Chair-Mounted Computer Workstation



Chair-Mounted Computer Workstation

End-Product Design

Senior Design May06-09

Client: Lockheed Martin

Faculty Advisors: Arun Somani

Zhao Zhang

Team Members: Christian Baldus  

Isi Oamen  

David Roberts  

Shawn Yockey

DISCLAIMER: This document was developed as a part of the requirements of an electrical and computer engineering course at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. This document does not constitute a professional engineering design or a professional land surveying document. Although the information is intended to be accurate, the associated students, faculty, and Iowa State University make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, quality, or adequacy of the information. The user of this document shall ensure that any such use does not violate any laws with regard to professional licensing and certification requirements. This use includes any work resulting from this student-prepared document that is required to be under the responsible charge of a licensed engineer or surveyor. This document is copyrighted by the students who produced this document and the associated faculty advisors. No part may be reproduced without the written permission of the senior design course coordinator.

December 14, 2005

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2

1.1. Executive Summary 2

1.2. Acknowledgment 2

1.3. Problem Statement 2

1.3.1. Problem 2

1.3.2. Solution 2

1.4. Operating Environment 2

1.5. Intended Users and Intended Uses 2

1.5.1. Intended User(s) 2

1.5.2. Intended Use(s) 2

1.6. Assumptions and Limitations 2

1.6.1. Assumptions 2

1.6.2. Limitations 2

1.7. Expected end product and other deliverables 2

2. Proposed Approach and Product Design Results 2

2.1. Approach Used 2

2.1.1. Design Objectives 2

2.1.1. Functional Requirements 2

2.1.2. Design Constraints 2

2.1.3. Technical Approach Considerations and Results 2

2.1.4. Testing Approach Considerations 2

2.1.5. Recommendations Regarding Project Continuation or Modification 2

2.2. Detailed Design 2

2.2.1. List of Parts 2

2.2.2. Base Computer Design 2

2.2.3. Wireless Link Design 2

3. Estimated Resources and Schedules 2

3.1. Estimated Resource Equipment 2

3.1.1. Personnel Effort Requirement 2

3.1.2. Other Resource Requirements 2

3.1.3. Financial Resource Requirements 2

3.2. Schedules 2

4. Closure Materials 2

4.1. Project Team Information 2

4.1.1. Client Information 2

4.1.2. Faculty Advisor Information 2

4.1.3. Student Team Information 2

4.2. Closing Summary 2

List of Figures

Figure 1-1: Bluetooth Headset for Voice Activation 2

Figure 1-2: Head-mounted Display 2

Figure 1-3: Gaming Glove 2

Figure 2-1: Wireless Transmitter Block Diagram 2

Figure 2-2: Wireless Receiver Block Diagram 2

Figure 2-3: Glove Functional Diagram 2

Figure 3-1: Gantt chart - Fall 2005 Project Calendar 2

Figure 3-2: Gantt chart - Spring 2006 Project Calendar 2

Figure 3-3: Gantt chart - Fall 2005 Deliverables 2

List of Tables

Table 0-1: Definitions II

Table 2-1: List of Parts 2

Table 3-1: Original Personnel Effort Requirements 2

Table 3-2: Revised Personnel Effort Requirements 2

Table 3-3: Original Other Resource Requirements 2

Table 3-4: Revised Other Resource Requirements 2

Table 3-5: Original Financial Resource Requirements 2

Table 3-6: Original Financial Resource Requirements (cont.) 2

Table 3-7: Revised Financial Resource Requirements 2

Table 4-1: Client Information 2

Table 4-2: Faculty Advisor Information 2

Table 4-3: Team Member Information 2

Table 0-1: Definitions

|Term |Description |

|Artifact |Any object made, modified or used by a project team. |

|Battery |A device that stores energy and makes it available in an electrical form. |

|Black box |A device whose internal make-up, design, or operation is discrete. Its function is known, but usually |

| |not its internal components. |

|Bluetooth |A radio technology built around a new chip that makes it possible to transmit signals over short |

| |distances between computers and hand-held devices without the use of wires. |

|Bluewand |A small, pen-like device that can be used to control Bluetooth enabled devices by hand-movements. |

|CD-ROM |Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. An optical disc holding computer data. |

|Chair |A seat typically having four legs and a back for one person. |

|Computer |A programmable electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data. |

|Dragon Naturally Speaking |A software program that allows the user to type at 160 words per minute by speaking to the computer in |

| |perfectly natural continuous speech. |

|Floppy drive |Stores and retrieves information on floppy disks. The floppy disk consists of a plastic casing enclosed |

| |in a thin piece of plastic. The plastic has a coding of magnetic particles on it, onto which the |

| |information is written in magnetic code. |

|Glasses |An optical instrument consisting of a pair of lenses and often worn on the face. |

|Glove |A covering for the hand having separate sections for each of the fingers and the thumb and often |

| |extending part way up the arm. |

|HDD |Hard disk drive. It is generally used as a storage device in a personal computer. |

