1. The Alix.1c microcontroller on board the vehicle runs Fluxbuntu Linux and is connected to a 802.11g wireless card and a USB web camera. A background process runs on the Linux board, which “wakes up” every 30 seconds to check for a user connection. Using the Java software, a user can connect to the vehicle’s IP address from an internet connection anywhere. When a connection is detected, the vehicle loads the webcam and starts an application which continuously captures and streams video from the vehicles USB camera to the user software. The user can then send steering and speed commands to the vehicle. Available commands are two separate forward speeds, reverse, left and right. The user can also move the web camera a through seven positions in a full 180 degree rotation. When the Linux board receives commands from the user software, it transmits them through a serial port to the HC12 microcontroller. The HC12 then sends appropriate speed and steering signals to the vehicle’s motors. A sensor on the vehicle detects and governs its speed. Power saving mechanisms are utilized to allow the vehicle to be used for over 10 hours before recharging the batteries Computer Engineering Department Steve WilsonRodrigo UrraLance Riegert Technical Details Speed Control Algorithm Basic Overview Senior Design Fall 2007 Speed Detection Circuit Overall Project Cost User Interface Video Video Feed: A resizable UI component that displays a real-time video feed from the vehicle. Login Username: The user's username (maximum 20 characters). Password: The user's password (maximum 20 characters). IP Address: The vehicle's IP address or DNS name (default is wificar.rit.edu). Port: The vehicle's port number to connect to (default is 51207). Vehicle Movement Drive: Move forward / creep / back, while button is pressed. Steering: Steer left / right, while button is pressed or checkbox is selected. Camera Rotation Rotation: Rotate the mounted webcam up to 3 positions to the left, or 3 positions to the right. Camera Position: Indication of which direction the webcam is facing. System Status Connection: Progress bar indicating connection attempts and status. Time to disconnect: 30-second count-down that gets reset back to 30 when the vehicle is issued any command. This is a vehicle power-saving mechanism that terminates the connection upon reaching zero. Freeze: Toggle button that pauses the countdown and thus keeps it from reaching zero. This allows a user to leave the vehicle as a stationary surveillance device. Objective The goal of this project was to make use of computer engineering knowledge with the intention to mimic, improve, and possibly introduce innovations in current security surveillance systems. There is however, a set of requirements to be met: the project must have analytical, software, hardware, and mechanical components. Such requirements are satisfied by designing and implementing a remotely controlled surveillance vehicle system. Overview The vehicle is fitted with a microcontroller, which is responsible for receiving commands, controlling the vehicle motors, and streaming a live video feed. The vehicle, now acting as a wireless network device, is controlled and monitored by a Java-based application that has access to the Internet. Such application provides a user with an authentication system, live video feed, camera angle controls, and drive controls. System Components Nikko Off-Road Truck’n 1:10 scale model of Hummer H1. 9.6V NiCd Rechargeable Battery and Charger. Front and Rear Suspension Impact Resistant Bumper HSC12 Microprocessor PWM Output for Drive Speed, Steering Control and Web Camera Position Interrupt Input for Shaft Encoder, used for speed detection and control “Off the shelf “USB Web Camera by Labtec. ALIX.1C Microprocessor board by PC Engines. 500 MHz AMD Geode 256 MB DDR SDRAM Runs Fluxbuntu Linux. miniPCI slot 2 USB ports RS232 Serial VGA, Keyboard, Mouse 12V Rechargeable batteries with 4800 mAh (both combine for 7200 mAh). Provides enough power to run the ALIX.1C processor and components for over 10 hours. Project Construction The ALIX microcontroller and webcam HCS12 microcontroller mounted on vehicle Inside of the vehicle with components mounted Debugging steering and speed control Mounting speed detection circuit inside wheel housing Top of vehicle with webcam mounted How It Works WLM54G 23dBm 802.11b/g wireless miniPCI card http://www.ce.rit.edu/research/projects/2007_fall/Wireless_Surveillance_Vehicle/ Detailed Overview