Srinivas Somasundaram's design portfolio includes projects such as an auto pill dispenser, portable theft detector called Accelo-Lock, and a pipelined processor design. The auto pill dispenser uses concentric circular trays to store and dispense different pills in accurate dosages without manual intervention. Accelo-Lock is a small device that attaches to personal items and sounds an alarm if movement is detected, addressing the need to secure temporarily stored valuables. As part of an undergraduate course, Srinivas addressed the problem of backward compatibility needs in RISC processors by designing a pipelined processor with a reduced instruction set.

1. Design Portfolio
Srinivas Somasundaram

2. Bike Rack
Contents
Shingler Robot
Auto Pill
Dispenser
Pipelined Processor
Design
Project LIV POV Display
Accelo - Intruder
Detector
In-Vehicle
Stress Buster

3. Integrated Medication Compliance Monitoring System
ct LIV video here
PROJECT LIV
This should be replaced by video
For our Capstone project with McKesson Automation in
Carnegie Mellon University, we created a medication moni-
toring system aimed towards reducing medical non-compli-
ance on patients discharged from the hospital. It was a
project which was widely appreciated by McKesson and the
university for our holistic approach and in-depth perspec-
tive into the system..
CAPSTONE PROJECT

4. User Research with Existing Products Concept Designs based on user feedback
Designing engineering mechanisms
Prototype Video
Creating Electronic Prototype of Design

5. Position Arm with Interrupt
Based Dispensing
Tank Tread Wheel Control with
Range Detection Sensors
SHINGLER ROBOT
As part of Mechatronic Design Course at Carnegie Mellon University, we created a modular robot
that can autonomously move itself to the required location, position and lay shingles accurately on
a roof surface.The shingler robot secured second prize in the Mechatronics Design.
MECHATRONIC DESIGN
I was the main lead in design and integration of
sensors and motors for the robot. I implemented
PID control and camera vision system to enable
accurate movement even on inclined surfaces. I also
used my product development background to help
the team create quick iterative prototypes and
select the best approach.
Chalkline Detection and
Vision System

6. CONCEPT DESIGN:
Design Iterations Initial Conceptual Design Mockup Prototype
IMPLEMENTATION
Line Tracking System Vision System Dispenser Control System

7. POV DISPLAY
As Part of Systems Engineering Course at Carnegie Mellon University, we created an interactive
Persistence of Vision exhibit for Children’s Musuem of Pittsburgh which provides the children
the ability to create unique and diverse patterns limited only by their creativity
This should be replaced by video
POV IN ACTION
As a part of a four member team, I took upon the responsibility of
designing and implementing the motor control and slip ring data
transmission to the display system and assisting with construction of
the external structure of the system.
The POV project provided me deep insights into the considerations
required for creating a robust commercial scale system as the final
system had to be installed in the museum for three days and
operate continuously with minimal supervision.
The system was installed in the museum for three days running continously without manual
supervision. The feedback from the children were used to improve the design for the follow-
ing day and analyze the changes required for commercial manufacturing of the system.

8. Rotating LED Frame External Display Structure LED Frame schematic
MODELS & SCHEMATICS

9. THE PROBLEM
The bikes were parked on the
poles of street lamps and trees
thereby disfiguring the
ambiance and aesthetic appeal
of the Cultural District. More-
over, the cultural business
district of Pittsburgh wanted to
create an distinct identity for the
district that promotes the
identification of the theatre and
art in the district.
USER RESEARCH
GIVEN REQUIREMENTS
- Must be made of galvanized steel
(raw and/or powder coated), alumi-
num, or stainless steel
- Hold minimum of two bicycles per
stand and a maximum of six.
- Support the bicycle in at least
two places, including one wheel.
- Be easily accessible without
moving another bicycle for access
and maneuvering.
- Should have base plates with
minimum of 3/8” thick steel with
ability to be bolted to concrete pad
BIKE RACK

10. Ideations/Sketches
FINAL DESIGN: FRENCH HORN
Pittsburgh was a major hub for the de-
velopment of jazz in the early 20th cen-
tury.
Compact enough to be placed on the
narrow footpaths of the district without
hindering pedestrian motion.
The shape of the pipe allows for differ-
ent sizes of bikes to be locked comfort-
ably and securely.
A air pump placed inside the base of the
french horn lures bikers to the bike rack
rather than parking at random spots.