|Headset |A device which allows for hands-free operation via an ear and mouthpiece. |

|Interface |The means by which two systems or devices are connected and interact with each other. |

|Keyboard |An assemblage of systematically arranged keys by which a machine or device is operated. |

|LCD Screen |A monitor that utilizes a liquid crystal display instead of cathode ray tubes. |

|Memory stick |A type of transportable data storage device. |

|MicroGyro |A fully integrated, dual-axis miniature gyroscope that is fully self-contained for easy integration into|

| |human input devices such as computer mice, remote controls and game controllers. |

|Term |Description |

|Microphone |A device for converting acoustic sound waves into an electrical representation of the sound wave. |

|Modular |Structural elements that are interchangeable. Maximum flexibility in arrangement and size. |

|Monitor |A cathode-ray tube used for display (as of television pictures or computer information). |

|Motherboard |The principal circuit board of the computer that contains the processor. |

|Pentium |A high-speed microprocessor chip made by Intel. |

|Pointer device |A device for moving the cursor, e.g. a mouse. |

|Prototype |The original form which serves as a model on which successors are based. |

|Secured for Sea |Fastened in such a manner as to ensure nothing will shake loose in a turbulent environment. |

|Touch pad |An input device commonly used in laptop computers. It is used to move the cursor, using motions of the |

| |user's finger. It is a substitute for a computer mouse. |

|Trackball |A ball that is mounted usually in a computer console so as to be only partially exposed and is rotated |

| |to control the movement of a cursor on a display. |

|UNIX |An operating system that supports multitasking and is ideally suited to multi-user applications (such as|

| |networks). |

|USB |Universal Serial Bus. A protocol for transferring data to and from digital devices. |

|VAC |Voltage Alternating Current. The voltage measurement in an AC system. |

|VDC |Voltage Direct Current. The voltage measurement in a DC system. |

|Voice recognition |An electronic software/hardware system that can be trained to recognize an individual’s voice patterns |

| |to allow for an alternative means of computer input replacing the keyboard. |

|Web cam |A real time camera whose images can be accessed using the World Wide Web, instant messaging, or a |

| |personal computer video calling application. |

|Workstation |A powerful computer often used for scientific applications. Also a desk, chair and other equipment at |

| |which someone works. |

Introduction

Introductory topics develop an overview of the end product and specify design issues as given by the user. The introductory section covers seven main areas: abstract, acknowledgement, problem statement, operating environment, intended users and intended use, assumptions and limitations, and finally the expected end product and other deliverables.

1 Executive Summary

Current computer console paradigms involve the use of significant computer hardware within an enclosure presented in front of the operator, which must be environmentally protected and maintained. Specifically in a military application a less cumbersome method of interface is needed to allow soldiers to accomplish their typical work tasks. The solution to this problem is the development of a versatile and modular workstation mounted to a chair allowing greater freedom of movement while maintaining functionality and durability. The result of this project will be an operational prototype that may be modeled for future development. This prototype will demonstrate a feasible and reliable solution to the current problem, allowing the operator mobility without sacrificing functionality.

2 Acknowledgment

Dr. Arun Somani and Dr. Zhao Zhang of Iowa State University will provide technical and practical advice throughout the creation process. Further, R. J. Monson of Lockheed Martin will provide design specifications and requirements as appropriate.

3 Problem Statement

The problem statement consists of two areas: the problem and the solution. These statements shall provide the reader with a general overview of the problem and the approach that will be used to solve the problem. This is included so that the reader will have the correct conception of the problem and the solution approach upfront.

1 Problem

The intended placement of the design, as specified by the project client, is in a tactical military environment aboard either a watercraft or aircraft. The intended operator for the design is specified as a sailor or airman in the United States military, but the design may be extended to any similar military or civilian environment. As such, the design assumes full use of all limbs and fingers and the ability to understand words and symbols common to the English language. Further, as a high school education or equivalent is required for participation in the United States military, such a level of education is also assumed.

The user interface must allow similar functionality to that of a standard personal computer system, while simultaneously allowing the greatest freedom of movement possible. Further, a display must allow the operator unobstructed view of the output while also allowing a view of his/her peripheral environment. Suitable replacement for standard input/output devices will be incorporated in a novel configuration to allow the user full functionality while simultaneously protecting the hardware and software devices from environmental factors such as impact or excessive movement. Such alternative devices may include a voice activated system and a function specific programmable keyboard. The intended power supply for the main unit is 120 volts, alternating current, to allow for a more universal power adaptation. Further power considerations will include the use of a rechargeable battery system for the satellite display, voice activation system, and pointer system. The specific power supplies will be altered as needed.

To ensure the proper functionality of the workstation, the core system components must be secured to the chair while the audio, video, and pointer components must be attached to the body of the operator. To allow non-intrusive communication between the main unit and the wearable devices, a wireless link must be implemented. In addition to environmental factors such as heat, cold, dirt, and dust, the design must compensate for possible environmental instability such as rocking, swaying, tilting and shock.

