Remote Control of a Television Set via Thought Patterns
ECE4007 Senior Design Project
Section L04, Team MindLink
Project Advisor, Dr. William Hunt
Drew Petry
Josh Rosner
Gary Grimm
George Melcer
Submitted
February 10, 2010
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................... iii
1.
Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Objective .......................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Motivation ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.3 Background ...................................................................................................................... 2
2. Project Description and Goals .............................................................................................. 3
2.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 EEG Headset and Software .............................................................................................. 3
2.3 IR Controller .................................................................................................................... 3
3. Technical Specification.......................................................................................................... 4
3.1 EEG Headset & Software ................................................................................................. 4
3.2 IR Controller .................................................................................................................... 5
4. Design Approach and Details ............................................................................................... 5
4.1 Design Approach .............................................................................................................. 5
4.1.1
Overview ................................................................................................................... 5
4.1.2
EEG Headset & Software ......................................................................................... 7
4.1.3
IR Controller ............................................................................................................. 8
4.1.4
Component Integration ............................................................................................. 8
4.1.5
Verification ............................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Codes and Standards ........................................................................................................ 9
4.2.1
EEG Headset & Software ......................................................................................... 9
4.2.2
IR Controller ............................................................................................................. 9
4.3 Constraints, Alternatives, and Tradeoffs ........................................................................ 10
4.3.1
EEG Headset & Software ....................................................................................... 10
4.3.2
IR Controller ........................................................................................................... 10
4.3.3
Communications Interface ...................................................................................... 11
4.3.4
IR Transmitter ......................................................................................................... 11
5. Schedule, Tasks, and Milestones ........................................................................................ 11
6.
Project Demonstration ........................................................................................................ 12
7.
Marketing and Cost Analysis ............................................................................................. 13
7.1 Marketing Analysis ........................................................................................................ 13
7.2 Cost Analysis.................................................................................................................. 13
8. Summary .............................................................................................................................. 15
9.
References............................................................................................................................. 16
Appendix A: IR Controller Schematic .................................................................................... A-1
Appendix B: Project Gantt Chart ........................................................................................... B-1
Appendix C: Detailed Cost Analysis ....................................................................................... C-1
ii
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
Executive Summary
The proposed MindLink System (MLS) will manipulate television functions, including
power, channel, and volume controls, based on the user’s thoughts. A wireless EEG headset will
be used to monitor the user’s brain activity and transmit the information to a host computer.
