Reinvent the Tricorder Branded as MyCorder By Keith Torkelson MS, BS

 

Contents

• Requirements (Document)
• Live Able and Sleep Able/Ability
• Environmental Sampling/Capture Device (Tricorder)
• Work Done – Housing Solutions Bundle Proposal
• MyCorder APP Versus a standalone device (MyCorder)
• Tech Qualities (20261004-SU Build) of MyCorder
• Functions (20261004-SU Build)
• Chips & Chip Sets
• Cell/Smart Phone Chips and Makers
• Cell Phone Schematic/Diagram
• Smart Phone Schematic/Diagram
• Smartphone Block Diagram
• Smartphone Schematic/Diagram – Moderately Complex
• Keeping Track of Your Sleep
• Analogy – Tricorder
• Sample of Event to Capture using a MyCorder
• Sensors on Smartphones
• Hardware and Software of sensing the environment
• Example of a Display for Sound and Acceleration
• Sensors and HAL
• How is it an environmental Capture Device?
• Quality of Life (QOL)
• Appendix - Smartphone as An Environmental Sampling Device
• Technology AI and Big Brother – Reason to stay Off-line

Live Able and Sleep Able/Ability

The MyCorder is designed to determine if a housing environment is Live Able, especially Sleep Able.  Here we focus on the Rent a Shared Room (RASR) environment.  In some facilities there are options to move or move your roommate.  The MyCorder will offer objective evidence of the quality of a rooming situation.

 

Environmental Sampling / Capture Device (Tricorder)

Associated Study > 13_HAB_RASR_Tricorder_TLD_19060601_Notes V2023

Here we introduce our idea for a dedicated environmental sampling device.  It shares a few similarities to the fictional Tricorder on Star Trek.  There are Apps for use on your phone yet you have to leave it up to sample.  Phone calls will interfere with environmental sampling.  We call our version for sampling, analysis, reporting, etc. a MyCorder.  It will be used to capture your shared room experience especially during the nighttime.  The MyCorder collects objective evidence. The filtered information collected using our MyCorder can be used with our Housing Solutions Bundle Work Group and Housing Solutions Bundle Infrastructure elements.

 

Work Done – Housing Solutions Bundle Proposal

https://housingadvisoryboard.blogspot.com/2026/01/a-housing-solutions-bundle-hsb-published_5.html

 

MyCorder APP Versus a standalone device (MyCorder)

 

Capture environment when you are not home
Favor Standalone
Less down time due to charging
Less likely to run out of memory
More affordable
No interruptions with phone calls
Possibly AA or AAA rechargeable batteries

Tech Qualities (20261004-SU Build) of MyCorder 

Requirement	Specs
1-Hardware	Diagrams to follow
2-Software	Primary APP or APPs
AI and Voice	Built in AI
Batteries	Last more than 24 hours – Possible AA or AAA rechargeable while still in unit – Works plugged in to power
Blue Tooth	Transmit to External Speaker/Headphones & Screens
Chipset	About 5 primary chips
Compatibility	The bundle can be run on a phone without a SIM Card
Cost	$100 or less
Data Analysis	Graphing & Turn numbers into text
Data Recording	1 Tb or more of storage
Display	Touch Screen
Gallery	Manage and delete samples
Holograms	Planning for the future
Light Sensor	Records when the light is turned on or off at night
Microphone	Higher quality than on a Smart Phone – more sensitivity and triggered when Decibel threshold reached and passed
Not a Phone	Not having a full smartphone or limiting its distracting features helps protect your focus, mental health, and daily productivity.
Operating System	Android & Apple
Pre-Loaded	With everything you need
Printing	Reports and graphs
RAM	6Gb
Schematics	Samples included later
Sensors	Basic temperature, lighting, sound, motion
Shock Case	Comes with shock case
Size	Of Smart Phone
Sound Sensor	Turn on with sound to save time finding the events
Speakers	Higher quality than on a Smart Phone
USB Port	Fastest at a reasonable price
Volume Control	Audio equipment performance
WiFi	Local and Internet
White Noise Generator	White noise is used to mask sudden background sounds and create a steady, uniform acoustic environment that helps the brain relax, focus, or sleep

Functions (20261004-SU Build) 