2 Solution

In general, research into commercial applications and implementations of similar products will determine what solutions have and have not worked in the past. A review of current voice activation technologies will provide information on the durability, functionality and availability of numerous configurations. Further, speech-oriented input configurations will be reviewed for applicability within a moderate to high ambient noise environment. In addition, the microphone needs to be wireless to prevent the user from being entangled with excessive cords. A Bluetooth microphone very similar to the one shown below shall be employed. This will allow for discrete, accurate communication within a low to moderate ambient noise atmosphere. Power for the microphone will be supplied by a rechargeable internal battery.

[pic]

Figure 1-1: Bluetooth Headset for Voice Activation

Display implementation will include a wearable display mounted inside a pair of glasses. The voice activation and display will all be implemented so that the user does not have constrained mobility. Streaming wireless and battery-operated technologies will be incorporated to transmit signals from these devices to the main processing unit. The display unit will be very similar to the monocular head-mounted display shown below. The battery supply and wireless transmission hardware will be connected via wire to a small module connected to the user's belt.

[pic]

Figure 1-2: Head-mounted Display

The user will employ a glove to act as a pointer similar to a mouse or trackball. The hardware for the glove shall be placed on the back of the hand similar to the gaming glove pictured below. The glove subsystem shall employ Bluetooth technology to prevent the user from becoming entangled in excessive cables. The power for the glove shall be worn on the user’s belt with cables routed through a vest to the belt. When the user moves their hand up and down or left to right, the pointer shall move accordingly. The reason for this is a MicroGyro embedded in the glove to monitor movement. The clicking shall be accomplished with spines similar to the gaming glove. When the finger moves 90 degrees towards the palm, it is interpreted by the glove to be a mouse-click. The design of the glove shall enable a member of the military to be able to perform their duties and operate a computer at the same time.

[pic]

Figure 1-3: Gaming Glove

The main computer will be a laptop that is secured in a docking station under the chair. This shall expedite maintenance and allow for use of the laptop’s disk drives if need be. In addition, this shall make the process of securing the computer simpler when not in use. If the laptop contains classified data it can be placed into the drawer of a safe when not in use. The laptop will be Bluetooth-enabled to allow it to communicate with all of the Bluetooth components of the system.

4 Operating Environment

The Chair-Mounted Computer Workstation is intended to be a self-contained, modular system requiring an external 120 volt alternating current and a rechargeable battery system to operate. The specific values of the power supply will be altered as needed during product implementation. All hardware will be secured to the chair or operator and the entire system will be mobile. Potential environmental hazards include excessive heat, cold, condensation, dust, dirt and environmental movement such as rocking or tilting. Additionally, operation in a small physical space and the movement of personnel around the workstation must be considered.

5 Intended Users and Intended Uses

This subsection shall include two separately identified components: the intended user and the intended use. To properly design an end product that will provide the maximum satisfaction and perform in the most efficient manner, it is essential to understand the end user and the associated end uses.

1 Intended User(s)

The intended operator for the design is a member of the United States Military. However, the design may be utilized by other individuals as well. Thus, the intended user group is a constraint of the client specifications, rather than inherent in the design itself. The design assumes full use of all limbs and fingers and the ability to understand words and symbols common to the English language and utilized on standard American computer keyboards. Education level is assumed to be of a high school equivalent or higher with adequate training on system use prior to operation. The design is intended for use by both males and females and is not age specific. The workstation shall be implemented so that any operator may use it regardless of height.

2 Intended Use(s)

The workstation is intended to be installed on a watercraft or aircraft for military purposes. As such, the design will facilitate use and proper operation within limited physical space. The projected prototype shall not be platform specific or require any special software beyond the standard hardware device drivers. The design will allow proper operation of any application requiring standard personal computer capabilities. Input/Output capacities allow further hardware or software expansion as needed.

6 Assumptions and Limitations

This subsection describes design assumptions and limitations taken prior to development. Although these are flexible and may change, the majority shall remain integral components to the design process. The assumptions are made in regard to specific uses and functionality, while the limitations are taken in regard to operating environment and power availability.

1 Assumptions

1. The initial number of users shall be one, but the system shall be network capable to enable communication between systems.

2. The system will be used in a tactical military environment and thus subject to tolerable environmental factors such as dust, dirt, temperature variations, gravitation, and vibrations.

3. The system will be installed in a secure area; therefore hardware personnel identification devices (i.e. identification readers) are not necessary.

4. Physical area unit utilizes will be limited to smallest design possible while maintaining functionality.

5. The workstation shall be sheltered such that direct sunlight, rain, snow, etc. are not factors.

6. Only reading capabilities are needed; therefore a standard CD-ROM drive is sufficient.

7. Networking implementation will be wireless.

8. The prototype will utilize the Microsoft Windows XP operating system. This allows for ease of use and budget considerations and is in no way a limitation of the design itself.