Commercial software installed on the computer will analyze the thought patterns and determine
the intended action. The team will design a custom software program that interfaces and relays
the determined command to a custom circuit board including a microcontroller and an infrared
(IR) transmitter. The control board will transmit an appropriate signal via an IR transmitter to
change the setting of the television set. Minimizing physical action via a thought pattern
interface for operating IR controlled devices will enable handicapped and disabled persons, the
target market, to become more self-sufficient in regards to routine leisure activities. In the next
10 years thought controlled devices will become more commonplace in the home audio/video
industry. Caterpillar is sponsoring the acquisition of the EEG headset. Including materials,
research, development, and labor, the price of the MLS prototype is estimated to be
approximately $1000. The system is expected to perform the previously specified functions
reliably and on a real-time basis.
iii
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
1. Introduction
Team MindLink, sponsored by Caterpillar, is requesting $1,000 to develop a functional
thought controlled user interface for a television set.
1.1Objective
The proposed MindLink System (MLS) will manipulate television functions, including
power, channel, and volume controls, based on the user’s thoughts. A wireless EEG headset,
EPOC, manufactured by Emotiv Systems will monitor the user’s brain activity and transmit the
raw EEG data to a host computer. The data will then be analyzed by Emotiv's commercial
thought pattern analysis software installed on the computer in order to determine the intended
command. Translation of the command will occur via a custom program designed by the team
capable of interfacing and relaying the established action to a custom circuit board which will
include a microcontroller and an infrared (IR) transmitter. The IR transmitter will send the
appropriate signal to the television set.
1.2Motivation
Traditional IR remote controls required for television sets necessitate physical interaction
for operation. MLS will furnish persons incapable of physical interaction an intuitive approach to
operate a television set. In its final product form, MLS has the potential to increase the quality of
life for many handicapped persons by enhancing their diminished self dependency. Upon
completion, this prototype will create a new niche market for thought pattern control systems.
Additionally, MLS will feature extensibility allowing further advancements in this area of
research.
1
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
1.3Background
Electroencephalography (EEG) technology involves detecting electrical signals on the
human scalp created by neurons firing inside the brain. Specific thought patterns can be
identified by recording and correlating the resulting electrical signals. Recently, EEG headsets
have been designed to allow interaction with computers through thought alone. While traditional
EEG technology has been primarily used in medical research and diagnosis, these new headsets
have been developed with two other markets in mind: disabled accessibility and augmented
video game play.
Several EEG headset based computer interface devices are on the market. The MindSet,
manufactured by NuroSky, utilizes one sensor and discerns the user’s emotional state, but not
specific thought patterns [1]. OCZ Technology produces the Neural Impulse Actuator (NIA)
which employs three electrodes across the forehead. The NIA has been primarily designed for
gaming and has no available software development kit [2]. Finally, the Emotive EPOC headset
features 14 sensors, is supplemented with an available SDK, and encourages third party
development and research [3].
The EPOC has been used to control objects in the physical world. For example, Alex
Blainey has used the headset-computer interface to control a 5 axis robotic arm [4]. Using the
EPOC headset to control a television is an achievable idea and will appeal to handicapped
persons.
2
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
2. Project Description and Goals
2.1Overview
The MindLink System will enable a user to control a television set using EPOC, an EEG
headset manufactured by Emotiv Systems, which reads the user's thought patterns.
2.2EEG Headset and Software
MLS will utilize a headset developed by Emotiv Systems. The Emotiv EPOC headset is a
high resolution, neuro-signal acquisition and processing wireless neuro-headset. It utilizes a set
of 14 sensors to tune into electric signals produced by the brain to detect the user’s thoughts,
feelings, and expressions, and connects wirelessly to a personal computer [5]. The prototype
system will utilize the Emotiv Software Development Kit in order to achieve the following goals:
 Provide a comfortable, lightweight headset interface
 Allow ease of use for non-technical users

