ECE 480 Senior Capstone
Design
Descriptions of Possible
Projects, Spring, 2005
(At least one of these projects may not get a
team)
FALL PROJECTS NOT YET AVAILABLE!!!
Teams 1, 2, and
3:
Teams 1, 2,
and 3 will all be working to develop and integrate modules of a robot system to
demonstrate technology for eventual deployment in earth orbit (Hubble Space
Telescope) or lunar exploration. This
project is a continuation of one conducted by three teams in Fall, 2004. NASA has already furnished or will furnish
basic components of a robot vehicle, a six-degree-of-freedom arm, and other
hardware components to be used in development of several modules to be
integrated into a single platform. The
top level of the robot includes a robotic arm and a spectrometer and telescope
with tracking system. The robot has a
LabVIEW-based GUI, with a secure link to a machine at Goddard. That machine
forwards data securely to/from a machine at McMurdo. From that machine, data are transmitted
wirelessly to the robot. This robot is
now in
Team 1. Automation of Hubble Module Docking Technology Demonstrator
NASA plans a final mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, to install a new instrument package and retrorockets for its eventual de-orbiting. The instrument package is a large rectangular box that must be accurately positioned, aligned, and inserted via robotic arm into an existing instrument bay. The team is tasked to use the NASA-provided robot platform, including a 6-degree-of-freedom arm, with teleoperation via a web interface, to make a technology demonstrator. Guidance for the positioning/ alignment is to be provided by capaciflectors, which are capacitive sensors that are extremely accurate and sensitive at close range. They will be supplemented by small, module-mounted videocameras to assist with initial positioning/alignment at longer ranges. Capaciflector sensor hardware and circuitry must be built, based on scaling of designs provided by NASA. Software for web display of video/capaciflector information to telerobotic operator must be written. The goal for this semester will be to overcome the shortcomings of the technology developed in the fall semester to allow reliable human docking and to develop the capability for the module to be automatically docked, once established in a roughly correct position using visual feedback from the cameras.
Team 2. Capaciflector-Based Tracking
of a Wire for Lunar Exploration
For lunar exploration, it is desirable that relatively sensor-poor robots be able to follow a wire trail laid out by a more complex robot. The capaciflector sensors being developed by NASA seem to be good candidate sensors for this purpose, when suspended in front of the robot using its robotic arm. Team must design and build the end effector and signal conditioning hardware and software and develop the control algorithms to allow the robot to track the wire.
Team 3. Obstacle Avoidance on
Simulated Lunar Terrain Using Depth Images
This team will be provided a single-line depth sensor (i.e., a sensor that scans a
single line and returns the distance to the nearest obstacle through any point on that line. The team must design a means to scan that sensor vertically, producing
a 2-D depth image, and use the information in that image to identify and avoid obstacles that would interfere with the robot’s motion toward a pre-programmed goal. Candidate hardware for that function is the SICK laser proximity sensor, which would be acquired and provided by NASA Goddard.
Team 4. Robert Bosch Corp.: RF Comb Generator
Project is to
design and provide to sponsor an RF comb generator with constant amplitude
output over the entire frequency range from 1MHz to 1GHz. Spacing between RF energy peaks of 1MHz is
preferred, however 5MHz maybe tolerated. 10MHz spacing maybe employed above
100MHz. Adjustable output level of
-10dbm to +10dbm is preferred, however -10dbm to +3dbm is tolerable. This unit will be used to evaluate an RF
anechoic chamber before each radiated emission product test. A repeatable source of RF energy is required
to ensure antenna, cable, connections, etc., are functioning properly over the
entire spectrum to be tested. After
confirmation, this RF source is replaced with the actual Device Under Test
(DUT). Another possibility to be
explored with sponsor would be a feature allowing for an adjustable curve
(amplitude vs. freq) of the output. This
could be incorporated into the initial unit, or left for a future project. This feature would allow for antennas,
cables, etc., that aren't uniform over the frequency range.
Team 5.
Last semester, a team developed a self-contained acoustic sensor system, around specifications from MSU’s Department of Entomology, and sponsored by Texas Instruments. It is based on their MSP430 low-power microprocessor, and recorded data onto a Flash memory card. This semester, the goal is to develop a system with similar system, but with the capability to use Bluetooth or another wireless technology to allow many units in a small region to telemeter their data to a central “hub,” from which it can be collected and/or sent wirelessly (with higher-power technology) to the remote user.
Team 6. MSU
A.L.L.: Wireless Chordic Keyboard for
User with Motoric Disability
MSU’s Artificial Language Laboratory sponsors this project to develop an improved input device for a blind high school student with cerebral palsy. The earlier chordic keyboard (such as used by court recorders, etc.) he has used is mechanical, and suffers from frequent problems. A new design is needed, and the actual device is to be built to serve the needs of this user. The A. L. L. can provide infrared SCATIR switch technology to detect position and motion of the user’s fingers, but the team must decide whether to use that or other available technology to design and build the actual device, which must furnish data via a wireless link to the user’s talking computer.
Team 7. MSU A.L.L.:
Machine Control Panel Evaluation Tool (MCPET)
MSU’s Artificial Language Laboratory is sponsor a project to
develop a hardware- and software-based tool (MCPET) to facilitate machine accessibility
to persons with disabilities and to allow evaluation of hardware user
interfaces for control of machinery such as appliances, manufacturing
equipment, instruments, etc. Evaluation
criteria include accessability by persons with disabilities and usability by
all users. Tool will connect to existing
control panel and track whatever user does with control panel, and will also
allow substituting input from control panel to machine by input from a Virtual
Control Panel running on a PC in a web-based GUI. Design should be generic, so the system can
be used with many types of control panels and controlled devices. The system will allow gathering of
information by software packages that assess usability/accessibility of the
machine control panel and of the
web-based GUI. Advice regarding
accessibility and usability assessment is available from MSU’s Usability and
Team 8.
