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I have entered the Calgary Youth Science Fair from the years 2000—2007, presenting projects relating to electonics and programming. I have won numerous awards, and have had the opportunity to attend the Canada-Wide Science Fair in 2002 (Saskatoon, SK), 2003 (Calgary, AB), 2004 (St. Johns, NL), 2006 (Saguenay, QC), and 2007 (Truro, NS). I have also had the opportunity to be on Team Canada to attend the International Science and Engineering Fair in 2005 (Phoenix, AZ), and 2006 (Indianapolis, IN).
Summary of Projects and Awards Received
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| 2007 | |
Distributed Robotics:
An Intelligent System
Related:
Science Fair
2007
[2007 report]
VSF website
Powerpoint Overview
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Abstract
A system of distributed robotics, incorporating neural network based methods of communication, navigation, input processing, and mapping, is proposed for improved performance and environmental interaction. Each robot contains structures to learn from an “expert system” (ideal algorithm), other robots in the system, and self-feedback. A simulation of the robots ability to achieve a simple goal has been created in C++, where 100 observations of the goal’s completion time were measured over 3 trials. Interestingly, results showed an insignificant difference in accuracy between the robots trained from an “expert system” and other robots, and a faster error reduction for the robot-trained system. The neural network has been implemented in a dense, parallel, design using stochastic bitstream arithmetic on a programmable logic (FPGA) integrated circuit. SMIA cell phone cameras are used for visual input to each robot. FPGA interface code has been created in VHDL for receiving the camera data, which is then processed using the SIFT algorithm to find important feature points. A neural-directed database lookup and creation is used for object recognition, which receives feedback from other robots to ensure a standard method is formed. Local maps are created and shared based on the feedback of multiple robots; navigation takes place by finding a target on the local map and using self-feedback until the target is reached. Inter-robot feedback has been found as a viable possibility for distributed robotics, and may be used in future systems for improved performance in minefield clearing, planetary exploration, military surveillance, and other applications.
Awards
Calgary Youth Science Fair- Gold Medal
- Nortel Networks Innovation and Technology Award
- APEGGA Award for Engineering
- Terry Allen Travel Scholarship to the Canada Wide Science Fair in Truro, NS
Canada-Wide Science Fair (Truro, NS)
- Silver Medal — Senior Engineering
- University of Western Ontario $1500 Scholarship
- Silver Medal — Senior Automotive
- University of Western Ontario $1500 Scholarship
- Dalhousie University $2000 Faculty of Science Entrance Scholarship
- Statistical Society of Canada Award
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| 2006 | |
A Dynamic Analog Concurrently-Processed Adaptive Chip
Related:
Science Fair
2006
[2006 report]
VSF website
Media
Team Canada 2006 Bio
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Abstract
The purpose of this project is to overcome the limitations of current neural network chips which generally have poor reconfigurability, and lack parameters for efficient learning. A new general-purpose analog neural network design is made for the TSMC 0.35um CMOS process. Parallel processing is possible with a massive array of independent cells, concurrently processing data. This allows the network to quickly recognize information in various applications. With support for multiple learning algorithms, arbitrary routing, high density, and storage of many parameters using improved high-resolution analog multi-valued memory, this network is suitable for vast improvements to the learning algorithms. Such improvements allow learning to interact with routing for a network which is not bound to a fixed layout. Other improvements include the interaction of multiple learning algorithms to learn partially by pattern, and partially by feedback.
Modified Backpropagation learning used with the learning rate parameters allows important data to be reinforced and retained, and insignificant data to be labile, providing improved learning speed. In addition to introducing the planned design for chip implementation, an op-amp prototype is created on a PC board. This prototype allows further development at cell-level, as well as a demonstration of the operation of the CMOS chip. SPICE is used for simulations of the CMOS circuit cells to determine accuracy and input/output range. Neuron circuits were found to be accurate, as was the Gilbert multiplier when input range was restricted. Neuron and synapse circuit design is complete, now in the simulation and layout phase.
Awards
Calgary Youth Science Fair- Gold Medal
- Schulich School of Engineering First Place
- Government of Alberta Travel Scholarship to the Canada Wide Science Fair in Saguenay, QC
Youth Science Foundation Canada- Awarded a place on Team Canada and competed at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Indianapolis, IN, in the Engineering Category
Canada-Wide Science Fair (Saguenay, QC)
- Silver Medal — Senior Engineering
- University of Western Ontario $1500 Scholarship
- Bronze Medal — Senior Automotive
- University of Western Ontario $1000 Scholarship
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| 2005 | |
VORTECS 3D — VLSI Object Recognition Trainable Embedded CMOS System
Related:
Science Fair
2005
5 page summary
[2005 Report]
VSF website |
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to create a system for three-dimensional machine vision. A novel method is proposed to generate curves and vector lines in two- and three-dimensional space rather than the use of a large depth map. Thus, scene complexity dictates size of the stored object, and resolution is very high. Without the use of a controlled environment, features are stereoscopically matched in extremely small search space for an output of three-dimensional faces and curved surfaces. By implementation of this onto a Xilinx Spartan 3 FPGA in VHDL, existing and newly created algorithms are modified for real-time performance; many capable of running at the same speed as the incoming video, with a system clock of 50MHz. Digital cameras are modified for a high resolution color input. Raw data and sync signals are taken directly from the CCD processing chip within each camera. This Bayer coded data is interpolated into RGB and YUV, averaged with recent data, then presented to the filtering algorithms, which find object edges, represent the edges as curves, find the possible match space, stereoscopically generate the three-dimensional output, and present to a multilayer neural network. This network is implemented in two mediums: a MATLAB computer simulation and design of an analog VLSI CMOS 0.35um chip using the TSMC process. Design uses FGMOSFETs as synapses to store and update weights. Data representation by angles and distances as well as connections allows for built-in invariance to rotation and translation in three-dimensional space.