Detect and classify desired commands in real-time

Discern rudimentary binary decision based controls including power, channel, and
volume controls

Interface with an IR controller
2.3IR Controller
The IR controller is comprised of a custom board that interfaces with an IR transmitter.
The controller will receive commands via a custom developed software interface between the
Emotiv SDK and the microcontroller software. The system will transmit the commands via
3
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
infrared signals in order to communicate to the television set. The goals for the IR controller
consist of the following:
 Provide user with cheap, yet effective solution
 Interface with and be powered by USB

Read commands from Emotiv SDK Software

Reliably transmit IR signals in real-time

Provide resources for future expandability
3. Technical Specification
3.1EEG Headset & Software
Table 1 displays the specifications of the commercially available Emotive Systems EPOC
EEG headset. The Research Edition includes a Software Development Kit (SDK) enabling an
interface between the Emotiv thought pattern analyzer software and the IR controller board. The
EPOC requires 14 electrodes to pick up electrical signals from the user’s scalp. A small volume
of saline solution is necessary for each sensor pad to increase conductivity and efficiency. The
headset features proprietary wireless communications via a USB dongle.
Table 1. EPOC Headset Specifications
Manufacturer
Series
Communication
Sensors
Reference Nodes
Battery
Model
Emotiv Systems
EPOC Research Edition
Performance
Wireless USB Dongle
14 Saline, 2 axis gyroscope
2 (with 2 alternative locations)
Non-removable Lithium, 12 hour continuous use
4
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
3.2IR Controller
The IR controller board will utilize a microcontroller, Low Drop-Out (LDO) regulator,
USB to RS232 Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Logic-Level, N-channel MetalOxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFET), and a RC64 DirecTV universal
remote control. The board microcontroller and MOSFETs will utilize 3.3 V logic [6]. Table 2
illustrates the specifications relevant to the controller board.
Table 2. Controller Board Specifications
Microcontroller Clock Speed
Core Architecture of Microcontroller
Number of MOSFETs
Interface
Current Requirements
Logic Type
Voltage Level
Interface Speed
41.78Mhz
ARM7TDMI
14
USB-Mini Type-B
>500mA
CMOS
3.3 V
300 Baud to 3 MBaud
4. Design Approach and Details
4.1Design Approach
4.1.1 Overview
Figure 1 illustrates the overall design of the MLS. Thought patterns generated by the user
are read by the EPOC headset and wirelessly transmitted to the host computer via USB dongle.
The custom IR controller board receives the command from the software program that the team
will develop and instructs the IR emitter to transmit a signal to the television set.
5
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
Figure 1. MindLink System diagram.
The development cycle is shown in Figure 2. The EEG headset & custom software
development will take place in parallel with the design, prototyping, and firmware development
of the custom IR controller board. Once both components are complete, an interface between the
headset software program and the controller board firmware will be developed and tested.
6
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
Figure 2. MLS development flow.
4.1.2 EEG Headset & Software
The Emotiv EPOC headset has been chosen for the purpose of analyzing thought patterns
of a user. The Research Edition software development kit enables a C++ or C# program to
utilize the supplied function libraries. This will enable the designed software program to use the
Emotiv thought pattern analyzer algorithms to detect relevant commands from the user. The
development environment for the custom software program has not yet been defined. If C# is
7
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
utilized, the environment will be restricted to Microsoft Visual Studio; otherwise, C/++ is
multiplatform and the environment decision will be of arbitrary importance.
4.1.3 IR Controller
The IR controller components have already been selected and are being used in a nearly
complete schematic which can be viewed in Appendix A. The schematic is being designed with
Cadsoft Eagle 5.7. The controller board consists of an Analog Devices ADuC7024
microcontroller, LT1963 Low-Drop-Out (LDO) regulator, FT232RL USB to UART chip, and 14
FDG6303N Logic Level MOSFETs. The USB-UART interface, LDO, and MOSFETs will work
with the microcontroller in order to interface between the host computer and the DirecTV RC64
universal remote control.
Once the schematic is completed, a board will be laid out with the previously mentioned
components. Subsequent to the layout process, a board firmware will be developed using GNU
ARM tool chain for Cygwin, Ubuntu 9.10 linux distribution, and Mac OS X. Finally, the
algorithm for the microcontroller will be developed and debugged.
4.1.4 Component Integration
The final stage of development will interface the custom software program that calls the
Emotiv SDK with the IR controller board firmware. This software will be developed in the same
environment as the board firmware and will propagate the commands as needed in order for realtime operation.
4.1.5 Verification
During the design process, each component of the MindLink System will be tested to
verify that specifications have been met. The EEG headset & software component will be tested
8
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
by a group member to ensure that thought patterns are properly analyzed. Additionally, a group
member will verify that each binary decision thought pattern generates the proper debugging
output on a computer monitor. The IR controller component will process synthesized input in
order to verify that the correct commands are transmitted to the television set. A group member
will key in an input and then observe the television set for proper operation. Once the two
components are integrated, a group member will test each binary decision thought pattern. The
member will wear the EEG headset and observe the television set for expected behavior.
Additionally, debugging output on a computer monitor will be used to further verify the
observed behavior. Throughout the design process, proper documentation for the system will be
compiled and delivered to the project advisor.
4.2Codes and Standards
4.2.1 EEG Headset & Software
The Emotiv EPOC headset adheres to the following codes and standards:

Proprietary wireless communication to USB dongle

Mini-USB connection to standard US 120V/60Hz outlet using included DC adapter

Emotiv API – ANSI C interface declared in three header files and 2 Windows
Dynamic Link Libraries

C or C++ compatible with Emotive API
4.2.2 IR Controller
The IR controller board utilizes by the following codes and standards:

USB 2.0 [7]
9
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)

