Independent Software Projects

Engineers are naturally inclined to take things apart just to see how the work.  In Computer Science and programming in general this is much easier to do than traditional Engineering fields because when we take apart code we don't leave random pieces of it laying around the house for days or months before deciding to put it back together.  Well, usually we don't leave tangible objects laying around from taking things apart.  Though it does and eventually will happen. 

In addition Engineers by nature are thinkers, developers, creators.  We take what we know, bend and morph it into something new and hopefully useful.  It is this tendency to experiment and create that makes us Engineers not only as title but also as character. 

That being said, I have decided to share with the world, both Engineer and not, a place where I describe and illustrate any completed or ongoing projects I may be involved with outside of school or work.  If I have time I might even list off a few of the projects I think would be fun to work on in the future.  More for my own benefit of looking back and remembering them than anything else.

 

Preliminary Development Underway -

Cookie Confuser v1.0.  A Windows application written in C#/.NET which will allow you to not only block or allow Internet Cookies from being stored on your computer, but will also give the options for modifying the data stored in the cookie to varying degrees to ensure you privacy is safe while turning the headache of these sometimes malicious files back on those who look to give you grief.  Version 1.0 is slated to include ability to parse existing cookies and allow options to allow/remove/modify them.  Subsequent versions will expand to real time cookie blocking and a host of other features.  Alpha version Windows Forms are currently available for download in the Code section of this site.

Coming Late Summer 2005 -

IR Tracking with Web Enabled Camera.  The goal is to be able to follow a person or other living being by following their Infrared heat signature, controlled by a Micro Controller.  By mounting a web cam to the tracking base you will be able to watch via remote computer across the network or internet.  A wide array of possibilities exist for modifying or extending this project.  One such possible expansion of this idea would be a radio frequency or similar tracking unit, being able to follow a professor as he lectures in a classroom for remote class participants.  Combination of semi-zoomed shots with tracking ability and wide angle camera would improve the experience for students attending class from remote locations.