11. CONCEPT BRAINSTORMING
STREAMLINING
TRAFFIC
Intelligent Car
Communication
INSPIRA-
THE PROBLEM
When the Junior Dalai Lama was once
asked during an interview how he
manages to control his anger he said:
“I play kick- boxing video games wherein I
get to transfer my frustration to the
characters and thereby reduce my anger”.
DESCRIPTION
A common problem found in highly populated cities around the
world is traffic congestion especially during peak hours. Although
a lot of research and studies have been done to alleviate this
well-known problem, few solutions exist for the commuters who
have to endure the daily traffic logjams. The sheer frustration,
high stress levels and the road rage that many people experience
could all lead to stress related illnesses and often deadly
accidents. There is a definite need for a solution or a product that
can help people deal with this on an everyday basis.
Multiple solutions were explored from streamlining traffic, more
entertainment options inside vehicles and engaging interactions
to deal with stress reduction. Based on the brainstorming and
inspirations from spiritual leaders, I decided to tackle the problem
from an individual perspective to deal with these high stress
situations.
AI for Auto Car
Movement
Distributed and
optimized Road
Networks
Auto Music Playlists
Verbal or Video
games
Social Interactions
with Other Drivers
ENTERTAINMENT
OPTIONS
Calming Messages
“Try to calm down”
Social Reminders
“You are not the only
one stuck here”
Family Reminders“Your
family is waiting at the
other end”
EMOTIONAL
MESSAGES
Stress Ball Steering
Material Virtual Reality
Games
Emotional Outlets
STRESS REDUCING
INTERACTIONS
Image courtesy:National Geographic Image courtesy:driverstorymagazine.com
Pros: Systemic solution, larger benefits
Cons: Complex system, high effort, hard to implement
Pros: Easy to implement, uses existing products and technolo-
gies
Pros: Easy implementation, low complexity
Cons: Possibly annoying, low impact on stress levels
Pros: Highly engaging, higher stress reduction, innovative
solutions
Image courtesy:Indiana University
In-Vehicle Stress Management

12. In Vehicle Stress Management
DESCRIPTION
Creating an emotional outlet along with engaging game mechanics was the focus of this
in-vehicle stress management solution. The system consists of a vehicle mounted camera that
captures surrounding traffic and environment when the driver is stuck in a traffic jam. These
images are then converted into 3D models that are superimposed on a virtual game screen
either on the GPS unit or a purpose built tablet display. The driver then gets to drive around in
the virtual environment, hit other cars nearby, score points and break traffic rules. These actions
allow stress relief for the driver and provide a safe virtual experience. Moreover since the
environment would change at different traffic situations this would allow for an engaging game
experience.
The game applications would be provided by companies who would make revenues by provid-
ing targeted ads of surrounding local businesses placed inside the virtual games. This would
create a significant business opportunity for companies to provide similar solutions.
PLAYER
Jon
SCORE
380
HITS
778 Miles
per hr
VEHICLE MOUNTED
CAMERA CAPTURES
SURROUNDING TRAFFIC
GAME CONROLS ON
STEERING WHEEL FOR
VIRTUAL DRIVING
DASHBOARD TABLET OR
GPS NAVIGATION DISPLAYS
TRAFFIC SUPERIMPOSED
ON VIRTUAL GAME SCREEN
GAME MECHANICS SCREEN SHOT WITH SCORING
SYSTEM THAT ALLOWS RASH VIRTUAL DRIVING AND
OTHER STRESS BUSTING ACTIONS
OUTCOME
Won the second prize at the National
Institute of Design’s on the spot design
competition held in Bangalore, India, 2011.
The National Institute of Design is one of
the premier design institutes in the world.

13. EXISTING PRODUCTS RESEARCH
THE PROBLEM
DESCRIPTION
Most seniors and patients with memory loss or blurry vision have trouble taking the
right amount of medication at the prescribed times. Many pill dispensing solutions
and medication organizers exist in the market. The problem is that, they all either
require manual intervention from patients or require that they read information
displayed in order to find out the dosage amount. Research has shown that regular
and timely consumption of medication can drastically improve recovery rates but no
solutions exist today that automatically dispense the right pills at preset times in the
right amount of quantity in an affordable device.
The fundamental problem arises from the fact that pills come in all shapes and sizes
and multiple pills may need to be taken in different combinations at different times.
Although the storage problem can be solved by requiring family members to pre
organize pills, it is a tricky problem to dispense different size pills through a mechani-
cal solution.
After thorough research of existing products in the market and multiple concept
iterations, I have ventured in to designing a unique solution with an innovative
mechanism to store and dispense the exact type and quantity of pills through an
affordable and portable consumer device.Image courtesy:http://neuroprotectivelifestyle.com
DESIGN CRITERIA
The device must be able to deliver different kinds of pills
at a definite time without any manual aggregation of
multiple pills by the user.
The exact amount of prescribed dosage must be deliv-
ered. Any increase or decrease in the dosage may cause
medical difficulties to the user.
The device must be portable and yet have an ample pill
carrying capacity so that the pills do not have to be
frequently refilled.
The device must be user friendly and easy to operate. It
must also consider the needs of elderly people who are
prone to being hearing-impaired, have blurry vision and
absent-mindedness.
Refilling of the pills into the device must be hassle-free
to the user. Also the different pill sizes must be taken
into account to prevent any inconvenience to the user.
Auto Pill Dispenser

