Page 24 - UD Research Magazine Vol5-No2

Work in Progress: These photos show the prototypes and enhancements developed this year through UD’s Spin In program for the mTrigger, a biofeedback
device. Moving chronologically from left to right, you see the first printed circuit board (PCB) model (mTrigger v0.2), meant for testing and proof of concept only. The second model adds an optimized circuit, a power LED indicator, use of a 9-volt battery and ability to plug into a phone. The third has a case, the fourth has a custom electrode cable and connector, improved case design and uses 4 AAAA batteries. The fifth has a plug and play feature and three operating modes—off, sleep and on. The present de- vice (v1.0) has a rechargeable battery (microUSB), seven-day battery life, only turns on when plugged into phone and a sleeker design. Now under development is a Bluetooth board to allow wireless connection and support for up to eight channels of electrodes.
In this season of political surge, you might be forgiven for shying away from anything with the word “spin” in it.
But this isn’t that kind of spin.
The University of Delaware’s “Spin In” program, founded, managed and trademarked by the Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships, connects University undergraduate students with community entrepreneurs and early-stage startups to give them an inside look
at business innovation in action and a chance to apply what they’re learning in real-life situations.
In turn, students have solved problems, tested ideas, built bridges and suggested new options and opportunities for research and development.
Some of their work is already going to market.
The program works this way: Prob- lems, challenges and what-ifs come in the
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