RS232

RISC Architecture

UART
4.3Constraints, Alternatives, and Tradeoffs
4.3.1 EEG Headset & Software
Three commercially available EEG headsets were considered for the system: MindSet by
NuroSky, NIA by OCZ Technologies, and EPOC by Emotiv systems. The MindSet utilizes one
sensor on the scalp and is sufficient only for determining a few emotional states of the user.
OCZ’s NIA employs three electrodes on the forehead and can distinguish distinct cognitive
thoughts; however, a public SDK is not available. Fourteen sensors, an available SDK, and the
open API of the EPOC, make it the best choice for this system. The EPOC headset retails for
$299, which is more than the cost of the MindSet ($199) and the NIA (approximately $150), but
is considered a necessary expense.
The EPOC requires training for each user. It involves the user concentrating on a specific
thought for a period of eight seconds. Emotiv software will create a profile for that user and
compare real-time brain wave detection against this compiled data. The headset can be used after
only a few minutes of training, but increasingly accurate results are achieved after multiple
sessions of training.
4.3.2 IR Controller
The IR controller provided a very open ended design decision. The most well-known
available options included the Arduino platform, the 8-bit PIC/Atmel, and the Analog Devices
10
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
ADuC7024. The greatest factor in the selection of a particular microcontroller was the design
team’s prior knowledge and experience with one of the devices, specifically the Analog Devices
ADuC7024. The AD chip is a particularly powerful and robust microcontroller that will facilitate
future research concerning the MLS prototype.
4.3.3 Communications Interface
USB was selected as the communications standard over of RS232 because the prevalence
of USB in modern computing systems. Moreover, RS232 ports are not commonly included in
mainstream personal computers. USB also has a smaller footprint with the additional USB-mini
and USB-micro standards. These packages are readily available in the form of SMD and
through-hole packages.
4.3.4 IR Transmitter
Using a commercially available remote control board instead of designing a fully custom
IR transmitter system was the final design decision. This allows MLS to control multiple
television sets rather than being limited to one IR communications standard. A commercial
remote control board also reduces the development time related to designing a custom
transmitter. Instead, only a wire interface will need to be soldered to the tactile membrane of the
remote control PCB.
5. Schedule, Tasks, and Milestones
The MindLink System will be designed, implemented, and demonstrated via the task
break down shown in Table 3. Summary tasks are bolded and milestones are italicized. The table
includes the name, start date, and finish date, of each major task and milestone.
11
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
Table 3. Abbreviated Schedule of Tasks and Milestones
Task Name
Start
Finish
Project Definition
Define Project and Scope
Written Proposal
Resource Procurement
All Parts Received
EEG Headset & Software Component
Headset Software Component Complete
IR Controller Component
IR Controller Component Complete
System Components Integration
System Complete
Documentation / Presentation Tasks
1/18/2010
1/18/2010
2/1/2010
1/26/2010
2/12/2010
2/8/2010
3/19/2010
2/1/2010
3/19/2010
3/29/2010
4/16/2010
2/1/2010
2/10/2010
1/29/2010
2/10/2010
2/12/2010
2/12/2010
3/19/2010
3/19/2010
3/19/2010
3/19/2010
4/16/2010
4/16/2010
5/6/2010
Once the Project Definition and Resource Procurement phases have been completed, the system
will be divided into two separate components (EEG headset & software and IR controller) that
will be worked on concurrently. The team will be divided between the two tasks. The
completion dates of both components are estimated to converge at a single date. Once these
components have been completed, the entire team will work on integrating them into the final
system. The group will meet at least twice a week to ensure accountability of all members. A
subversion server will be utilized in order to enhance productivity as well as facilitate
collaboration between group members. For more information concerning the schedule of tasks
and milestones, please refer to Appendix B which includes a Gantt chart and a more detailed
schedule of tasks and milestones table.
6. Project Demonstration
During the final week of April 2010 at the Van Leer Building, the MindLink System will
be demonstrated. A team member will wear the EEG headset and be placed at a distance of
12
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
approximately three meters from the television set. The member’s thought patterns will produce
the following series of behaviors:

