The problem posed with blind and visually impaired (BVI) swimmers is one of safety and independence. BVI individuals need to be able to... Show moreThe problem posed with blind and visually impaired (BVI) swimmers is one of safety and independence. BVI individuals need to be able to orientate themselves in a swimming pool and avoid obstructions like lane-lines, pool walls and other swimmers for a safe experience. Additionally, it is important to BVI swimmers to maintain their independence and maintain a low profile during this experience. The Buoy team will focus on the design, testing and implementation of assistive technology focused on a pool environment with continuous input and feedback from the BVI community. A current passive device created in previous IPROs will be field-tested in a BVI pool for the semester in order to identify failure-modes of the device and collect real-world BVI user feedback to discover areas for improvement. Additionally, two groups have been organized to assess the use of invisible-fence and ultrasound technology in the creation of new assistive technology. Surveys and interviews will be conducted with the BVI community on a continuous basis to ensure the Buoy team is meeting the needs of the market. Deliverables Show less
The intent of the IPRO 315 is to design a large-scale structure. The focus of this IPRO is structural analysis. The advisors of this group... Show moreThe intent of the IPRO 315 is to design a large-scale structure. The focus of this IPRO is structural analysis. The advisors of this group thought it would be even more interested if IPRO 335 and IPRO 315 would mesh together to create a large green structure. The intent of IPRO 335 is to design a “green” and innovative building using the skills and input of students studying different majors at Illinois Institute of Technology. Our team has decided to design a replacement apartment building for Gunsaulus Hall on the Illinois Institute of Technology campus. Innovative technologies and practices will be researched and employed to design a “green” building. The decision to design a building for the IIT campus came about because it is an area that all of the team members could relate to and have a more realistic grasp on the project. For the remainder of the semester the two groups are planning on coordinating with each other on each step of the design process. Deliverables Show less