2 Limitations

1. The system will run from both a 120 VAC source and a rechargeable battery system.

2. The system should occupy the smallest amount of space possible.

3. The placement of components cannot interfere with the mobility of the operator.

4. All hardware must be securable to either the chair or the operator.

5. The functionality must match or exceed that of a common personal computer.

6. All components must be modular, allowing for easy replacement and adjustment in a tactical environment.

7. All components must be robust and able to endure greater than normal physical wear.

8. Although military specifications upon components is desired, budgetary constraints impose a limitation to standard components. This is a budgetary imposition and in no way reflects a limit of the design itself.

7 Expected end product and other deliverables

A standalone, completely operational prototype for the Chair-Mounted Computer Workstation will be delivered to Lockheed-Martin. The Workstation will provide or exceed the same functionality as a personal computer, but in a modular and compact design. Complete functionality will be provided through voice-activated functions in a novel setup, head-mounted display, and standard input. Communication between the display module to the main processor shall be wireless. The system shall demonstrate non-conventional methods of data entry into a computer, allowing for less space to be used by the traditional computer input devices.

Additional deliverables include:

• Weekly progress report to client

• Oral presentation of design results to client

• Peer review panel on December 6, 2005

• Bound revised design/progress reports by December 14, 2005

Proposed Approach and Product Design Results

This section will address the components of the project that must be met in order to maintain a high probability of success. Also included in this section will be a listing of what the end product is expected to do and not to do.

1 Approach Used

The following components are essential to the success of the project. In order to maintain the highest probability of success, each component will be analyzed thoroughly.

1 Design Objectives

The following items will be implemented based on the problem statement in the project plan document.

• Develop a wireless system to transmit video signals to a receiver located on a utility belt, which will be displayed on the headset.

• Develop a subsystem that will execute applications and display information based on user command. The means by which the execution will take place is primarily voice recognition. However, pointing devices and a keyboard will be provided as a redundancy to perform the same functions.

• Develop a glove to be used as the pointer for input. The glove will act as a mouse while to the user is out of range of the console. The movement of the users hand and fingers will be interpreted into mouse clicks and movement.

• Develop a power system to provide mobility to the user and to enable extended periods of use.

2 Functional Requirements

The following functional requirements address what the final product will and will not do.

Provide wireless graphical feedback to the user

There will be a wireless transfer of video signals to the headset within a range of five meters.

Data input

The user will have the capability to enter and manipulate data into the system using voice recognition, glove and keyboard.

Quick function options

A series of actions will be available on the keyboard, voice recognition and glove that will execute a command or application. This will provide the user with a quick way to execute an operation without having to perform a sequence of steps.

System navigation

The user will have the capability to navigate through the system using conventional devices such as a trackball and keyboard; however there will be an emphasis on the unconventional use of data entry.

Power

The system will implement both wired and wireless power supplies. The power supplied to the chair will be 120 volts, alternating current, while the battery supplying power to the microphone and headset will be rechargeable. The specific voltages are subject to change based on the needs of the project.

3 Design Constraints

In the development of the project there are several constraints that need to be considered. Each constraint causes a limitation on the design and functionality of the project.

Size

The size of the components must fit into the smallest possible area. For this project, all non-mobile components shall fit into a cart that is located next to the computer. The components shall occupy a space of no more that two cubic feet.

Mobility

The user must have the opportunity to be mobile while maintaining the same functionality as current computer systems.

• Wireless Reception Range

The range of the wireless transmission of the wireless components will be five meters.

Power

The power subsystem must be able to support mobile user operations for two hours. While the user is in the chair, the mobile system should be able to be recharged with a minimum of hassle for the operator.

Weight

The mobile subsystem must be light enough to wear for extended periods of time. Therefore, the total weight will be a consideration in all components designed and used by the project team. The maximum weight should not exceed four pounds total or one-half pound on extremities.

4 Technical Approach Considerations and Results

There are several aspects to the system that required further research. All components of the system will optimize cost, mobility and performance. Some considerations are the following:

Display

The means of technology used in displaying the information can be done with a standard LCD screen attached to the armrest, or via a projected screen onto a headset worn by the user. The use of a headset display device maximizes mobility. Since the LCD screen is attached to the chair, the headset worn by the user was selected. It will operate under various lighting conditions in a satisfactory manner.

Audio input

All audio input will use a microphone technology. A Bluetooth headset was selected because of its transmission range and compatibility with any computer that has a USB port and utilizes Windows XP as its operating system.

Data input

The methods used for inputting data include a touch sensitive keyboard, glove and voice recognition. If one input device should fail, an effort will be made to make an alternative device available. Since the voice activation provides the user the most freedom and convenience, it was chosen as the primary source. The vast majority of computer applications today require a mouse to function properly. The secondary input will be the glove subsystem, which will allow the user the ability to compute while away from the chair but still within the range of the wireless devices. A keyboard and trackball will be implemented as tertiary input methods for redundancy.

System navigation

The options for system navigation are the traditional trackball and keyboard or voice recognition and glove. Both methods will provide the user with special commands to execute certain applications. However, since voice recognition and the glove system provide the user the best mobility, it will be implemented as the primary option.

