phone, and increase its usability in the automotive industry. |
| James Dzur |
CUDA-Based Image Processing
The aims of this project were to implement code using CUDA and GPU, Design a de-hazing algorithm and achieve a real time HD video processing speeds. |
| Samantha Hall |
Deep Brain Stimulation for the Identification and Management of Neurological Disorders
This research based project on Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for the identification and management of Parkinson's disease and Epilepsy involved the construction of two electrode array tanks to simulate DBS techniques. Deep Brain Stimulation for Neurological Disorders Poster [PDF 1.13MB] |
| Joseph de Joanelli |
Low Cost UAV System for Antenna Array Characterisation
The rapid development of new radar technologies in the Department of Electronics Engineering at La Trobe University is generating the need to take physical measurements to verify and characterise the operation of new radar implementations. The TIGER-3 radar near Adelaide, a part of the global SuperDARN network, features an all digital design compared to the outdated analogue technology used in previous TIGER installations. TIGER-3 uses new twin terminated folded dipole antennas which are susceptible to gain variations due to physical and environmental factors that are unable to be accounted for in computer models. Low Cost UAV System for Antenna Array Characterisation Poster [PDF 5.2MB] |
| Kristian Kormanic |
In Car Engine Diagnostics
ICED is designed to improve current engine diagnostic systems by:
|
| Nagi F Ali Mohamed |
Wireless Energy Transfer and Broadcasting
It is essential to use a designed coil that allows for optimization of the coupled magnetic field between a receiver and transmitter in wireless energy transfer and broadcasting. In terms of providing a better system performance, the usual simple coils are inadequate. Basically, the coil that should cover a certain area is affected by parameters such as inductance and wire thickness. Simple coils require exact orientations. They give different values of power transfer based on orientations which makes it quite difficult to use these coils for building a network. The issue with some designed coils is that some applications require direct connection to gain an efficient received energy. Thus, in this project there is a new designable coil has been employed to transfer and receive the power wirelessly. |
| Shavi Nachman |
'Small Dog' - Four-Legged Self-Stabilising Robot
SmallDog is a system devised using a number of different MCU’s providing complex functionality such as: stability control, obstacle\light detection, GPS, camera, data logging, touch control, wireless communications and more. The project showcases a relatively cheap way to develop a four legged self stabilising, self aware, self containing system. The system has been proven to be mechanically stable on three legs while carrying a load of 1.5kg. SmallDog - Multiple MCU Robotic Platform Poster [PDF 1.22MB] |
| Jarrad Rankin |
Maximum Power Point Tracker for Individual Solar Panels
Solar Panels connected directly to batteries do not deliver their maximum possible power. Maximum Power Point Trackers correctly load a solar panel so that the maximum possible power is transferred to the load. Maximum Power Point Tracker for Individual Solar Panels Poster [PDF 1.12MB] |
2011
Participants
| Name | Project |
|---|---|
| Dean Camera |
Embedded Bluetooth Stack
While Bluetooth wireless technology is present in many modern devices, its advanced protocol design has made it largely unsuitable to resource constrained embedded systems not running a full Operating System. Existing stacks on the market are expensive, proprietary and closed-source. The purpose of this project was to design and develop a free open source embedded Bluetooth stack aimed to suit microcontrollers with very little amounts of memory and low processor clock speeds. |
| Phat (Tommy) Hynh |
Hexabot - 6 Legged Walking Robot
The Hexabot is a robot model which is able to balance itself using a system of 6 tactile sensors. It is also equipped with other types of sensors to be more applicable. The Hexabot was designed as a six-legged walking robot with 3 DOFs per leg to perform different tasks on very rough terrains. This robot is intended to be used during natural disasters. |
| Meng (Martin) Lim |
Vechicle Speed Warning System
The objective of this project is to design and develop a wireless system of Smart Cat’s Eyes (SCE), consisting of embedded sensors that collects various traffic data and warn users about approaching hazards. The SCE is capable of counting number of vehicles on roads, measure individual vehicle speed, direction and road temperature. This data will be transmitted in almost real-time via a wireless mesh network to a base station for storage and further processing. The SCEs can be remotely instructed to flash and change colours to warn users of upcoming dangers on the road. |
| Michael Robertson |
Electrical Impedance Tomography
Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is a relatively new imaging technique, where a constant sinusoidal current is passed through a medium and with the corresponding voltage measurements an impedance image can be formed. This technique is now being used in a clinical setting with live images of ventilation being displayed to physicians.
