Colin Karpfinger

www.colinkarpfinger.com

 

 

University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Candidate for BS in Physics – 3.500 GPA

 

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Candidate for BS in Electrical Engineering – 3.578 GPA

 

 

Computer Programming

Linux, Windows, C++, C, C#, Java, PIC Assembly, Labview, PHP, Javascript, Verilog.

Experience with Computer Vision, in C# and C++, using Intel’s OpenCV library, implemented on a unix system.

 

Electrical

Microcontrollers (Microchip PIC, Atmel AVR), Servo Motor Control, Digital Logic, Automation.  Printed Circuit Board Design and Fabrication.

I have designed several circuit boards, 2 of which were professionally fabricated, and 3 of which were etched myself using the toner-transfer method.

 

Mechanical

Metalworking, Machining, Woodworking, Enclosure Design.

 

More information (schematics, pictures, videos) regarding any project can be found on my website, www.colinkarpfinger.com

 

Defcon Robotics Competition (August 2007) 2^nd Place - Las Vegas NV

I developed computer vision software, and the mechanical platform to find, and shoot down, white targets in a robotic shooting gallery.  I wrote the software in C#, and machined the mechanical components.  I was sponsored by Pololu Robotics, a Nevada based robotics company.  My entry was publicized by the Associated Press and appeared on national news websites (Washington Post, Aol News, Msnbc).

 

Load Cell Based Rocket Thrust Measurement Tool

I designed a platform, and necessary electronics to gauge the thrust out of various sizes and styles of rocket engines.  Load cell made from machined aluminum and 4 strain gauges.  Control circuitry uses Wheatstone bridge configuration, and instrumentation amplifier to yield results anywhere from 2-200lbs of thrust.

 

 

 

PIC Microcontroller Based Timer

I designed the hardware, software, and printed circuit board for a timer accurate on the micro-second level.  The software is written in PIC assembly.  Circuit uses a multiplexed 2-digit 7-segment display.

 

Autonomous Paintball Sentry (September 2007 – present)

I have designed an autonomous robotic platform to track, and fire upon paintball players using computer vision algorithms, to be used by paintball facilities.  The Sentry is entirely standalone, using an on board Linux-based computer to process video and control pan and tilt motors, in real time.  A custom designed printed circuit board houses motor control circuits, analog to digital conversion, and power management ICs. 

 

The product sparked the beginning of Zero-Op Systems LLC, of which I am a Co-Founder, and part owner.  Production of retail units started in August 2008. 

 

This endeavor has not only given me technical experience, but has taught me everything that goes along with turning an idea into a product.  I have worked with other engineers, marketing professionals, editors of several magazines, investors, and customers.  I have learned lessons about managing budgets, people, and deadlines.  Bringing a device from prototype to product is a challenging, yet incredibly exciting process. 

 

 

Associate Electrical Engineer – Logic Product Design

March 2009 - Present

 

Co-Founder –  Zero-Op Systems LLC

November 2007 - Present

 

Special Projects Engineer – In conjunction with Senasys Inc.

November 2007 - Present

 

Calculus Tutor – University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

September 2006 - May 2008

 

Laborer – Edgerton Contractors Inc.

Summer 2005,2006. 

 

Entrepreneurship, Sailing, Electronics, Computer Programming, Soccer, Tennis, Film making/Video Editing, Reading, Curiosity.

Roger Nordby Electrical Engineering Scholarship (UMN- 2008/2009)

2^nd Place – Defcon Robotics Competition – Las Vegas, NV (2007)

 

Physics Department Lecture (UWEC, 2007) – “The DefconBots Competition”

Mathematics Retreat Lecture (UWEC, 2008) – “A Practical Application of

Maple: The Calibration of an Autonomous Paintball Sentry Gun”

UW Eau Claire Student Research Day (UWEC, 2008) – “Computer Vision + Paintball: A Real-

Time Autonomous Sentry Gun”