• Wireless Link

The visual display system will use radio frequency (RF) transmission technology at 1.9 GHz to transfer signals from the main system to the wireless components. The RF technology was chosen due to the strength of its signals and it low interference to external sources. Bluetooth was not used for the video link as it does not support the bandwidth required for the video system. For the glove and voice input subsystems Bluetooth shall be utilized. Bluetooth was chosen for its proven reliability and for its multi-platform compatibility.

5 Testing Approach Considerations

In order to successfully complete this project, there will have to be a focus on each subsystem and component individually. In order to track the progress of regression testing, every test will be documented with the person who conducted the test, the date and the results from the test. All testing will take place in the labs found in Coover Hall and Town Engineering on the Iowa State University campus. When the main components to the system are put together, the system will be tested to ensure that it is capable of standard operation. Next, voice recognition will be tested. Each of the team members will program the system to perform tasks on command. This will allow thorough testing of the voice recognition component individually. Lastly, the wireless transfer of audio, video and glove inputs will be calibrated in order to provide the maximum range and quality of the signal.

6 Recommendations Regarding Project Continuation or Modification

At this point in the project there are two alternatives to continuing the project as envisioned: altering the project prior to continuation and abandoning the project. Based on the progress of the project thus far, it is believed that the best choice is to alter the project into a proof of concept demonstration. The reason for this change is due to a change in the project's budget that will not enable the project team to produce the prototype envisioned in the beginning of the project. The intentions were to develop a system with the power of a laptop or desktop computer, but to allow the user greater freedom and mobility. The proposed design accomplishes both of these intentions. Not only does the project meet the needs of the user, but it also requires a great deal of development work. This work involves the implementation of the wireless transmission of the audio and video signals, glove input and voice recognition.

2 Detailed Design

This section provides a detailed description of the chair mounted workstation and its parts. The following text is broken into groups: list of parts, base computer design, and wireless link design.

1 List of Parts

In Table 2-1 below, a detailed list of parts is shown. Headings for this table include “Part Type”, “Part Source”, "Quantity" and “Cost”. (Note: “Cost” is an estimated value based on current price quotes.)

Table 2-1: List of Parts

|Part type |Part Source |Quantity |Cost |

|Bluetooth Glove: | | | |

|MicroGyro Developer Kit | |1 |$150.00 |

|FPGA | |1 |$0.00 (loaned) |

|Custom Designed Glove | |1 |$25.00 |

|Bluetooth Transceiver | |1 |$50.00 |

|Misc. parts to complete design | |X |$45.00 |

| | | | |

|Wireless Voice: | | | |

|Bluemate Microphone | |1 |$0.00 (loaned) |

|Dragon Naturally Speaking | |1 |$0.00 (loaned) |

|Bluetooth USB Reciever | |1 |$0.00 (loaned) |

| | | | |

|Wireless Video: | | | |

|Wireless Video Sender | |1 |$0.00 (loaned) |

|Head Set Display | |1 |$0.00 |

| | | |Artifact |

| | | | |

|Mounting: | | | |

|Chair/Cart | |1 |$45.00 |

|Mounting Brackets |Lowe’s |2 |$10.00 |

|Mounting Hardware |Lowe’s |X |$5.00 |

| | | | |

|Aux. Input: | | | |

|Wireless Keyboard | |1 |$0.00 (loaned) |

|Wireless Mouse | |1 |$0.00 (loaned) |

| | | | |

|Misc: | | | |

|Battery Pack | |1 |$10.00 |

|Utility Belt | |1 |$10.00 |

|Cables | |X |$30.00 |

| | | | |

| | |Total: |$380.00 |

2 Base Computer Design

This section contains information relating to the processing unit, display unit and case/mounting apparatus of the computer mounted workstation.

1 Processing Unit

The core processor for the chair system will be a team member’s laptop. Utilizing the laptop will allow the project team to spend financial resources on subsystems such as the Glove and the Wireless Video links. In addition, the goal is to produce a technology that is compatible with a wide range of laptops similar to those found in the United States military.

2 Display Unit

The display is a monocular device that is small enough for the user to comfortably wear in a stressful environment. One large advantage to the monocular device is that it allows the other eye to keep track of things going on in the physical world. Making this device wireless will increase the freedom for the user by allowing them to move away from the computer without being disconnected from the system. However, the greatest usability of the computer system will be when the user is seated. This way the user can utilize both the keyboard and voice activation to access the system.

3 Case/Mounting Apparatus

The housing for the base unit will be stored in a cart next to the chair. This will allow the project team to show the concept of the chair and still remain within budget. The purpose of this project is to deliver new combinations of technologies instead of demonstrating new ways of mounting computer hardware.

3 Wireless Link Design

The intent of this project is to develop a bi-directional wireless communications device to transmit audio and video from the base unit to the wearable components and voice and pointer inputs to the computer. However, due to limited budget, limited time and lack of experience with wireless components, this design team will be undertaking a single transmission of video from the base station to the wearable components. The design of the glove subsystem has not been completed yet as it will require the incorporation of two very complex subsystems: a Bluetooth transmitter and a MicroGyro. In the glove section, the complete list of functional requirements will be specified.