|
| Quang (Maxi) Vu |
Armbot with Universal Gripper
Robots are now being used in the recycling industry. The use of robotics in the sorting process reduces the amount of personal required to sort materials. This also reduces the amount of workplace injuries. The aim of the project is to design and construct an inexpensive robot prototype. The robot is shaped like an arm to pick up objects using an integrated universal gripper as its end effector. |
| Chris Boyd |
Real-time Video Chat over IP
Internet telephony is a rapidly expanding sector of the telecommunications industry. VoIP technology enables consumers to make phone calls and stream multimedia over IP networks, providing a means to circumnavigate costs involved with using the traditional PSTN. With the advent of powerful smartphones and readily available high-bandwidth data connections, mobile video chat utilising this technology has become a viable prospect. The aim of this project was to utilise an existing VoIP application, for Google’s Android smartphone platform, to develop methods for improving video chat over IP functionality on behalf of the project’s industry supervisor. As a telecommunications engineering project, the focus was on implementing digital communications techniques to improve call quality in the open-source application Linphone. |
| Brian Bievenu | TIGER 4 Feasibility Study |
| Luke McGeorge | Advancements for an Ambulatory Implanted Epilpsy Controller |
| Mohammed Owynat | Telephone Exchange/ SIP server for Nationwide Deployment |
2010
Participants
| Name | Project |
|---|---|
| Darryn Benn |
Digital Transceiver Hardware for HF Radar System
On an everyday basis the Earth’s atmosphere is struck with many types of auroral phenomena, Tasman International Geospace Environment Radar (TIGER) research group studies effects on the ionosphere. TIGER is planning to build a new HF radar near Adelaide and is interested in evaluation and refinement of digital transceivers and/or sub blocks of digital transceivers for potential installation at one of its radar sites. Digital Transceiver Hardware for HF Radar System Poster [PDF 1.14MB] |
| Brian Bienvenu |
Camera Based Real-Time Spatial Positioning System
The aim of the project was to design and implement a Camera Based Real-Time Spatial Positioning System. In plain terms: a motion-capture system utilising video cameras as inputs. A system was developed that can identify the positions of objects in a givenspace, based upon modulated light markers. The system accepts video feeds from several cameras, identifies the light markers, followed by some form of extrapolation to determine Cartesian co-ordinates. These co-ordinates are able to be transmitted to a computer, or other device. Camera Based Real-Time Spatial Positioning System Poster [PDF 3.19MB] |
| Denton Dang |
Hand Gesture Recognition
This project aimed to investigate the concept of gesture recognition and design an algorithm to identify hand signs in real-time. |
| Helder De Costa |
End Tidal Carbon Monoxide Mesurement In Jaundiced Neonates |
| Iraj Fathirad |
Telemetry System for Electric Vechicle
Environmental and economic considerations are the most crucial elements for deeming electric-powered automobiles as best alternatives to fossil-fuel powered cars. Because of their nature, Electric Vehicles (EV) require a data acquisition system to collect and monitor different operational information of the machine. This project aimed to implement a high speed/resolution, real-time FPGA-based telemetry system in order to collect and monitor diverse operational information of an EV. Using built-in high speed/analogue to digital converters (ADC) makes this system flexible enough to interact with diverse onboard sensors to record/monitor vehicle behaviour. |
| Ben Giacoppo |
Two Wheel Self-Balancing Robot (Mini Segway)
Segway a two wheel self-balancing robot used for personal transportation. It is closely related to the classic inverted pendulum control problem. This Project aims to create a miniature remote controlled self-balancing robot to explore the working of a Segway. Two Wheel Self-Balancing Robot (Mini Segway) Poster [PDF 3.55MB] |
| Daniel Juniper |
Event Data Recorder
The purpose of this project is to construct a basic data capture and storage device and, using this platform, demonstrate applicable uses for this technology. The device is to be flexible to allow for later configuration, dependent on a particular application need. |
| Luke McGeorge |
Electrode Switching in Deep Brain Stimulation for the Control of Epilepsy
This project was undertaken to make a control unit for a team of researchers at the Bionic Ear Institute. Electrode Switching in Deep Brain Stimulation for the Control of Epilepsy Poster [PDF 1.76MB] |
| Merna Moushi |
Enhanced Neural Stimulator
Neural stimulators are medical electronic devices that are useful for therapeutic or prosthetic purposes. They are used to innervate neurons of individuals with neurological disorders to partially or fully restore their muscle functionality. Most modern day stimulators use methods that consume large amounts of power, thus requiring batteries with a large capacity, which is not optimum for an implantable device. |
| Mohammed Owynat |
Optimisation of Twin Terminated Folded Dipole for TIGER
This project aims to investigate further the twin terminated folded dipole (TTFD) antenna by varying parameters ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’ and ‘L3’ for its optimisation. Currently the TTFD is implemented in the Wallops Island and Blackstone radars. Optimisation of Twin Terminated Folded Dipole for TIGER Poster [PDF 927KB] |
| Steven Pratt |
Rubik's Cube Solving Robot
The Rubik’s cube is a challenging puzzle to solve. My interests in the electronic field include robotic systems design – involving electronic, mechanical and software algorithms. I like robotics particularly because of the balance between all three sectors allowing me to build a diverse knowledge and manage multiple aspects concurrently |
| Miroslav Radev |
Portable Field Strength Meter with Intergrated GPS
The objectives of this project were to:
Portable Field Strength Meter with Intergrated GPS Poster [PDF 4.27] |
| Peter Stavrou |
Universal Inertial Measement Unit
At the heart of every Inertial Navigation System is an Inertial Measurement Unit. These serve to measure inertial forces such as acceleration and rotation exerted on a rigid body that undergoes some form of motion, as well as having the ability to measure other environmental variables such as pressure, temperature and magnetic field of strength. The purpose of this project ws to develop a Universal Inertial Measurement Unit which can be used in many different scenarios at the end users discretion. The design employed various sensors, had data logging capabilities and multiple communications interfaces. |
