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Communications

This page is dedicated to the reseach of possible wireless communication systems. We will gather possible types and will analyze their pros and cons in accordance to our specifications and objectives

Data outputs from Bot to Host

  • Video feed from Camera
  • Data from basic sensors
  • Proximity sensors
  • Sound
  • Telemetry
    • Speed of Bot
    • Distance Travelled
    • Direction / Compass heading
    • Acceleration

Okay, here is where there will be two modes: Live Mode and Low Mode.

In Live Mode, all these data will first be inputted directly in the system board, with some initial processing. It will then be transmitted to the host computer via a wireless communication module. What would appear on the host screen will be a HUD like display with a full colour video feed, will all the telemetry and sensor data. These data can be further processed to display useful information. For example, a terrain map can be derived from data collected by ultrasonic sensors.
In Low Mode, minimal data will be transmitted to the Host, reducing the power needed. Minimal data may include a low quality video feed (perhaps monochrome), position of Bot, etc. The rest of the data from sensors will be stored on board the Bot for later collection.
 

Data outputs from Host to Bot

  • Remote control of Bot
    • Speed and direction
    • controlling of other actuators on Bot (eg Grippers)
  • Sound
The basic model will be remote controlled from the host computer. We can introduce autonomous control in later iterations of CE Bot
 

Environment, Velocity & Distance

I guess this is something we barely touched on. Being a tough, data collecting rover, the mission time would probably be extended (1 hour?). However, the total displacement from the host computer may not really exceed 100m. Further distances may be needed for future versions of CE Bot. I mentioned previously that the maximum velocity of the Bot would be less than walking speed. 1 m/s would do, yes? Mobility of the Bot will factor in on which communication module we can choose. There may be possible obstacles and obstructions in between the Bot and Host, including elevated land.
 

Power Requirements

 
Lets assume we choose the Ni-HM battery to power the main module. This includes the system board, the camera(s), and basic sensors. The system board on average may need around 18V @ 5 A (xheavenlyx, can you please verify the Acer? i'm using my old Compaq as reference, haha), which may require up to 8 cells of the battery (a guess).
In this light, the communication module must not consume too much power, lest it may decrease the mission time somewhat. This can be remedied by adding more batteries, but we have to factor in the weight as well.

Preliminary Analysis

- The data transferred is delay-sensitive, might require a significant proportion of bandwidth, and must not be corrupted by attenuation.
- The module must have a range of 100m.
- The module must have effective signal propogation around obstacles and elevated terrain.
- There has to be a balance between battery weight and power consumption (Low Mode can be used to conserve power).

Types

 

RF Modem

 

Comparison between 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz

 
 
Need to find balance between bandwidth, power consumption, range and BER.

Table of summary

 Type

Bandwidth  Range  Power Consumption  BER   Ease of implementation?  Cost?
 RF Modem            
 Zigbee            
 802.11a            
 802.11g            
 802.11n            
 802.11y            
 hiperLAN            
 Bluetooth            
             
 

Antenna Design

To insure efficiency of the wireless module, we will probably fabricate a rudimentary antenna. Will need more research on this.
http://www.ac6v.com/antprojects.htm (theory and projects)
 
1) 2.4Ghz Vertical Collinear Antenna for 802.11 Applications - WardrivingOnline.com
2) Can with conical horn - WardrivingOnline.com
3) Omni-directional "spider omni" antenna 2.4 GHz for 802.11b (WiFi) WLAN
4) iTrike: The World's First Solar-Powered Internet Rickshaw! (practical implementation of spider-omni directional).

Preliminary Tests

Experiment 1: Webcam streaming over wireless lan

  • Objective: To evaluate the 802.11g standard for quality of video transmissions between two transcievers, varying the direction and range.
  • Equipment: Two laptops, one with attached webcam. VLC software to enable webcam streaming. Car to provide mobility.
  • Results: Pending

Experiment 2: Effect of using omnidirectional antennas to enhance signal quality

  • Objective: To evaluate the performance of video streaming over wireless after using custom made omnidirectional antennas.
  • Equipment: As per Experiment 1, with omnidirectional antennas.
  • Results: Pending

Experiment 3: Measuring power consumption of 802.11 transmissions

  • Objective:
  • Equipment:
  • Results: 

Comments (1)

Varun D - Jun 3, 2008 1:45 PM

Excellent. This is really good! Now whatever tests you do post them here under. "Tests".