The first two sections provide an in-depth description of a wireless video communications device. The device is broken into two physically separate components: the transmitter and receiver.

1 Video Transmitter

The transmitter is, as shown in Figure 2-1 below, is a combination of a transceiver chip set to transmit, a high speed analog-to-digital converter, various frequency filters, and an antenna. The components used for transmitting are highlighted in red.

[pic]

Figure 2-1: Wireless Transmitter Block Diagram

The transceiver, MAX2410, has the capability of transmitting up to 11Mbps with an operating range of 800 MHz to 2400 MHz. This chip was chosen to give the project team the speed needed to keep up with the video transmission. 1.9 GHz transmission rate was chosen to keep the signal strong and reduce interference from external sources. This chip also offers built-in LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) for receiving weak signals and a PA (Power Amplifier) Driver to generate a stronger signal.

The analog-to-digital converter is also a high speed product. With a 60 mega samples per second sample rate and 14-bit resolution, this product will offer fast and accurate data representation. Transmitting digitally will provide less noise and inaccurate data from passing through the transmitter.

2 Video Receiver

The receiver is, as shown in Figure 2-2 below, is a combination of a transceiver chip set to receive, a high speed digital-to-analog converter, various frequency filters, and an antenna. The components used for receiving are highlighted in blue.

[pic]

Figure 2-2: Wireless Receiver Block Diagram

The transceiver, MAX2410, has the capability of receiving a weak signal and boosting it to appropriate levels with the LNA (low noise amplifier).The receiver will be set to receive a 1.9 GHz digital signal.

The digital-to-analog converter is also a high speed product. With 200 mega samples per second sample rate and 14-bit resolution, this product will offer fast and accurate data generation.

3 Bluetooth Glove/Pointer

Below is a functional diagram of the Bluetooth glove, Figure 2-3. The basis for the Bluetooth transmitter portion of the glove shall be based upon open source Bluetooth projects such as the Bluewand. The Bluewand is a Bluetooth remote control for Bluetooth devices. From this design the project team will be able to transmit information to the base station.

[pic]

Figure 2-3: Glove Functional Diagram

The buttons shall be handled using a spring-loaded potentiometer for the index and middle fingers. Attached to the potentiometer shall be a spine which is in turn attached to a ring on the finger. When the ring is at 90 degrees to the palm, this shall be counted as a mouse click. The last major subsystem of the glove is the MicroGyro. The MicroGyro will provide feedback based on hand movement to the base station. The 8-bit signal utilized to monitor the MicroGyro will be transmitted via the Bluetooth transmitter based on the Bluewand.

4 Voice Input

Voice input is handled via a Bluemate headset, which is a Bluetooth powered microphone that is worn over one of the user’s ears. Coupled with Dragon Naturally Speaking, the voice subsystem has a functional range of approximately ten meters. There are currently a few issues with sound quality with the Bluemate, so it will probably be replaced with another similar microphone. If due to budget restraints the project team cannot replace it, the Bluemate headset will still work as a valid proof of concept for the overall design goals.

Estimated Resources and Schedules

Knowledge of estimated resource requirements and the project schedule are essential to the proper evaluation of a design plan. This section will discuss both topics in detail.

1 Estimated Resource Equipment

Three separate resources make up the estimated resource requirements: personal effort requirements, other resource requirements, and financial requirements. These three topics will be discussed and evaluated in this sub-section.

1 Personnel Effort Requirement

The table below, Table 3-1, displays an in-depth estimate of the personal effort of each team member in this project. Table 3-2 displays a revised estimate of the original table. These tables display the personal effort on an individual basis as well as a total of all effort required per task item. An estimate of one hour per meeting with the adviser and the special group meetings over the length of the course are the factors included in the meetings column. The project reports column will include each project report with which the group has to collaborate and write, as well as the weekly progress reports. Other project documentation that may be involved is also included. The project construction column is for the actual project work which includes parts ordering, poster construction, testing, and assembly. The estimates are also based on the projected effort required to perform the task correctly.

Table 3-1: Original Personnel Effort Requirements

|Member Name |Meetings |Project Reports |Project Research |Project Construction |Totals |

|Christian Baldus |60 |40 |45 |65 |210 |

|Isi Oamen |45 |35 |40 |90 |210 |

|David Roberts |60 |80 |55 |30 |225 |

|Shawn Yockey |45 |30 |65 |75 |215 |

|Totals |210 |185 |205 |260 |860 |

Table 3-2: Revised Personnel Effort Requirements

|Member Name |Meetings |Project Reports |Project Research |Project Construction |Totals |

|Christian Baldus |65 |40 |55 |65 |225 |

|Isi Oamen |50 |35 |50 |110 |245 |

|David Roberts |65 |80 |55 |30 |230 |

|Shawn Yockey |50 |30 |70 |75 |225 |

|Totals |230 |185 |230 |280 |925 |

The changes between the two tables have occurred because of various reasons. First, the hours for the meetings have increased because there were more unscheduled meetings than expected to make sure certain deadlines were met and all members agreed on critical issues. Also, with the design of new technologies for the system, project research and construction are now expected to require more hours for most of the team members.

