Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
23 SATELLITE: Speed Adjusting, Track Exploring, Load Locating, Intelligent Train Engine
Area Award: Entertainment
 Emily Alessio
John Ryan
Quinn Lertratanakul
 Zipeng Wang appendix0.pdf
final_paper0.pdf
photo0.jpg
photo0.jpg
photo0.jpg
presentation0.pdf
proposal0.pdf
video0.mp4
Team SATELLITE: Emily Alessio, John Ryan, Quinn Lertratanakul

Model trains may run into obstacles that move onto the tracks if the user is not paying attention. Additionally, operating the trains at a reasonable speed is necessary when passing by specific zones to prevent any possible damage to the trains such as derailment. Our goal is to signal the train to stop before colliding with any obstructions in its path and to adjust the speed of the train as it passes by a speed sign/message placed by a section of the track. As an additional goal, a track mapping feature would be helpful in detecting the position of the train on the track.

Our toy train has three features: 1. Adjust its speed based on signs by the track, 2. Detect obstacles on the track and halt motion, and 3. Map the track it travels on and estimate the position of the train. In order to ensure the train obeys a speed limit, we use IR sensors on each speed sign to detect for an IR signal transmitted from the IR LED on the train and adjust its speed as it passes the corresponding sign. For obstacle detection, we use two laser Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors to determine whether an object in its path is on or off the path. In order to map the track and estimate the position of the train, we use a RF and ultrasonic transmitter on the train and three beacons (ultrasonic receivers) and a RF receiver off the train. The distances of the train from each beacon can be calculated using the speed of sound, and then a trilateration technique can be performed to determine the approximate coordinates of the train.

Electronic Replacement for COVID-19 Building Monitors @ UIUC

Patrick McBrayer, Zewen Rao, Yijie Zhang

Featured Project

Team Members: Patrick McBrayer, Yijie Zhang, Zewen Rao

Problem Statement:

Students who volunteer to monitor buildings at UIUC are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 itself, and passing it on to others before they are aware of the infection. Due to this, I propose a project that would create a technological solution to this issue using physical 2-factor authentication through the “airlock” style doorways we have at ECEB and across campus.

Solution Overview:

As we do not have access to the backend of the Safer Illinois application, or the ability to use campus buildings as a workspace for our project, we will be designing a proof of concept 2FA system for UIUC building access. Our solution would be composed of two main subsystems, one that allows initial entry into the “airlock” portion of the building using a scannable QR code, and the other that detects the number of people that entered the space, to determine whether or not the user will be granted access to the interior of the building.

Solution Components:

Subsystem #1: Initial Detection of Building Access

- QR/barcode scanner capable of reading the code presented by the user, that tells the system whether that person has been granted or denied building access. (An example of this type of sensor: (https://www.amazon.com/Barcode-Reading-Scanner-Electronic-Connector/dp/B082B8SVB2/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=gm65+scanner&qid=1595651995&sr=8-11)

- QR code generator using C++/Python to support the QR code scanner.

- Microcontroller to receive the information from the QR code reader and decode the information, then decide whether to unlock the door, or keep it shut. (The microcontroller would also need an internal timer, as we plan on encoding a lifespan into the QR code, therefore making them unusable after 4 days).

- LED Light to indicate to the user whether or not access was granted.

- Electronic locking mechanism to open both sets of doors.

Subsystem #2: Airlock Authentication of a Single User

- 2 aligned sensors ( one tx and other is rx) on the bottom of the door that counts the number of people crossing a certain line. (possibly considering two sets of these, so the person could not jump over, or move under the sensors. Most likely having the second set around the middle of the door frame.

- Microcontroller to decode the information provided by the door sensors, and then determine the number of people who have entered the space. Based on this information we can either grant or deny access to the interior building.

- LED Light to indicate to the user if they have been granted access.

- Possibly a speaker at this stage as well, to tell the user the reason they have not been granted access, and letting them know the

incident has been reported if they attempted to let someone into the building.

Criterion of Success:

- Our system generates valid QR codes that can be read by our scanner, and the data encoded such as lifespan of the code and building access is transmitted to the microcontroller.

- Our 2FA detection of multiple entries into the space works across a wide range of users. This includes users bound to wheelchairs, and a wide range of heights and body sizes.