Requirement	Specs
AI	Not dependent on AI
Alarm Clock	Aside - Separate vibrating alarm built into watch
Analyze	Yields scores and sub-scores about the environment
Calendar	Displays activity by days of the week/month
Camera	To catch activities that are not productive or peaceful
Clock	Each reel is time stamped for date and elapsed time
Decibel Display	Decibel display to go with playback
Editor	An editor reviews, revises, and polishes written, visual, or digital material to make it clear, accurate, and engaging for readers/audience
Environmental Scans	Core function
Equalizer	Remix to emphasize true impression
Holograms	For the future
Magnifier Plus	Help read small print
Mixer	Eliminate dead time
Motion Detector	Sensor - Actives and dis-activates recording
User Friendly Display	Similar to Android
Video Capture	Motion and noise activated
Sound Recorder	Voices, sounds and noises
Works off-line	Complete independence from the Internet
Light Detection	Sensor
Peace Mode	Capture the room at peace
Presentation Mode	Present audio, AV, slideshow, share with others such as doctor(s) and landlord
Productivity Mode	Capture room while producing
QOL Mode	Reports back total and components for Quality of Life
Temperature	Sensor
Track your Sleep	Interpreting the sounds while you sleep
Trigger Record	Light, Sound, Temperature
Printing	Print direct to WiFi Printer
Video Night Mode	Night mode video uses computational photography and low-light sensors to record clear footage in dim environments without harsh lighting.

Chips & Chip Sets

A modern cell phone relies on a combination of a main processor and dozens of specialized semiconductor chips working together to handle everything from computing to connectivity.

The Main Processor (SoC)

System-on-Chip (SoC):

The core "brain" of the phone. It combines the CPU (central processing unit) for general tasks, the GPU (graphics processing unit) for gaming and visuals, and memory controllers onto one tiny piece of silicon.

NPU (Neural Processing Unit):

A specialized AI chip built into the processor. It handles on-device machine learning tasks like facial recognition, predictive text, and live photo enhancements without draining your battery.

Popular Brands:

Major chipmakers include Qualcomm Snapdragon for Android, Apple's custom A-series chips for iPhones, and MediaTek Dimensity for value and efficiency.

Specialized Supporting Chips

Modem Chip:

Connects your phone to cellular networks (like 4G LTE and 5G) so you can make calls and browse the web.

Image Signal Processor (ISP):

Takes raw data from your phone's camera sensors and turns it into sharp, colorful photos and videos.

NFC Chip:

A short-range wireless chip that lets your phone securely exchange data when placed right next to a reader, used for tap-to-pay apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Audio & Sensor Chips:

Separate small microchips manage sound input/output for speakers and process signals from touchscreens, motion sensors, and compasses.

 

Cell/Smart Phone Chips and Makers

 

AMD

• Apple
• Google – Tensor Chip
• HiSilicon/Huawei – Kirin
• MediaTek
• Neural Engine
• Samsung – Exynos
• Snapdragon
• TSMC

 

 

Cell Phone Schematic/Diagram

Smart Phone Schematic/Diagram

Smartphone Block Diagram

Smartphone Schematic/Diagram – Moderately Complex

Keeping Track of Your Sleep

Analogy - Tricorder

In the Star Trek universe, a tricorder is a fictional, handheld, multi-functional device used by Starfleet for environmental scans, data recording, and analysis.

https://www.thewandcompany.com/tricorder-update-12/

Sample of Event to Capture using a MyCorder

Sensors on Smartphones

Sensors on SG-A51

The Samsung Galaxy A51 (SGA51) includes a variety of built-in hardware sensors and a comprehensive camera sensor array:

Device Hardware Sensors

Fingerprint Sensor:

An optical, under-display sensor used for biometric unlocking and security.

Accelerometer:

Detects changes in velocity and measures the physical tilt and movement of the phone.

Gyroscope:

Tracks precise 3D spatial orientation and rotation, which is essential for VR apps and 360-degree video playback.

Compass / Geomagnetic Sensor:

Measures Earth's magnetic fields to provide direction in navigation and map applications.

Proximity Sensor:

A virtual sensor that detects how close the phone is to your face during calls to turn off the display and prevent accidental touches.

Ambient Light Sensor:

Measures surrounding light levels to automatically adjust the display brightness.

Hall Sensor: Utilizes magnetic fields to detect when a flip cover or smart case is closed or opened.

Camera Sensors

48 MP Main Sensor:

A wide-angle sensor with an f/2.0 aperture that captures the primary high-resolution images.

12 MP Ultra-Wide Sensor:

Provides a 123-degree field of view to capture expansive landscapes.

5 MP Macro Sensor:

Specifically tuned for close-up photography of micro details.

5 MP Depth Sensor:

Measures depth-of-field separation to assist with portrait mode and background blur (bokeh effects).

32 MP Selfie Sensor:

Located inside the front-facing Infinity-O screen cutout.