2 Other Resource Requirements

When the project team wrote the project plan, they did not have a firm grasp on what would be required and what would be provided during the senior design process. The project team was promised $1000 in addition to the $150 allotted senior design budget to work with on the project, but this is unlikely to occur. Due to the new budget constraint, the project team has endeavored to bring down the costs of the project wherever possible.

Table 3-3: Original Other Resource Requirements

|Item |Team Hours |Other Hours |Cost |

|Project Poster |10 |0 |$65.00 |

|Miscellaneous Printing |20 |0 |$100.00 |

|Mounting Equipment |3 |0 |$45.00 |

|Chair |0 |0 |$20.00 |

|Totals |33 |0 |$230.00 |

Table 3-4, below, displays the revised other resources budget for the project. The project team does not have the resources that it was promised; therefore the plan to build the full prototype of the chair has been replaced with the plan to demonstrate proof of concept of technologies designed for use with a future chair system.

Table 3-4: Revised Other Resource Requirements

|Item |Team Hours |Other Hours |Cost |

|Project Poster |10 |0 |$0.00 (Donated) |

|Miscellaneous Printing |20 |0 |$50.00 |

|Cart |3 |0 |$45.00 |

|Totals |33 |0 |$95.00 |

3 Financial Resource Requirements

The original plan called for the creation of the entire chair system. The project team designed the full system but is unable to implement it due to financial constraints. Table 3-5, below, is the part-by-part listing of the project when the project team had a guaranteed budget of $1000 from the client in addition to the $150 from the senior design budget. The changes to the entire budget will be covered in detail below.

Table 3-5: Original Financial Resource Requirements

|Item |Price |

|Hardware: | |

|LCD Screen |$200.00 |

|Head Set Display |$600.00 (Artifact from last project team) |

|Keyboard |$10.00 |

|Keypad |$20.00 |

|Processor |$150.00 |

|Motherboard |$120.00 |

|Memory |$50.00 |

|Mini HDD |$175.00 |

|Memory Stick Reader |$40.00 |

|Trackball |$25.00 |

|Webcam |$20.00 (Donated from group member) |

|Laptop Docking Bay |$40.00 |

|MicroGyro Developing Kit |$150.00 |

|Bluetooth Headset |$40.00 |

|Bluetooth USB Transmitter |$30.00 |

|Utility Belt |$10.00 |

|Battery Pack |$10.00 |

|Fingerless Gloves |$25.00 |

|Miscellaneous Cables |$80.00 |

|Subtotal |$1795.00 |

Table 3-6: Original Financial Resource Requirements (cont.)

|Item |Price |

|Software: | |

|Operating system(Windows XP Pro) |$75.00 (Donated from department) |

|Dragon Virtually Speaking |$125.00 (Donated from group member) |

|Subtotal |$200.00 |

| | |

|Miscellaneous: | |

|Printing |$210.00 |

|Chair |$65.00 |

|Fabrication Materials |$85.00 |

|Subtotal |$315.00 |

| | |

|Parts, Software, Printing Total | |

|Total Project Cost without Labor |$2310 |

|Donated Total |-$820.00 |

|Printing Expenses Paid out of Pocket |-$165 |

|Net Cost: |$1280 |

| | |

|Labor: | |

|840hours @ $11.00/hr |$9240 |

|Subtotal |$9240 |

| | |

|Total with Labor |$11550 |

|Total with Labor and Donations |$10730 |

Table 3-7, below, is the revised item-by-item cost estimate in addition to the overall project cost estimate. The table includes all items needed to complete the project correctly; hardware, software, and miscellaneous. The project team cannot complete the full objective, even with an increased budget of $250. With the permission of the project team’s faculty advisors, the project shall focus on new technologies in keeping with the spirit of the project. The three subsystems that will be developed and refined are: display, voice and pointer. With these three subsystems the project team will demonstrate its ideas for non-traditional computing input. If the project team happens to be able to obtain donations, the construction of the chair may be placed back upon the table.

