Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
16 Single-Handed Video Game Controller
 Marshall Shriner
Seongje Jung
Yaning Lan
 Weihang Liang design_document5.pdf
design_document7.pdf
design_document10.pdf
final_paper1.pdf
photo1.png
proposal3.pdf
proposal2.pdf
Problem: Many people are unable to use a standard video game controller, for example those with the use of only one hand. Consoles like the Nintendo Wii require fewer buttons and are usable with one hand. A similar solution for other platforms is difficult to find.

Solution Overview: We propose a one-handed adaptation of a standard video game controller, allowing nearly all possible button combinations of the two-handed version. Our solution would take on a form loosely based on joystick controllers, but be symmetrical, increasing accessibility.

Concept design:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qfXBfeoRL7lyBm1ER4KHGj4JkxEkN42O

Solution Components:
-Controller Base: Houses joystick sensor, menu buttons non-critical to gameplay, and main microcontroller. Joystick handle can also be twisted to change functionality.
--Not twisted: functions as left circle pad
--Twisted: functions as left directional pad
-Mounted Controls: Four standard buttons Y/X/A/B and right stick for thumb. The left and right triggers will each be mounted on a sideways-oriented button, representing the left and right bumper buttons. Buttons will be centered so as to be symmetrical

Innovation & Uniqueness: Our project is a redesign of Xbox/Playstation controllers, with changes in mapping and combination of the buttons, so the controller is operable by one hand.

Alternatives/Competitors:
Flight simulation joysticks and Xbox adaptive controller.
Our project can be competitive for the following reasons:
-Symmetric: other joysticks are either right or left handed
-Simple to operate, easy to learn:
-Able to handle complex games:

Criteria for Success:
A challenge will be compound sensor mechanics (triggers mounted on buttons, twisting joystick), and device shape. We are inexperienced in CAD, so we may seek help with physical design.
Baseline: User can perform all common button combinations and send serially to computer
Enhancements: Connect to games available online, improving user experience, reaction-based/timing games.

Autonomous Sailboat

Riley Baker, Arthur Liang, Lorenzo Rodriguez Perez

Autonomous Sailboat

Featured Project

# Autonomous Sailboat

Team Members:

- Riley Baker (rileymb3)

- Lorenzo Pérez (lr12)

- Arthur Liang (chianl2)

# Problem

WRSC (World Robotic Sailing Championship) is an autonomous sailing competition that aims at stimulating the development of autonomous marine robotics. In order to make autonomous sailing more accessible, some scholars have created a generic educational design. However, these models utilize expensive and scarce autopilot systems such as the Pixhawk Flight controller.

# Solution

The goal of this project is to make an affordable, user- friendly RC sailboat that can be used as a means of learning autonomous sailing on a smaller scale. The Autonomous Sailboat will have dual mode capability, allowing the operator to switch from manual to autonomous mode where the boat will maintain its current compass heading. The boat will transmit its sensor data back to base where the operator can use it to better the autonomous mode capability and keep track of the boat’s position in the water. Amateur sailors will benefit from the “return to base” functionality provided by the autonomous system.

# Solution Components

## On-board

### Sensors

Pixhawk - Connect GPS and compass sensors to microcontroller that allows for a stable state system within the autonomous mode. A shaft decoder that serves as a wind vane sensor that we plan to attach to the head of the mast to detect wind direction and speed. A compass/accelerometer sensor and GPS to detect the position of the boat and direction of travel.

### Actuators

2 servos - one winch servo that controls the orientation of the mainsail and one that controls that orientation of the rudder

### Communication devices

5 channel 2.4 GHz receiver - A receiver that will be used to select autonomous or manual mode and will trigger orders when in manual mode.

5 channel 2.4 GHz transmitter - A transmitter that will have the ability to switch between autonomous and manual mode. It will also transfer servos movements when in manual mode.

### Power

LiPo battery

## Ground control

Microcontroller - A microcontroller that records sensor output and servo settings for radio control and autonomous modes. Software on microcontroller processes the sensor input and determines the optimum rudder and sail winch servo settings needed to maintain a prescribed course for the given wind direction.

# Criterion For Success

1. Implement dual mode capability

2. Boat can maintain a given compass heading after being switched to autonomous mode and incorporates a “return to base” feature that returns the sailboat back to its starting position

3. Boat can record and transmit servo, sensor, and position data back to base

Project Videos