Sennetech: Lighted Aerial Character
Display Module
Aircraft banner towing is a popular way of advertising at sporting events, holiday celeberations, etc. However, it is usually restricted to daytime operation. The goal of this project would be to design a modular display system that would allow an aircraft to tow a sign displaying up to a 20-character on each side message (i.e., 20 modules hooked together). LED’s are the likely light-emitting devices, but control of which LED’s are illuminated on each segment and how power is managed are among the design issues. Goal is to prototype and fly a two-character (two-module) banner as proof of concept, with a PC in the airplane controlling the message displayed. Early steps must determine what density of LED’s and what brightness/power/color/viewing angles will best satisfy the needs, and how “production” modules would eventually be built. Sponsor will assist team in assessing practicality of various approaches.
The Sparty mascot is a regular fixture at MSU athletic events. MSU’s Sports Broadcasting would like team to design a robot-like “sidekick” for Sparty, that might move around the concourse at Breslin during games, “talking” with fans, etc. Would be remote-controlled, with one challenge being to make it difficult to see who’s controlling it. This is a chance for a very creative team, as there is no preconceived notion of exactly what the robot will be able to do. Ordinary videocameras might also send images of the robot interacting with fans to the scoreboard, for example. Sports Broadcasting staff will be “in the loop” with the team to be sure the robot is safe and practical.
Team 10. Low-Power Automotive Sensor Nodes
Communicating via Bluetooth
Recent advances in wireless communications and
microelectro-mechanical system (MEMS) technologies have enabled the development
of small, low-cost, low-power wireless sensor nodes. In cars, communications between in-car
electronics (such as anti-lock braking, power train control, air conditioning,
security system, power seat and mirror controls, etc.) are traditionally based
on twisted pair or ribbon cable systems.
Wired systems can be cumbersome to build and maintain, especially for
the sensors on moving parts or in hard-to-reach locations. Therefore, wireless
sensor networks are highly desirable in many automotive applications. The team will design and prototype a wireless
sensor node (such as a speed sensor or temperature sensor) which consumes an
average of 1mW of power (or close to this limit). Bluetooth could be a good
choice for data transmission.
Team 11.
Team will work with Curator of Exhibits at Impression Five to design and build an exhibit that helps children understand light and color. Project is “wide open,” leaving lots of room for creative work, but result must be rugged and easily maintainable.
NOTE: This project did NOT get a
team this semester, due to smaller enrollment than anticipated.
(formerly Project 12.) Instrumented Sensor Technology, Inc.,
This design project
involves engineering enhancements to a Fall 2004 TI Capstone Project called
“Low-Power Smart Sensor System.” This
device is a very low-power, large-memory,
data recorder for measuring and recording acoustical biological census
data in the field, and records data on a single channel, on a periodic time
basis, over extended periods of time. In order to make this device more
generally useful in other application areas, the following engineering
enhancements to its functionality are desired:
(1) Increase the number of signal input channels for recording from one (1) to three (3).
(2) Add the capability for the user to select the sampling rate, or digitization rate, for the three input channels. The current design is fixed at 44.1 kHz on a single channel. The selectable range should be from 100 samples/sec/channel to 14,000 samples/sec/channel.
(3) Add the capability to perform event-based or signal-level triggered recording. Separate trigger levels should be programmable for each of the three input channels.
(4) Add a selectable event length for the signal-triggered recording.
(5) Add the capability to perform external signal triggered recording. This will involve an external trigger input channel whereby so long as the input remains “high”, continuous recording occurs. When the line goes “low” the recording stops, etc.
(6) Develop a simple “User Interface Software Module” that will enable a user to easily set or program the new recording control variables outlined into the device.
(NOTE RENUMBERING) Team 12. Lear
Corp., Hall Effect Sensor Product Integration
Extension of fall term, 2004, Hall effect bipolar supply project to address the inclusion of the developed circuitry within the automotive seat track motor housing. Project enabled tapping the power for the seat motor to be used to power the Hall effect sensor used to track seat position. Focus will be on a design that can eventually become an IC, eventually to be prototyped and tested by a graduate student at MSU.
(NOTE RENUMBERING) Team 13. Lear Corp., Motor Current Stall Protection
Development of a DC permanent magnet motor circuit protection strategy to replace current PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) devices. Focus to include provision for limited-range wireless control using RF or other technologies. Concepts might include P/C board flux density sensors integrated with active electronic devices.
(NOTE RENUMBERING)
Team 14. Lear Corp., Non-Contact Optical
Linear Position Sensing
Development of non-contacting optical linear position sensing using an extension/ application of the commercially available digital tape measure technology. Focus will include a method for using existing devices within the automotive seat track to develop the encrypted code.
Magneto-optic imaging (MOI) is a relatively new technology that produces images of magnetic flux leakage from surface and subsurface defects. The presence of a textured background due to the domain structures in the sensor makes detection of cracks and corrosion difficult. The objective of this project is to develop a real-time automated rivet classification system that processes and interprets magnetic optical image data. The system includes two parts: the hardware system, being designed and built using the Cadence tools, which includes the video interface integrated with a microprocessor system; and the analysis software, which includes digital image processing (programmed with Code Composer Studio tools), feature extraction, and rivet classification. A team began this project in fall semester, and this semester’s team would begin where they had to stop, refining, optimizing, verifying, and having a board fabricated for test, integrating the hardware and software, testing it, and if time permits, generating and building an improved prototype.