Table 3-7: Revised Financial Resource Requirements

|Item |Price |

|Hardware: | |

|Head Set Display |$0.00 (Artifact from last project team) |

|MicroGyro Developing Kit |$150.00 |

|Bluetooth Headset |$0.00 (Lent from group member) |

|Bluetooth Reciever |$0.00 (Lent from group member) |

|Bluetooth Transceiver |$50.00 |

|Utility Belt |$10.00 |

|Battery Pack |$10.00 |

|Fingerless Gloves |$25.00 |

|Miscellaneous Cables |$30.00 |

|Miscellaneous Parts |$45.00 |

|Hardware Subtotal |$320.00 |

| | |

|Software: | |

|Operating system(Windows XP Pro) |$0.00 (Donated from department) |

|Dragon Virtually Speaking |$0.00 (Donated from group member) |

|Software Subtotal |$0.00 |

| | |

|Miscellaneous: | |

|Project Poster |$0.00 (Donated from department) |

|Miscellaneous Printing |$50.00 |

|Cart |$45.00 |

|Mounting Supplies |$15.00 |

|Misc. Subtotal |$110.00 |

| | |

|Labor: | |

|900hours @ $11.00/hr |$10021.00 |

|Labor Subtotal |$10021.00 |

| | |

|Total with out Labor |$430.00 |

|Total |$10451.00 |

2 Schedules

A realistic, well-planned schedule is an essential component of every well-planned project. Most scheduling errors will occur as a result of either not properly identifying all of the necessary activities or not properly estimating the amount of effort required to correctly complete the activity. Two types of schedules are shown in this section. The first two schedules, Figures 3-1 and Figures 3-2, are Gantt charts showing tasks versus the proposed project calendar. The second type of schedule, Figure 3-3, is a Gantt chart that indicates when each project deliverable will be delivered. The first two Gantt charts will cover the entire project from beginning to end. The third Gantt chart will only cover the project during the Fall 2005 semester because no schedule of deliverables for Spring 2006 has been provided to the project team.

For Figures 3-1 and 3-2, all projected tasks have been met on time and the team is continuing on schedule. The May06-09 project team has a huge advantage over the May04-15 team because the new team had access to the lessons learned by the old team. Therefore, blind alleyways that the May04-15 team encountered in implementation can be avoided. The project team's internal deadlines have not been moved forward to allow for extra design work on the glove. It is the project team’s firm intention of staying ahead of schedule to minimize possible risks involving developing new technologies.

For Figure 3-3, all deliverables up to this date have followed the original schedule and there are no foreseeable reasons to change the Gantt chart of deliverables for Fall 2005. When the schedule becomes available for deadlines in Spring 2006, the project team shall produce a Gantt chart of deliverables for that term. Even without a Gantt chart, work has already begun on second semester project deliverables such as the poster; however, the team will follow the timetable when it is provided.

[pic]

Figure 3-1: Gantt chart - Fall 2005 Project Calendar

[pic]

Figure 3-2: Gantt chart - Spring 2006 Project Calendar

[pic]

Figure 3-3: Gantt chart - Fall 2005 Deliverables

Closure Materials

The following section contains information for closure on the design plan including client, faculty advisor and student team information. It also contains a closing summary of the design plan.

1 Project Team Information

Project team member information is outlined below in tables. The information within these tables includes addresses and numbers of people involved with the project.

1 Client Information

Table 4-1 provides information pertaining to contacts provided by our client.

Table 4-1: Client Information

|Client Name |Contact Name |Office/Mailing Address |Office Number |E-Mail Address |

|Lockheed Martin |R.J. Monson |Eagan, MN |(651)456-2673 |robert.j.monson@ |

2 Faculty Advisor Information

Table 4-2 lists information pertaining to faculty members of Iowa State University that will be assisting us in our design.

Table 4-2: Faculty Advisor Information

|Advisor Name |Office/Mailing Address |Office Number |Fax Number |E-Mail Address |

|Dr. Arun Somani |2211 Coover |(515)294-0442 |(515)294-3637 |arun@iastate.edu |

| |Ames, IA 50011 | | | |

|Dr. Zhao Zhang |368 Durham |(515)294-7940 |(515)294-3632 |zzhang@iastate.edu |

| |Ames, IA 50011 | | | |

4 Student Team Information

Table 4-3: Team Member Information

|Member Name |Major(s) |Mailing Address |Phone Number |E-Mail Address |

|Christian Baldus |Computer Engineering |211 South 5th Street #2 |(515)290-4707 |cmbaldus@iastate.edu |

| | |Ames, IA 50010 | | |

|Isi Oamen |Electrical |4335 Maricopa Dr #3 |(712)540-4652 |isi@iastate.edu |

| |Engineering |Ames, IA 50014 | | |

|David Roberts |Computer Engineering |214 S. Hyland #3 |(515)991-4150 |robertdl@iastate.edu |

| | |Ames, IA 50014 | | |

|Shawn Yockey |Computer Engineering |110 McDonald Dr #13a |(712)574-0682 |syockey@iastate.edu |

| | |Ames, IA 50014 | | |

2 Closing Summary

Current computer workstations involve significant computer hardware in an enclosure usually placed in front of the operator, with environmental protection and maintenance being required. A less intrusive and smaller workstation than this standard would enhance the ability of military personnel to complete required tasks. By providing a chair-mounted computer workstation, the size and mobility will become assets rather than hindrances. The system will be designed specifically for tasks associated with military personnel while maintaining functionality and durability the operator currently uses. This project will maintain the efficiency and functionality of current workstations while making significant advancements in reducing size and allowing the operator more flexibility.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download