14. Auto Pill Dispenser
OVERVIEW
The Pill Buddy is a portable device that automatically delivers pills of the required dosage at desig-
nated time intervals with a novel approach. It is targeted for the elderly population and for patients
with memory loss, reduced cognition, blurred vision or absent-mindedness. The device automatically
configures the type of pills the patient is required to take, its dosage and then beeps and glows at the
exact times preset by the prescriber or family member. The pills are picked up by sliding or tilting the
device allowing the pills to fall into an outlet receptacle that also functions as pocket size container for
travel. The novel solution here is the mechanism designed to accurately store and dispense the exact
pills and dosage amount automatically. The design consists of eight concentric circular trays surrounding
the central electronic controls known as the CENTRUM that contains the microprocessor, LED displays
and the speakers. The concentric circular trays contain grooves of different widths that can hold up to
8 different pills of varying sizes enclosed in an airtight trays. One of the grooves in each concentric
tray has an opening that allows passage of pills into the outlet receptacle. Stepper motors are placed
beneath every concentric tray to aid in its rotation. When a particular pill needs to be dispensed, the
corresponding tray containing the pill rotates by one position allowing the pill to fall freely. Only the
trays containing pills required for a particular dosage time will be rotated. The diagram on the left
indicates the block diagram of the electronic system that controls the tray movement. The display will
clearly indicate that all pills have been dispensed as well as the time for next medication.
OUTLET FOR PILLS IN
TO POCKET RECEPTACLE
ELECTRONIC TRAY
MOTION CONTROL
SYSTEM
Pill Buddy
Time 8:15 AM
ALL PILLS
DISPENSED
Time of next dose
2:15 pm
Number of pills
LED display
(BQ3285E/L)
Clock Selected stepper motor
Rotates the
compartment and
produces required
amount of pills
Pills are
arranged in
the compartments
& alarm is set to
each compartment
PILL DISPENSER
LCD
MSP430
8 stepper
motors
74AC11138
Demultiplexer
PILL POCKETS
CONCENTRIC
PILL TRAYS

15. PRODUCT IDEATION
THE PROBLEM
DESCRIPTION
While shopping one day, I had to leave behind my bulky guitar that I was carrying on my bike. I was really concerned about it getting stolen if it was left unattended and felt the
real need for a device that could alert me or sound an alarm if somebody tried to pick it up. I came back and performed more research to look for such products on the web
and was surprised to find that no products existed that fit my needs. Most of the security devices were focussed on home intrusion systems and the few portable theft alarms that
I found were directed towards room intrusion rather than personalised device protection.
I embarked on designing such a device myself and realized that there could be lot of potential needs that this may help address. For example: Bags that have to be left outside
airport restrooms for a few minutes, shoes that need to be left outside temple premises, bicycles that may need to be parked in open spaces, mobile phones and tablets that may
need to be charged in public stations or even expensive clothes that need to be dried in common areas. All of these needs would benefit from a handy, portable device that
could trigger an alarm if someone tried to steal it. While working on ideas, I came across a water container based circuit breakage system that could trigger alarms on movement.
Unfortunately, I noticed multiple issues with that proposal and the fact that it could be easily circumvented. I decided to use an Accelerometer based approach that would detect
any change in motion to trigger the alarm. This needed to be made fool proof with the necessary security measures, set of design criteria listed below and owner controllability.
Although some laptops use similar security systems today, they are limited by the fact that they are embedded in the device and cannot be used on any personal object.
Image courtesy:http://flickr.com
DESIGN CRITERIA
The major requirements of a theft detector for
such a purpose would be:
1. Easy portability
2. User convenience
3. Swift alarm action & notification to user
4. Minimal setup
5. Applicability on various objects & surfaces.
LEAVING SHOES OUTSIDE TEMPLES CHARGING PHONES IN AIRPORTS PARKING BICYCLES IN OPEN SPACES DRYING CLOTHES IN SHARED AREAS
BUZZER OUTLET
SWITCHES
OPEN ENDED
METALLIC ROD
EASY PEEL PLATE
GROOVED
METALLIC PLATE
WATER FILLED
CONTAINER
WATER CONTAINER BASED
CONCEPT
ACCELEROMETER BASED
CONCEPT
KEY PAD FOR 3
DIGIT SECURITY
CODE ENTRY
ON / OFF
SWITCH
BUZZER
VARIABLE
CAPACITANCE
ACCELEROMETER
M
I-
C
R
O
T
R
O
N
7
2
9
0