 

FYI - Sensors on SG-A15

 

The Samsung Galaxy A15 and A15 5G come equipped with a standard set of hardware sensors for motion, orientation, and security.

Included Sensors

Fingerprint Sensor:

Side-mounted on the power button for quick unlocking.

Accelerometer:

Detects changes in the phone's tilt and linear acceleration.

Gyroscope:

Tracks rotational movement and device orientation (noted on the 5G variant and select builds).

Geomagnetic Sensor (Compass):

Determines cardinal directions.

Virtual Proximity and Light Sensors:

Detects when the phone is near your ear during a call or adjusts screen brightness automatically based on ambient light.

Face Recognition:

2D software-based facial unlocking using the front camera.

Hardware and Software of sensing the environment

Environmental sensing requires hardware like specialized sensors (e.g., for temperature, air quality, humidity), data acquisition devices, and communication modules, and software that collects, processes, analyzes, and visualizes this sensor data to provide real-time monitoring, alerts, and automated control. This system works together to detect, measure, and monitor environmental conditions for various applications, from weather stations to industrial and home automation.

 

Example of a Display for Sound and Acceleration

Sensors and HAL

 

FYI - Sensors Version 1.0

"Sensors HAL 1.0" refers to the initial version of the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) for sensors in the Android operating system, providing an interface between the Android framework and hardware-specific sensor implementations.

What is Sensors HAL?

Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL):

The Sensors HAL is a layer that acts as a bridge between the Android framework and the hardware-specific sensor drivers.

Purpose:

It allows the Android framework to interact with various sensors (like accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.) without needing to know the specific hardware details.

Interface:

The Sensors HAL interface is defined in sensors.h and provides functions for managing sensors, including getting sensor lists, activating/deactivating sensors, setting sampling rates, and retrieving sensor events.

 

Aside - Key Functions in Sensors HAL 1.0:

 

get_sensors_list(): Returns a list of all available sensors.

activate(): Starts or stops a sensor.

batch(): Sets sensor parameters like sampling frequency and reporting latency.

setDelay(): Used only in HAL version 1.0 to set the sampling frequency for a given sensor.

flush(): Flushes the FIFO (First-In, First-Out) buffer of a sensor and reports a flush complete event.

poll(): Returns available sensor events.

 

Sensors HAL 2.0:

Evolution:

Sensors HAL 2.0 is a newer version of the HAL interface, designed for devices running Android 10 and higher.

Dynamic Sensors:

Dynamic sensors are returned through the poll() function in Sensors HAL 1.0, while Sensors Multi-HAL 2.0 requires the use of callbacks for dynamic sensor connection changes.

FYI - “sensors.h”

The Android Sensors HAL Interface, declared in sensors.h, defines the core contract between the Android framework and hardware-specific sensor drivers.

Key Functions in sensors.h

get_sensors_list: Retrieves the complete list of physical and virtual sensors available on the device.

activate: Powers a specific sensor on or off.

batch: Configures reporting parameters like sampling rate and maximum batch latency for FIFO queues.

flush: Forces an immediate flush of the sensor's FIFO ring buffer.

poll: Fetches pending hardware sensor events.

Evolution and Versions

HAL 1.0: Relied on setDelay to manage sampling frequencies.

HAL 2.0 / 2.1: Introduced in Android 10/11, replacing older callback methods with Fast Message Queues (FMQs) for low-latency event reporting and adding support for specialized inputs like hinge angles.

Alternatively, Linux environments use lm-sensors for hardware health monitoring via a similarly named header.

FYI - Sensors HAL 2.0

Sensors HAL 2.0 is an interface version for the Android Hardware Abstraction Layer that connects the Android sensor framework to device hardware.

Core Features

Initialization:

Uses an initialize function allowing the sensor service to pass Fast Message Queues (FMQs) and a dynamic sensor callback.

Architecture:

Implemented using Android HIDL 2.0 or equivalent frameworks on devices running Android 10 and higher.

Performance:

Designed for lower latency, improved data streaming via FMQs, and better support for dynamic sensors.

Key Functions

getSensorsList: Returns all static sensors available on the device.

activate: Turns a specific sensor on or off.

batch: Configures sampling frequency and maximum reporting latency.

flush: Clears the FIFO queue for a designated sensor.

How is it an environmental Capture Device?

An environmental recording and sensing device is a tool that captures physical, chemical, or biological data from the surrounding world and saves or transmits that information.

How the Sensing Works

Detects physical changes:

Internal components (transducers) react to shifts in [motion], temperature, humidity, light, pressure, or sound.

