Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | Monitoring System for Older Cars |
Agrim Kataria Sachin Bhat Tommy Park |
Angquan Yu | design_document1.pdf proposal2.pdf proposal1.pdf |
|
| # **Team Members** - Sachin Bhat (sachinb3) - Agrim Kataria (agrimk2) - Tommy Park (thomasp6) **Problem** Car monitoring systems are becoming increasingly common in newer cars today. However, the majority of cars on the road are older models that lack these advanced safety features. According to the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office, only 17% of cars on the road currently have monitoring systems, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are over 800,000 blind spot accidents annually. Additionally, vehicles parked in high-risk or unfamiliar areas are often vulnerable to potential theft or vandalism. Our idea is to build a comprehensive car monitoring system that can be easily installed into any older car, providing drivers with improved safety and security both while driving and when their vehicle is parked. **Solution** We propose to develop a blindspot detection and monitoring system equipped with sensors that alert drivers when another vehicle is in their blindspot. The system will use a combination of LEDs on the side mirrors and audible alerts, such as a beeping noise, to notify drivers of potential hazards. A printed circuit board (PCB) will process real-time sensor data to determine if a vehicle is present in the blindspot. We will use ultrasonic sensors with adjustable sensing distances, which can be customized through a companion mobile application. Additionally, the mobile application will offer driving analytics, such as the number of close calls, the side on which more detections occur, and other driving metrics to help users improve their driving habits. To further enhance vehicle safety, we will integrate an "Away From Car" (AFC) subsystem. This subsystem will utilize the same sensors to detect motion or activity around the vehicle while it is turned off. If any motion is detected, the system will send an alert to the driver’s mobile app. This feature provides an extra layer of security for drivers when parked in unfamiliar or high-risk areas, ensuring vehicle safety even when the car is not in use. By combining blindspot detection, driving analytics, and the AFC system, our solution provides a comprehensive monitoring and safety package that can be easily retrofitted to older vehicles, significantly enhancing road safety and vehicle security. # **Solution Components** **Subsystem 1 - Sensors** This project will feature an array of ultrasonic sensors designed to detect objects at various distances around the vehicle. The sensors will transmit real-time data to a microcontroller for processing, allowing for accurate blindspot detection. The sensors will be strategically placed on the side view mirrors for optimal coverage. Additionally, the sensors will be used in multiple modes, including active monitoring while driving and motion detection when the vehicle is stationary (as part of the AFC system). **Subsystem 2 - Mobile Application** We will develop a companion mobile app to enhance user experience and safety. Through this app, users will be able to receive driving metrics such as the number of close calls, which side of the vehicle had more detections. Additionally, the app will deliver notifications when the AFC System is triggered. The AFC system will have an on/off switch within the mobile application to only be used in certain situations. **Subsystem 3 - AFC “Away From Car” System** This subsystem uses the same sensors employed for blindspot detection to monitor motion or activity around the vehicle while it is parked and turned off. If any movement is detected, the system will send an immediate alert to the driver’s mobile app, providing a sense of security in high-risk or unfamiliar areas. The AFC system is designed to provide real-time protection and is configurable via the mobile app for activation or deactivation based on user preferences. **Subsystem 4 - Alerting System** The alerting system includes two LEDs on each side of the vehicle that will light up based on data received from the sensors to visually alert the driver of potential hazards. In addition, a speaker connected to the microcontroller will output a synchronized audible alert (e.g., beeping sound) when an object is detected in the blindspot. The alerting system will function both while driving (for blindspot warnings) and when the vehicle is parked (as part of the AFC system). The intensity and frequency of the alerts can be configured through the mobile app to suit user preferences. **Subsystem 5 - Power System** We will have dry cell batteries to power the AFC System. The on/off switch will toggle the sensors to ensure the system is long lasting. # **Criteria for Success** **High Detection Accuracy:** The system accurately detects vehicles in blindspots and motion around the car with at least 90% accuracy and minimal false alarms. **Quick Alerts:** Alerts (LED, sound, or mobile app notifications) are activated within 1 second of detecting a vehicle in the blindspot or motion around the car. **Easy to Use:** The system can be installed by any user within 30 minutes, and the mobile app is user-friendly and easy to navigate. **Enhanced Safety Perception:** At least 70% of users feel safer and more confident while driving with the system installed. **Affordable:** The system is affordable for most car owners, ideally priced under $200, with low ongoing maintenance costs. |
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