Power the television set ON

Adjust the channel of the television set UP and DOWN

Adjust volume of the television set UP and DOWN

Power the television set OFF
7. Marketing and Cost Analysis
7.1Marketing Analysis
There is no commercial product that currently allows a user to control a television set via
thought patterns. As a result, the final product would be brought to commercial production via a
start up business model. Since there is no current competition, there are not any specifications to
compare to. MLS will set the standard for thought controlled interfaces targeted towards home
audio/video devices.
7.2Cost Analysis
The total equipment cost associated with a prototype for the MLS is $939.14. Due to the
use of free samples from manufacturers, the actual cost will reduce to approximately $921. Table
4 illustrates these figures in detail. Team MindLink has been sponsored by Caterpillar who
purchased the EPOC headset. Additionally, $400 in funding will be provided by the College of
Electrical and Computer Engineering.
13
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
Table 4. Equipment Costs
Item/Description
EPOC Headset and Research Kit
Emotiv Hydropack
Cost of PCB
Analog Devices ADuC7024
Microcontroller
Linear Technology LT1973 LDO
Fairchild Semiconductor FDG6303N
MOSFET
FCI USB Mini-B Receptacle
FTDI FT232RL USB to Serial
Totals
Unit
Quantity Price
1
$750.00
1
$50.00
2
$121.00
Actual Cost
$750.00
$50.00
$121.00
Distributer
emotiv.com
PCBexpress
1
$8.74
$0.00
Digikey
1
$2.30
$0.00
Digikey
14
$1.15
$0.00
Digikey
1
1
$0.30
$2.65
$936.14
$0.00
$0.00
$921.00
Allied Electronics
Digikey
The costs associated with developing the system prototype are displayed in Table 5. All labor
calculations are based on Gantt chart estimations at the time of writing. The hourly wage for
engineers is assumed to be $45 per hour. The total labor cost associate with the prototype is
Table 5. Labor Costs
Component
Emotiv SDK Training
Emotiv-Board Software Interface Development
Emotiv-Board Software Interface Debug
IR Controller Schematic Design
IR Controller Prototyping
IR Controller Software Development & Debug
System Integration
Presentation/Documentation Tasks
Website Maintenance
Total Labor Cost
Hours Unit Cost
240
$45.00
120
$45.00
360
$45.00
80
$45.00
40
$45.00
160
$45.00
240
$45.00
512
$45.00
30
$45.00
Total Labor
$10,800.00
$5,400.00
$16,200.00
$3,600.00
$1,800.00
$7,200.00
$10,800.00
$23,040.00
$1,350.00
$80,190.00
$80,190. Adding the equipment and labor costs together, MLS will cost approximately $82,000
to design, develop, document, and demonstrate as a functional prototype.
For a detailed analysis of the cost of mass producing MLS over a five year period with an
expected yield of 10,000 units, refer to Appendix C. Currently there are over 100,000 persons in
14
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
the United States that suffer from tetraplegia [8]. This will enable the MLS to attain an
approximate ten percent market penetration. Equipment costs are estimated to be $3,201,380.
Overhead costs are approximated at $9,511.35. Finally, development and labor costs are
calculated to be $543,629. The figures were determined using bulk pricing for purchased parts
and also takes economies of scale into consideration. After selling 10,000 units for $1000 each,
the company would generate $10,000,000 in profit. The net profit for the company before
accounting for time value of money, taxes, and other financial analysis factors, would be
approximately $6,245,480. This figure also does not account for the potential revenue streams
that could be generated by long-term service contracts.
8. Summary
The team has acquired the Emotiv EPOC headset and associated Research Edition
Software Development Kit (SDK). Members are currently training with the SDK and analyzing
the functionality and capabilities of the included software functions. A schematic for the IR
controller board is nearly complete. An Analog Devices ADuC7024 microcontroller, LT1963
Low-Drop-Out (LDO) regulator, FT232RL USB to UART chip, and several FDG6303N Logic
Level MOSFETs have been chosen as the working components for the board design. All of the