Measures chemicals:

Gas and air-quality sensors identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide (CO₂), or smoke particles.

Converts stimuli:

The device changes physical forces or chemical concentrations into tiny electrical signals.

How the Recording Works

Processes data:

Internal microchips amplify and convert analog electrical signals into readable digital numbers.

Logs information:

The unit stores these measurements locally in memory or transmits them via Wi-Fi, cellular, or satellite to a cloud database.

Tracks trends:

Software visualizes the logged data over time to monitor weather, air pollution, or indoor comfort.

For more details on how these systems operate, you can review this guide on Understanding How Environmental Sensors Work.

 

Quality of Life (QOL)

 

“List of QOL and related assessments”

Assessing quality of life (QOL) involves a wide range of measurements, from generic tools for the general population to specific questionnaires for different conditions and populations. These assessments may focus on overall well-being, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), or specific domains like physical function or mental health.

Quality Of Life and Housing

Housing and quality of life are deeply connected: stable, affordable, and good-quality housing enhances physical and mental well-being, access to resources, and overall life satisfaction. Conversely, unstable or poor-quality housing, or unaffordable housing, leads to chronic stress, negative health outcomes, reduced access to essentials like food and healthcare, and a lower quality of life. 

Housing and QOL

Housing and Quality of Life (QOL) are deeply interconnected, with housing conditions and accessibility serving as a fundamental determinant of overall well-being. High-quality, affordable housing in safe neighborhoods with access to resources positively impacts physical and mental health, financial security, and a sense of community. Conversely, poor housing conditions, unaffordability, and lack of housing choice can lead to increased stress, illness, depression, and social disparities, diminishing an individual's QOL.

 

Aside - Housing Centered Product Index

• MyCorder
• Housing Solutions Bundle
• Dedicated Housing Helpline
• Call-center Technological Infrastructure

Appendix - Smartphone as An Environmental Sampling Device

Smartphones function as powerful portable environmental sampling and monitoring devices by combining high-resolution cameras, onboard artificial intelligence, and low-cost optical or microfluidic attachments.

How Smartphone Environmental Sensing Works

Optical & Colorimetric Detection:

Cameras analyze color changes in chemical test strips or fluid assays to measure water or soil contaminants like chlorine, nitrite, or heavy metals, replacing benchtop spectrophotometers.

Microscopy & Fluorescence:

Simple lens attachments (such as sapphire ball lenses or fluorescent filters) turn phone cameras into portable microscopes to detect and quantify sub-micron microplastics or harmful microorganisms down to 10–20 micrometers.

AI & Cloud Data Integration:

Machine learning models (like CNNs and YOLOv8) run locally or via cloud platforms to instantly process images, calculate particle concentrations or flow velocities, and geo-tag pollution data in real time.

Key Benefits

Portability & Speed:

On-site tests deliver results in 15 minutes to an hour without requiring bulky laboratory equipment.

Affordability:

Utilizing existing mobile hardware drastically cuts monitoring costs for field researchers and remote communities.

Technology AI and Big Brother – Reason to stay Off-line

Artificial intelligence functions as a modern-day "Big Brother" by blurring the line between helpful digital assistance and pervasive, profit-driven mass surveillance.

Surveillance and Tracking

Computer Vision:

Research shows that the vast majority of computer-vision AI development powers tracking and surveillance tools rather than neutral applications.

Public Monitoring:

Municipalities deploy AI-enabled cameras and automated license plate readers—such as systems by Flock Safety or local traffic networks—to scan vehicles and identify citizens, raising civil liberty concerns.

Government and Corporate Profiling:

Agencies and organizations use algorithms for automated profiling, risk scoring, and tracking individual behavior under the guise of public safety or operational efficiency.

Convenience and Behavior Shaping

Surveillance Capitalism:

Unlike George Orwell’s overt state oppression in 1984, modern AI exerts control through convenience, personalized content, and algorithmic engagement loops.

Erosion of Autonomy:

Users routinely trade privacy for personalized services, allowing inscrutable algorithms to quietly manipulate choices in e-commerce, media consumption, and daily workflows.

See how automated camera networks and AI monitoring spark debates over mass surveillance and civil liberties:

 

Pop Culture Realities: Big Brother Season 26

BB AI Theme:

The CBS reality television series Big Brother leaned directly into this cultural anxiety for its 26th season, introducing a thematic twist called "BB AI" featuring a 3D avatar controller named Ainsley.

Deepfake Integration:

Producers used pre-season contestant footage to generate live AI avatars and digital manipulations, showing how generative tech mimics the ultimate surveillance concept for entertainment.