16. Accelo-Lock
Portable Accelerometer based Theft Detector
OVERVIEW
The Accelo-Lock portable theft detector was designed to address the problem of protecting
personal and valuable items that are carried along while traveling but may need to be
secured for short periods of time or when temporarily stored in public spaces. This device
employs a unique approach by applying acceleration or movement detection of the protected
property. It consists of a small case (the size of a regular cigarette lighter) that can be easily
attached to any surface with the Velcro taped mounting surface or an adhesive tape. The case
contains a variable capacitance accelerometer that gets activated when the external switch is
set to Protect mode. In this mode, when any significant movement is detected on the attached
item, a loud alarm is sounded. This would deter any possibility of theft of such mobile property.
The owner can unlock the device by changing the switch to Release mode. Upon changing the
mode, a 5 second timer provides enough time for the owner to enter the 3 digit security code
on the keypad. Failure to enter the correct code will trigger the alarm again. In future phase of
the project, text messaging capability can be incorporated in the device to send text alerts to
the owner’s cell phone.
The simple attachment mechanism, ease of use and small form factor should enable a wide
range of applications for this portable theft detection system.
LOCKED
UNLOCKED
RELEASE
PROTECT
1
4
7
2
5
8
3
6
9
LOCK STATUS
INDICATORS
PROTECTION
MODE SWITCH
SECURITY ENTRY
KEYPAD
ADHESIVE/ VELCRO
ATTACHMENT FOR
SURFACE MOUNTINGRESTROOMS

17. SIMULATION EXPERIMENT
THE PROBLEM
DESCRIPTION
The problem faced by the current generation RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) processors is their need to maintain backward compatibility with the
previous generations of CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) processors. The instruction sets were also unduly enlarged in order to accommodate certain
rarely used instructions in the CISC architecture. As part of the 8th semester project in my undergraduate course of study, I decided to address this problem along
MAIN PROCESSOR FAMILIES
Clock Rate
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
5 10 50 100 200 500 1000
Vector
Supercomputer
Scalar RISC
Scalar CISC
Super
Pipelined
20
10
5.0
2.0
1.0
0.5
0.2
0.1
MOST LIKELY FUTURE
PROCESSOR SPEED
1 2 .......... k
1 2 .......... k
1 2 ..........
k
k
1 2 .......... k
1 2 .......... k
1 2 .......... k
SERIAL EXECUTION
One task completes every k time units
PIPELINED EXECUTION
One task completes every 1 time unit
MEMORY REG BLOCK
MEMORY
ALU
ADD
P
C M
U
X
INSTRUCTION
ADDRESS
+4
INSTRUCTION
0-31
RS
RT
RD
W RITE
DATA
READ
DATA 1
READ
DATA 2
W RITE
DATA
DATA
ADDRESS READ
DATA
IF/ID ID/EX EX/M EM M EM /W B
PIPELINE OPERATIONS USING REGIS-
GOALS
• Design a pipelined processor core to be implemented in an FPGA using
synthesizable VHDL (Verilog Hardware Description Language)
• Use a modular design throughout the project with a bottom up approach
after finalization of architecture
MOTIVATIONS
Based on team’s passion of chip design and technology we wanted to
• Go through the overall design cycle which includes FPGA implementa-
tion
• Understand system functioning, HDL, simulation, & FPGA implementa-
tion
• Understand the industry approach,design methodologies by talking to
industrial
Pipelined Processor Design

18. Pipelined Processor Design
OVERVIEW
The pipelined processor was designed to provide an architecture that would have a core of RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture
and yet provide a CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) interface to the user.This addressed the problem faced by the current generation RISC
processors to maintain backward compatibility with the previous generations of CISC processors.
The resulting performance of the new design was significant.We were able to successfully design a four stage pipeline into the processor as such
indirectly increasing the speed of the processor by multiple factors.We decided to stick to the four stage architecture as it was seen that increasing
the pipelines caused latencies in the processor execution during negative branch predictions which nullified the effect of increasing the pipelines.By
providing an extremely compact instruction set,it was possible to reduce the size of the core thereby providing more space to accommodate for
registers and cache.This in turn further increased the execution speed of the processor.In addition,various optimization techniques such as logic
duplication and application of BLOCK RAM were utilized to cut down the area and power requirements of the core to achieve an overall FPGA
utilization of 28%.Working with a team of 4 members,we were able to successfully synthesize,simulate and implement a highly scalable four stage
pipelined processor with significant optimizations.
64 BIT DATA BUS
TO OUTSIDE WORD
INSTR
DECODE
ALU
CONTROL AND TIMING UNIT
INSTR
MEM
REG
BANK
INC/DEC
PC