Embedded Files
Diagram of proposed solution
Diagram of proposed solution
The LIDAR sensor, the red dot, would be placed on the front hood of the car and detecting proximity data (each sampled point being green dots).
The effective range of the sensor is the semicircle in black
This data would then be wirelessly transmitted from the sensor to a screen the driver can see, giving real time updates to the spacing around their car
We can also take measurements of empty parking spots and share judgements to the driver on whether or not it is too tight of a fit (orange)
System Flowchart
System Flowchart
Wiring Diagram
Wiring Diagram
PCB Schematic
PCB Schematic
Our PCB is a shield that fits on top of the ESP32s we will be using for both the LiDAR and screen that will display the data. We hope to power everything with 9V batteries which is where the voltage regulator is used, as well as a switch to bypass its circuit just in case it doesn't work. Extra GPIO and voltage pins are also traced out to their own male header pins for us to use, test, and troubleshoot with.
PCB Layout
PCB Layout
The PCB is meant to fit right on top of the ESP32s. Labeled are the pins that are outlined on the schematic
CAD Design
Designing the CAD for the mount came with a numerous amount of challenges. Luckily since there was a CAD model provided I was able to trace the measurements from the lidars CAD and apply it to create holes on the mount for attaching the lidar. We were planning on using another at one point since the other one was easier to use. With that being said I had to restart the mount. This time there was no CAD file so I had to eyeball the measurement from scratch. This would be challenge because since we couldn't get an exact measurement we would have to reprint the mount a few times to see were the exact alignment. But eventually we went back to using the original lidar thus the original mount. Another challenge I encountered was creating that square hole on the lidar mount. Since it was an extruded surface I wanted to create a hole on I couldn't just draw a hole on the extruded surface. I had to create a new planer and draw on the planar to create that rectangular hollow space. Overall the cading for this project helped me improved my cadding skills with new tactics I have never used before such as creating holes on extruded surfaces.
Demoing the LiDAR
Demoing the LiDAR
A rudimentary setup of the LiDAR sensor. The code that is running detects the closest object to itself. In this case it is the computer screen that is displaying the serial monitor
Demoing the screen
Demoing the screen
A basic test of the display blinking pixels at random points, mainly to verify it works and to learn how it functions
First screen and sensor integration test
First screen and sensor integration test
Measuring the distance from the sensor to an object at specific angle, then plotting it on the screen as a line. The first step in combining the two systems. Also integrating the PCB's buck converter, powering it all with a 9V battery
IMG_8409.MOVFurther integration testing
Further integration testing
Doing a more comprehensive integration test. Now the screen is taking all the proximity data transmitted from the sensor, converting that into cartesian coordinates to plot, then plotting it on the screen
Prototype:
Prototype:
LiDAR Module
LiDAR Module
Screen Module
Screen Module
IMG_8421.movFinal integration testing
Final integration testing
Incorporating wifi functionality. Data transfer isn't as fast as the previous integration test as there are less pixels being displayed over time, but the wireless aspect is more important than having more sampled points. The transfer speed is good enough to outline nearby obstacles at a reasonable pace anyways
Final Product
Final Product
Final Product Demo
Final Product Demo
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