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ECE 4600: Capstone Design I Winter-2016 360° Passive Thermal Signature Tracker Thaddeus Steyskal, Peter Brundage and Isaac Norton Objective: We propose a tracking solution that is capable of following targets via their heat signature and orienting a payload accordingly. Theory of Operations: To achieve 360 degree detection, PIR modules were chosen to provide coarse 360 degree detection, while a higher quality sensor was added: The GridEye, by Panasonic. The GridEye module contains 64 IR thermal sensors, of which work together to output an 8x8 pixel bitmap of temperature readings with a 60 degree viewing angle. The stationary base holds the PIR modules, and a turntable driven by a servo motor. To increase servo range, a drivetrain is implemented and an external feedback sensor is used to attain an angle reading. Tracking is accomplished by summating the GridEye columns, and averaging them respectively. Targets can then be declared when a column reaches a threshold, at which point the turntable is rotated accordingly. The PIR modules are only used when no target is found by the GridEye. Communication with the device is attained using Bluetooth, and a navigational menu display using two LCD displays. Design Alternatives: While creating the multiple person tracking mode, the event of two targets crossing paths in front of the grid eye was considered. The objective in this consideration was to be able to determine which target was which before and after the crossover. Although the GridEye provides relatively accurate data based of the thermal signature, we would need to be able to identify unique thermal signatures for each target. We were unable to determine a method in which the GridEye would determine the event. A camera together with facial recognition software could make this possible. Active tracking was also considered, with both IR and RF as the vector. Key Points for Selecting Your Design: The proposed solution is unique because it passively detects movement with a 360 degree array of infrared modules. The solutions offered by the Soloshot3 and the AIMe require users to either carry or wear a physical tag that the devices then track. These solutions will ignore any other individuals within range of the device. Our solution will be able to detect motion without any prior setup and regardless of where the payload is initially pointing at. Constraints from Regulating Bodies on the Project : Under the FCC’s Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), the HC-05 bluetooth module device created in this report is classified under Section 15.4(o) as an Intentional radiator. An Intentional radiator is defined under Section 15.4(o) as “a device that intentionally generates and emits radio frequency energy by radiation or induction”. According to §15.249, the bluetooth module must operate under a Field strength of fundamental 50 millivolts per meter due to the module’s 2.4GHz radio transceiver and baseband (See HC-05 specification sheet). Schematic Diagram: Flow-Chart of the Software Code: Pictures of the Working Prototypes: In this picture, the drive train for the project is shown. The servo alone is limited to a range of 0 to 180 degrees, so a system of gearing is added to increase the range to the necessary 0 to 360 range we desire. An external feedback sensor is added to provide accurate angle readings. Another prototype look shows the exterior of the project with mounted PIR modules on the side, the GridEye and laser crosshair in front, an LCD display, and a Fan. Final prototype build (without LCD displays). Discussions of the Experimental Results: Write some discussions here regarding how your prototype performed compared to your expectation. In some cases, if it didn’t perform up to your expectation, then explain why it didn’t. Sometimes the limitations could be due to lack of enough I/O pins or due to budget constraints or due to some other factors which were beyond your control. Conclusions: After carrying out the design for this project we have attained a device that is capable of tracking moving individuals across 360 degrees of movement. Attaching a servo to the design with a rotating base has allowed us 360 degrees of accuracy. Placing an array of passive infrared module sensors has given use coarse detection around the base. With our coarse detection, we have created the ability to give high precision tracking with a 8*8 array of sensors. Multiple tracking modes were created such as multiple person tracking mode, single person tracking mode, and avoid. These options, combined with payload power options has given the project practical purpose. Using bluetooth and an LCD menu system, all of these options are fully accessible to any user. In the future, the project may be improved to contain more payload options such as a camera, a flashlight, and even touch screen monitors. Related Patents: 1.SOLOSHOT3 by SoloShot 2.AIMe by Jigabot Instructor: Dr. Syed M. Mahmud ECE Department College of Engineering
