Milestone 3

Milestone 3.1 - Implementation

Software wise, we worked on creating Python scripts that can generate sound waves that modulate in frequency and amplitude. We currently have it working and the software that can create and show any given sound-wave with any given range of modulation. We plot this wave in MatPlotLib to showcase what wave it is and how it modulates over time to show the user what sound file has been generated. Since we store the data in a .wav file, we are able to always save any desired file permanently and transfer it over to an SD card for use with our device.

As for the mechanical side of this project, the team has worked on developing a new iteration of the bone conduction headphones. This iteration takes account of the need to have space inside of its casing to hold all of the electronics that are necessary to deliver the frequencies to the person's cochlea. As a result, the group made a more sleeker design, as depicted in figure three. The two ends of the headphones are twistable so that the user can have a custom fit for their head, which emphasizes the comfort and durability features, which were two important features that the group wanted from the headphones. Additionally, the group will continue working on making a new iteration, in which it will place the the transducer directly on the user's cochlea, as this will increase the effectiveness of the bone conduction headphones for the patient. 

Milestone 3.2 - Test

So far, for testing, we created an example UI to begin implementing and getting user feedback on. We also took note of other research on the effective ranges to use for tinnitus reduction, and began getting anecdote from Dr. Harari on his personal experience with tinnitus and our methodology. We were able to observe that after using our method, he mentioned a notable decrease in perceived tinnitus which lines up with the papers we are basing our prototype on.

Milestone 3.3 - Teamwork

Overall Teamwork:

This semester the team is experimenting with a staggered approach to project development to take full advantage of the remaining time before the Innovation Expo in April. Nicholas spearheaded the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development while Rohit and Shady provided support and simultaneously worked on preparing for the beta prototype with supplies and strategies. Overall teamwork this semester has been executed very well. In this building stage of the project, the strengths of all team members are being used to produce quality, efficient work in our respective disciplines. Meetings are much more frequent both with the team and with advisors / industry connections. 

Milestone 3 Roles:

• Nicholas DiMeglio - Implementation

  • Created software for sound generation and made it multi-modulating for both amplitude and frequency

  • Designed first implementation of UI and began work on creating it

• Rohit Jayas - Implementation

  • Contributed to increasing durability and comfortability by directing the entire mechanical design process as well as creating and optimizing multiple iterations of headphone casings

• Shady Kamel - Tester

  • Helped test looping capability of generated signals in the Studio One Digital Audio Workstation

  • Coordinated second purchase of components needed to build the beta prototype

All team members equally contributed to the abstract, new monthly "Townhall Newsletter" being sent to professors and advisors, the Milestone 3 assignment, as well as IDE deliverables.