Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
66 Item-Tracking Backpack
Abdullah Alfaraj
Raef Almuallem
Surya Vasanth design_document1.pdf
final_paper1.pdf
photo1.jpeg
photo2.jpeg
presentation1.pdf
proposal3.pdf
video1.mp4
# Item-Tracking Backpack

# Team Members:

Abdullah Alfaraj (alfaraj3)

Raef Almuallem (raefma2)

# Problem

Many people use backpacks to store their belongings when going out. Since backpacks can hold many items, it can be easy to lose track of what has been put in it. The act of checking the bag to ensure nothing has been forgotten can often be inconvenient. This becomes especially time-consuming when many items have been placed in the backpack. Keeping track of where each item has been placed can also be a hassle for smaller items or when there is a large number of items in the bag.

# Solution

A system for monitoring the items present in the backpack using RFID can be implemented as a solution. Users can input the items they plan on placing in the bag using a phone application. RFID tags can be placed on these items, and once all of the items listed have been detected, a green LED will light up to indicate that nothing has been forgotten. Moreover, to assist with keeping track of the items within the bag, the user will be able to specify where a specific item will be placed. A red LED will light up to indicate that a compartment does not contain the exact items desired.

# Solution Components

## Subsystem 1: Sensors

This subsystem will deal with detecting the items present in the bag. RFID will be used to monitor each individual item present.

## Substyem 2: Microcontroller

The microcontroller will interface with the RFID sensors to determine which items are present, and whether all items have been placed. It will turn on the green LED and turn off the red LEDs when all items are present.

## Subystem 3: Indication

A 10 mm green LED will be used to indicate if all the items the user was planning on placing in the backpack are present. The LED will light up once the RFID has detected all the desired items to inform the user that nothing has been forgotten. A 10 mm red LED will be used for each compartment, and it will light up if the RFID could not detect a desired item in the compartment.

## Subsystem 4: Application

The application will allow users to create a list of items to be placed in the backpack. Items can be added and removed from the list and any items missing will be displayed. The application will also allow for the organization of the items in the bag by allowing the user to add items to a given compartment.



# Criterion for Success

Green LED lights up when all the desired items have been placed, otherwise, it is off

Red LEDs light up if items are missing from a given compartment

Two compartments capable of storing large items properly track the items contained in it

One compartment capable of storing small items properly tracks the items contained within it

The application allows for the list of items to be placed in the backpack to be changed

The application allows for the organization of the items to be placed in different compartments

The application recommends missing items or items placed in an incorrect compartment

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