Project Update

It has been an interesting semester so far, most of the track fabrication is done, software is almost ready, and cabin design has been finalized and 3D printed.
The track has been expanded to 2 loops and 4 stations. We have assembled the outer circle with all the curves and straight ways. It is ready to be tested with the bar code and vehicle propulsion system. All stations have been assembled and attached to the track. Inner loops work has also been updated with straight ways and stations. Currently, the process of the work is being done on the connection between inner loops and outer loop with curves and tracks. The team is anticipating to have a completed track with all the posts, and stations by 4/28.
Throughout the semester, I was also involved with the control team in improving the current software design. We have successfully implemented a collision prevention software on each vehicle. We used Ultrasonic distance sensors to sense obstacles and slow down accordingly or stop if reached a certain range of distance. The development was tested and showed positive results. The vehicles were able to follow each other at the normal distance, and also stop if the front vehicle is stopped. We have also expanded the communication system between multiple vehicles and a computer. We went with using Xbees and Xbee shields for the purpose of communication. They were easy to work and have straightforward functions. We were successfully able to establish a connection between two Xbees and transfer information. As far the information processing of each vehicle goes, we have to receive the current position and speed of each vehicle. We have implemented a barcode system to determine the position of the vehicle along the track. Barcodes are attached on the track and bogie system carries a reader that would read the barcode and determine the location of the vehicle. Since barcodes are attached at equal distance, therefore, it's necessary to determine the speed, so the location of the vehicle between barcodes can also be measured precisely.
The cabin design has also been finalized and a 3D printed model have been made. The cabin houses all the electronic and sensors and shows a replica of the full size model.

Semester Agenda

We have been deeply brain storming ideas about a controller for the stability and robustness of the motor. The goal is to successfully implement it on the small scale, test it, and then transfer the idea to the actual model. Addition to the controller, we are still in the process of figuring out the communication between arduino and Xbee. A main controller or server will be accessed by each individual Xbee shields and each arduino will communicate with the common server. This will create a network where we can easy modify any of the Arduino from main controller. The location and speed of the each vehicle will be continuously monitored and command could be sent for the next destination. The end goal will be to have everything transferred to the python platform and connect it with the wife server.

Presentation preparation and R&D

We were quite busy with putting our second presentation together. Before we could complete the presentation requirements, we did finalize our design for the track, bogie, and control system. We researched avail technology and material. We met up to discuss further project details and also get input from all team members. I am currently in the phase of testing Xbee communication and figuring out the Korean team's current program. It has been written neatly but without any comments. It has become hard to follow the flow and figure out how everything is interconnected. The block diagram is helpful in figuring out the connections of all the components. I will be looking further into the sketch and try some test codes on the Xbee communication.

Presentation # 1 Preparation

The team has met up at school on different days to complete the presentation preparation. I also looked into different position systems that are implemented in today's industry. I looked through serial and Wifi communication between micro-controllers and computer. Our goal is to order parts for the new positioning system and start testing the product.

9/17/2015 Meeting Agenda

After the meeting on 9/17/2015, i looked into the control code of the scale bogie and got an idea of how it functions. The code was written by Korean team and it has very little to no comments on the code. The code have to be revised to include new specifications of the design. The team came up with the idea of a tracking device, sort of mini GPS system to define the bogie's position. In the new design a sensor will be implemented for collision control between bogies.
The scale model's track design was also analyzed and came to decision of extending the track with the current design. The current track has a working prototype and for the concern of time, it will only be extended and will try to include some slopes of 17 degrees.
Lastly, the wayside pickup power of the scale model was designed. The team came up with some ideas for how it can be implemented into the current track. The designs will be picked based on the application, cost, and material. By the end of this week the team may have a design for wayside pickup.

Project Proposal for Wayside Pickup and Control Unit

After the meeting on 9/9/2015, i brainstormed some ideas of how a wayside pickup power can be implemented into the track. The wayside source power can be possible by installing a conducting material between the track and have a connecting point at the bogie. The power cable can be connected to the conducting material and have grounds run through the support towers with proper insulation. An additional trail will be added to the top track to support conducting material. Once the redesigning of the current track to resemble actual model is done, then a sample track will be tested for the functionality. The conducting trail will be installed in between the distance of Bogie's tires. Below figure shows a hand sketch of the design in different views.

Proposed Design for wayside

The above picture illustrates the basic model of wayside power pickup rail. An additional rail made of copper will be added to the track system and bogie will powered by completing the circuit.
The connection pivot should have a shoe for better and steady transfer of power to the Bogie. The current to the Bogie can be blocked by outside controllers and also by the passengers to prevent any fire injuries.

The second part of my proposal will be focused on control system of the scale model Bogie. The current design does not integrate any sensor in the system and it communicates through Xbee wifi kit. This has enabled the Scale Bogie to be accessed from any laptop with proper software and Wifi. The goal of this year's team will be to improve the communication with the master controller, implement sensors for collision prevention, and having a sort of GPS system on the Scale Bogie for its positioning along the track. Current Bogie design will be altered to compensate for changes in the track. The idea of the design will be to see the positioning of each bogie through a computer screen and constantly receive the data from the bogie. Much of the controls will be done through the computer, but once the idea has been improved an App will be designed that can access the bogie.

9/9/2015 Meeting

During this meeting teams were formed into 4 categories. Full size Model, scale model, solar, and cabin. After the initiations of the main groups, the team met up and divided into sub groups to work on each project. I was part of wayside pickup power and control unit for the scale model. We looked at the previous year team's report and brainstormed some ideas for improvements.