Radio Controlled Voice Activated Car

Transcription

1 Proposal Radio Controlled Voice Activated Car ECE4007 Senior Design Project Section RP1, RCVAC Team Andrew Cox, Team Leader Cameron Marchant Warren Daniels Nima Rashidi Jarrad Weiss Submitted September 15, 2008

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary... iii 1. Introduction Objective Motivation Background Project Description and Goals Technical Specification Design Approach and Details 4.1 Design Approach Codes and Standards Constraints, Alternatives, and Tradeoffs Schedule, Tasks, and Milestones Project Demonstration Marketing and Cost Analysis Marketing Analysis Cost Analysis Summary References...16 Appendix A...18 RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) ii

3 Executive Summary The RCVAC is a radio controlled, wireless, voice activated car. The car is a 1:10 scale car. The main design goal of the RCVAC will be wireless voice controls. This design will be a prototype. Other features that the RCVAC prototype will have are ultrasonic sensors, manual overrides and portability. The targeted consumers are people who enjoy playing with radio controlled cars, and handicapped persons who do not have the use of their arms. There are a couple of radio controlled, voice activated cars presently available. This product may be more expensive than existing radio controlled cars, but it will have more features that are not already available with radio controlled cars. The design of the RCVAC will integrate a speech recognition kit, a speech recognitions kit interface, a RC car kit, ultrasonic sensors, microcontrollers, RF transmitter, and logic gates into one system. The RCVAC prototype can be designed and built for a total cost of $39, The equipment that will be used in this design can be purchased for $ The total labor expenses will cost $23, The design task have been broken down and distributed amongst the design team. Once the RCVAC goes into mass assembly the projected cost of the product fully assembled should be $ RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) iii

4 Radio Controlled Voice Activated Car 1. INTRODUCTION The radio controlled, voice activated car, or RCVAC, is a wireless, voice controlled 1:10 scale car. The main design goal of the RCVAC will be wireless voice controls. Other features that will be added are ultrasonic sensors, manual overrides and portability. The targeted consumers are people who enjoy playing with radio controlled cars, and people who do not have the use of their arms. 1.1 Objective The RCVAC is a radio controlled, voice activated 1:10 scale car. The car responds to a wireless controller that is voice controlled. The car s controller has a manual override. The car also has sensors that reverse its direction when the car gets close to other objects. Logic gates will be used to make all features of the car work interchangeably. The potential customers for this product are people who enjoy playing with RC cars, and handicapped persons who are unable to use his or her arms. 1.2 Motivation The RCVAC improves RC cars for a more entertaining use. The voice controls make radio controlled cars available to more people. This includes people with handicaps that limit the use of arms. This product may be more expensive than existing radio controlled cars, but it will have more features that are not already available with radio controlled cars. The features, other than voice control, are ultrasonic sensors to limit damage, and manual override controls for the user s convenience. RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 1

5 1.3 Background Electric RC Cars Voice controlled, wireless, RC cars that have ultrasonic sensors are not on the market. The basic building block behind this design is an electric radio controlled car. There are a wide range of cars with different designs on the market right now. A basic car can cost $50 with rudimentary suspension to $500 with fully adjustable suspension, differentials and flyweight carbon fiber components [1]. Radio controlled cars also come either as a kit or already assembled. A basic electric radio controlled car kit is what will be used in the design. Voice Control Technology Voice control technology is another building block needed for this design. The development of voice control technology has enabled manufacturers to aid those people who are unable to efficiently use their hands to perform everyday tasks. These individuals can turn on lights, operate appliances and operate many other household items using voice-activate controls [2]. The voice control technology is rarely used for commercial applications with wireless radio controlled cars. This design will utilize the voice control technology available to allow people who are unable to use their hands to enjoy using radio controlled cars. Ultrasonic Sensors Ultrasonic sensors are widely used in a variety of applications where non-contact sensors are preferable. The use of ultrasonic sensors in this design will protect the car from damage. Many companies have products that utilize this ultrasonic sensor technology. For example, Vex Robotics produces an ultrasonic rangefinder that can be used to trigger certain actions in a robot as a result of proximity to some object. This device is used to prevent the robot from running into objects and causing damage to the robot [3]. RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 2