mentioned parts for the IR controller board have been ordered and approximately half of them
have been received. The team is in the beginning stages of fabricating a prototype controller
board. Additionally, the IR transmitter that the controller board interfaces with will be the
DirecTV RC64 universal remote control.
15
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
9. References
[1]
NeuroSky. “Brainwave Sensing,” neurosky.com, [Online]. Available:
http://www.neurosky.com/mindset/brainwaves.html. [Accessed Feb. 06, 2010].
[2]
OCZ Technology. “nia – Neural Impulse Actuator,” ocztechnology.com, [Online].
Available: http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/ocz_peripherals/nianeural_impulse_actuator. [Accessed Feb. 06, 2010].
[3]
Emotiv. “Epoc headset,” emotive.com, [Online]. Available:
http://www.emotiv.com/apps/epoc/299/. [Accessed Feb. 06, 2010].
[4]
A. Blainey, “EPOC Min controlled Robot,” Jan. 20, 2010. [Online]. Available:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cq35VbRpTY. [Accessed Feb 06, 2010].
[5]
Emotiv. “Developer Headset,” emotiv.com [Online]. Available:
http://www.emotiv.com/apps/epoc/297/. [Accessed Feb 06, 2010].
[6]
Analog Devices, “Precision Analog Microcontroller, 12-Bit Analog I/O, ARM7TDMI
MCU,” ADuC7024 datasheet, Oct. 2005 [Revised Dec. 2009].
[7]
FTDI, “FT232R USB UART IC,” FT232RL datasheet, Aug. 2005 [Revised Aug. 2008].
16
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
[8]
J. Wagner, C. Curtin, D. Gater, and K. Chung, (2007, Apr.). “Perceptions of People With
Tetraplegia Regarding Surgery to Improve Upper-Extremity Function.” The Journal of
Hand Surgery [Online], 32(4), pp. 483-490. Available: http://www.jhandsurg.org/article
/S0363-5023%2807%2900168-2/abstract. [Accessed Feb 09, 2010].
17
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
18
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
Appendix A: IR Controller Schematic
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
Figure A1. IR controller schematic.
A-2
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
Appendix B: Project Gantt Chart
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
Table B1. Gantt Chart Details
WBS
1
Task Name
Duration
Start
Finish
Responsible
Project Definition
18 days
#######
2/10/2010
Group
1.1
Define Project and Scope
10 days
1/18/2010
1/29/2010
Group
1.2
Written Proposal
8 days
2/1/2010
2/10/2010
Group
Resource Procurement
14 days
#######
2/12/2010
Group
2.1
Emotiv EPOC Headset
14 days
1/26/2010
2/12/2010
GG,JR
2.2
IR Controller Components
9 days
2/2/2010
2/12/2010
GM,JR,GG
2.3
All Parts Received
0 days
2/12/2010
2/12/2010
30 days
2/8/2010
3/19/2010
AP,JR,GG
2
3
EEG Headset & Software Component
3.1
Work Through EPOC Headset SDK Tutorials
5 days
2/8/2010
2/12/2010
AP,JR,GG
3.2
Work on SDK Training
5 days
2/15/2010
2/19/2010
AP,JR,GG
3.3
Develop Binary Decision Analyzer Program
5 days
2/22/2010
2/26/2010
AP,JR,GG
3.4
10 days
3/1/2010
3/12/2010
AP,JR,GG
3.5
Test & Debug BDA Program
Add Multiple Decisions Capability to BDA
Program
5 days
3/8/2010
3/12/2010
AP,JR,GG
3.6
Test & Debug Final Program
5 days
3/15/2010
3/19/2010
AP,JR,GG
3.7
Headset Software Component Complete
0 days
3/19/2010
3/19/2010
IR Controller Component
35 days
2/1/2010
3/19/2010
GM
4.1
Design Schematic
10 days
2/1/2010
2/12/2010
GM
4.2
Prototype Board
5 days
2/15/2010
2/19/2010
GM,GG
4.3
Develop & Debug Board Software
10 days
2/22/2010
3/5/2010
GM,GG
4.4
Implement & Debug IR Controller
10 days
3/8/2010
3/19/2010
GM
4.5
IR Controller Component Complete
0 days
3/19/2010
3/19/2010
4
15 days
#######
4/16/2010
Group
5.1
5
Develop Software Communications Interface
5 days
3/29/2010
4/2/2010
Group
5.2
Test and Debug System
10 days
4/5/2010
4/16/2010
Group
5.3
System Complete
0 days
4/16/2010
4/16/2010
Documentation / Presentation Tasks
64 days
2/1/2010
5/6/2010
Group
6.1
Website Deployment & Maintenance
64 days
2/1/2010
5/6/2010
GG
6.2
Draft Project Summary
8 days
2/15/2010
2/24/2010
Group
6.3
Preliminary Design Review Presentation
15 days
3/1/2010
3/19/2010
Group
6.4
Final Project Summary
20 days
4/5/2010
4/30/2010
Group
6.5
Final Project Presentation
20 days