Awards
Calgary Youth Science Fair- Gold Medal
- Noel Bourget (Auto-Trol) Award for Computer Graphics
- Nortel Networks Innovation and Technology Award
Youth Science Foundation Canada- Awarded a place on Team Canada and competed at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, AZ, in the Computer Science Category
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Phoenix, AZ)- 4th place in Computer Science
- Eastman Kodak Award 3rd place
Media
- Calgary Herald
- Calgary Sun
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| 2004 | |
Development of an Embedded 3D Robot Visual System
Related:
Science Fair
2004
5 page summary
[2004 Report]
VSF website |
Abstract
Much work has been done over the years to find ways of generating a virtual image of an object in 3D. Most stereoscopic methods which currently exist, attempt to match every point from an image taken from a left image, to every point on an image taken on a right image. Not only is this very slow unless a great amount of computational power is used, but also the result is worthless when attempting to describe the object to a machine. At best, the distance to an obstacle can be calculated. The methods I have been experimenting with are able to generate vectors of the left and right camera images to represent the 2D projection, and then attempt to reconstruct the 3D object by matching together the vectors. If this works correctly, it should allow the object to be shown in 3D space by a series of vector lines. These could be interpreted by a higher-level system to recognize the object, determine orientation and position of the object in 3D space, and make sense of simple scenes.
Awards
Calgary Youth Science Fair- Gold Medal
- Noel Bourget (Auto-Trol) Award for Computer Graphics
- Nortel Networks Innovation and Technology Award
- Government of Alberta Travel Scholarship to the Canada Wide Science Fair in St. John's, NL
- Top Intermediate Project Award
Canada-Wide Science Fair (St. John's, NL)- Bronze Medal — Intermediate Engineering/Computer Science
- University of Western Ontario $1000 Scholarship
- Petro Canada Peer Innovation Award — Intermediate Western Canada (peer-nominated)
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| 2003 | |
Evaluation of 3D Object Recognition Methods
Related:
Science Fair
2003
5 page summary
[2003 report]
[2003 flash movie]
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Abstract
Computer vision is a key part of robotics. Here, a microcontroller-based circuit is built to generate a 3D model of simple objects. Methods of edge detection are tested for accuracy in the generated output. This is the first stage of an object recognition robotic system.
Awards
Calgary Youth Science Fair- Gold Medal
- Pacific Institute Mathematical Society Award
- Calgary Youth Science Fair Travel Award
Canada-Wide Science Fair (Calgary, AB)- Gold Medal — Junior Computing and Mathematical Sciences
- University of Western Ontario $2000 Scholarship
- Canadian Mathematical Society Award — Junior
- Petro Canada Peer Innovation Award — Junior Western Canada (peer nominated)
Media
- Calgary Herald
- Calgary Sun
- CBC Radio
- Global Television
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| 2002 | |
Comparison of Stepper Motor Types
Related:
Science Fair
[2002 1 page summary]
[2002 5 page summary]
[2002 report]
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Abstract
Stepper motors are widely used in applications which require very accurate motion, like robotics. My project examined different characteristics such as strength and speed of various stepper motor types to determine which has the best performance. I programmed a microcontroller, which is a type of integrated circuit, to control the motors.
Awards
Calgary Youth Science Fair- Gold Medal
- Alberta Research Council Award
- Terry Allen Travel Award
Canada-Wide Science Fair (Saskatoon, SK)- Bronze Medal — Junior Engineering
- University of Western Ontario $1000 Scholarship
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| 2001 | |
Comparison of PIC Performance
Related:
Science Fair
[2001 report]
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Abstract
PIC microcontrollers are tiny, versatile microchips which can be used for many purposes. I have programmed them using the PicBasic language in order to compare speed, accuracy, and overall performance in a variety of measurements for different models of PIC microcontrollers.
Awards
Calgary Youth Science Fair- Gold Medal
- Al Chato Top Elementary Award
- Nortel Networks Innovation and Technology Award
- Intel Innovative use of a Computer Award (runner-up)
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| 2000 | |
Electoplating: The Best Solution
Related:
Science Fair
[2000 report] |
Abstract
Electroplating is the process of transfering one metal to another by running current through them in electrolyte solution. In this project I was comparing electrolytes for the greatest amount of copper transfered onto graphite sticks.
Awards
Calgary Youth Science Fair
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