4/5/2010
4/30/2010
Group
6.6
Final project Report
24 days
4/5/2010
5/6/2010
Group
6.7
Final Project Demonstration
14 days
4/19/2010
5/6/2010
Group
6
System Components Integration
B-2
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
Figure B1. Gantt chart.
B-3
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
Appendix C: Detailed Cost Analysis
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
Table C1. Equipment Costs (60 Months; 10,000 Units)
Item/Description
Quantity
Unit
Price
Total
Distributer
EPOC Headset
10000
$299.00
$2,990,000.00
emotiv.com
Cost of PCB
10000
$6.00
$60,000.00
PCBexpress
Analog Devices ADuC7024 Microcontroller
10000
$8.74
$87,400.00
Digikey
Linear Technology LT1973 LDO
Fairchild Semiconductor FDG6303N
MOSFET
10000
$2.30
$23,000.00
Digikey
140000
$0.08
$11,480.00
Digikey
FCI USB Mini-B Receptacle
10000
$0.30
$3,000.00
FTDI FT232RL USB to Serial
10000
$2.65
$26,500.00
Total Equipment Cost
Allied Electronics
Digikey
$3,201,380.00
C-2
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
Table C2. Overhead Costs (60 Months)
Item/Description
Tektronix DPO2012 Oscilliscope
USB Logic Analyzer
Metcal MX-5000 Soldering Station
Dell Optiplex 380 MT w/ Dual Display
Dell Optiplex 380 MT
Our own Laptops
Apple Mini Desktop Computer
Belkin 2.5ft USB retractable Cable
Netgear Wireless Router With RJ-45
Needle-Nose Pliers
Craftsman Micro Screwdriver Set (24pc)
Combination Wire Stripper and Cutter
Cordless Power Tool Combopack
Percision Tweezer w/ Curved Tip
Percision Tweezer
Box Cutter w/ Shielded Blade
Leatherman 830037 Wave Multitool
Xacto Knife with 5 blades
Electronics Workbench
Cadsoft Eagle Professional (3-Users)
EPOC Headset and Dev Kit
Magnifying Lamp
25-gauge Organic Flux Core Solder
26-AWG Stranded Copper Wire
Desoldering Wick .06" x 5 ft.
Fluke Digital Multimeter
Bench Power Supply out of ATX Power Supply
Getting Incorporated/LLC
Creating NDA
Creating Employment Contracts
60 Drawer Small Parts Cabient
Tenma Solder Fume Extractor W/ Carbon Filter
Aoyue 968 SMD Hot Air Rework Station
12-Cup Programable Coffee Maker
TI-89 Titanium Calculator
LG Full HD 22" Widescreen LCD Monitors
5ft USB Cable Extenders
Domain Name Purchase
Soldering Tip Tinner/Cleaner
HP LaserJet P2035n Printer
Total Cost
Quantity
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
7
1
2
3
3
1
4
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
5
20
15
1
3
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
4
4
1
15
1
Unit Price
$2,700.00
$149.00
$650.00
$613.00
$539.00
$0.00
$599.00
$7.99
$39.99
$11.71
$20.00
$11.91
$149.00
$3.30
$3.30
$7.99
$56.36
$5.02
$80.00
$1,494.00
$800.00
$44.99
$28.45
$15.00
$2.88
$333.49
$0.00
$305.00
$28.59
$36.50
$165.00
$24.88
$143.82
$159.99
$4.27
$18.99
$8.95
$249.98
Total
$2,700.00
$149.00
$650.00
$613.00
$539.00
$0.00
$599.00
$55.93
$39.99
$23.42
$60.00
$35.73
$149.00
$13.20
$13.20
$7.99
$56.36
$5.02
$80.00
$1,494.00
$800.00
$44.99
$142.25
$300.00
$43.20
$333.49
$0.00
$305.00
$0.00
$0.00
$85.77
$36.50
$165.00
$24.88
$143.82
$639.96
$17.08
$18.99
$134.25
$249.98
Distributer
allicedelec.com
SparkFun
Amazon
Dell
Dell
Apple.com
Newegg.com
Amazon
sjdiscounttools.com
timemotion.com
Home Depot
Home Depot
Digikey
Digikey
Buy.com
Amazon
Amazon
CadsoftUSA.com
emotiv.com
Target
mcmelectronics.com
Amazon
aquasuperstore.com
paralegal-plus.com
Amazon
marketek.com
Amazon
Walmart
Amazon
Amazon
Amazon
GoDaddy
Amazon
Staples
$9,511.35
C-3
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)
Table C3. Development/Labor Costs (60 Months)
Item/Description
Quantity
Unit
Price
Total (10k
Units)
Internet
60
$30.00
$1,800.00
Office Space
60
$500.00
$30,000.00
60
15
3
200
25
40
4
60
60
9600
$120.00
$121.00
$1,500.00
$24.00
$20.00
$200.00
$2,000.00
$4.24
$35.99
$50.00
$1,800.00
$1,815.00
$4,500.00
$4,800.00
$500.00
$8,000.00
$8,000.00
$254.40
$2,159.40
$480,000.00
$543,628.80
Beverage Supplies
PCBexpress 2-layer boards
Website Development & Maintenance
Industrial/UI Designer
Soldering Tips
Business Dinners/Lunches
Travel
Internet Hosting
5000 Sheets White Copy Paper
Labor (Four Developers)
Total Cost
Distributer
Comcast
Costco
PCBexpress.com
GoDaddy.com
Staples
-
C-4
Team MindLink (ECE4007L04)