6 2. PROJECT DESCRIPION AND GOALS The RCVAC will be fully functional by voice commands given to a wireless controller. Portability will be offered with the wireless voice controller that can be up to 100 feet from the car. The longevity of the car is considerably longer than similar, less advanced cars thanks to the sensors designed to protect the car from colliding with objects and walls. What ultimately sets this car apart from the competition is that it operates independently of a computer and integrates a variety of features. The features that the RCVAC contains are: Voice controls Wireless remote control Independence from a personal computer of laptop during use Ultrasonic sensors for protection A standard radio controller for emergency override Ease of use for people who have limited use of their arms Various controls are integrated into singly system The RCVAC targets people who enjoy radio controlled cars. It also targets people who do not have the use of their arms. Parents can be assured of a sound investment for their children because the car is less susceptible to damage because of the ultrasonic sensors. The RCVAC can be purchased fully assembled for $ RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 3

7 3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS RC Car The changes that are to be made to the RC car are not going to affect the car s original performance. The specifications for the car to be used are given in Table 3.1. Table 3.1 Specifications of RC Car Frequency Operating Running Time Control Range 27/40/49 MHz 20 minutes 100 feet Voice Controls The voice controls will be able to control RCVAC s five basic movements, go, reverse, stop, turn right, and turn left, with the user s pre-programmed commands. These voice controls will be able to operate without the presence of a computer. The system will be able to be reprogrammed to accommodate a different user in less than 1 minute. The voice control specifications are listed in Table 3.2. RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 4

8 Table 3.2 Specifications for Voice Control Circuit Part Manufacturer Model Images Scientific Instruments Speech Recognition Circuit SR-07 Specifications Circuit Memory Word Length for: 40 words 20 words 8k X 8 Static RAM 0.96 seconds 1.92 seconds Sensor The sensor system will be able to stop RCVAC within one foot of an obstacle with an initial speed of five miles per hour. The sensor system will be comprised of ultrasonic range finders and microcontrollers. The sensor will in no other way affect the operation of RCVAC. The ultrasonic range finder and microcontroller specifications are given in Table 3.3 [8], and Table 3.4 [9], respectively. RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 5

9 Table 3.3 Ultrasonic Range Finder Specifications Part Manufacturer Model BasicATOM Basic Micro Universal Development Board Specifications Power Rating Dimensions 12 V at 500mA 4.25 in. X 3.51 in. Table 3.4 Microcontroller Specifications Part Manufacturer Model VEX Robotics Ultrasonic Range Finder Specifications Usable Range Frequency Output Function Input Function Weight 1.5 in in. 40kHz Echo response from the ultrasonic sensor Start signal to the ultrasonic sensor 0.08 lbs. RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 6

10 4. DESIGN APPROACH AND DETAILS 4.1 Design Approach Voice Controls The speech recognition and control capabilities of the RC car will be performed by the Image Scientific Instruments Speech Recognition Circuit SR-07 [4]. This speech recognition circuit will be connected to the RF transmitter in the RC car s remote control using the Image Scientific Instruments Speech Recognition Interface [5]. This interface can output up to 10 different TTL logic signals when the corresponding spoken command is recognized. The voice commands will be programmed into the speech recognition circuit to correspond with the appropriate logic output signal. The RC car operator will have the option to operate the car manually using the available remote control. This is done by connecting the appropriate speech recognition interface connection and the connection from the manual controls together to a logic OR gate which connects to the RF transmitter in figure 4.1. Figure 4.1 Voice control and manual control connections. RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 7

11 Sensors The sensor system consists of the ultrasonic range finders and a microcontroller. The sensor will detect the presence of an obstacle based on the calculations done in the microcontroller. When the distance that the sensor system reads matches the predetermined distance, the system notifies the output of this occurrence. The RC car will be able to receive information from both the sensor system and the RF receiver. This is done by connecting the sensor connection and the RF receiver connection to a logic OR gate which then connects to the RC car electric motor in figure Figure 4.2 Sensor and RF receiver connections. Potential Problems and Contingency Plans The RC car and the accompanying radio-control remote have not yet been analyzed to determine how the connections are made inside both the car and remote. If the radio-control remote is set up in such a way that we are unable to use the RF transmitter, a separate RF transmitter may have to replace the one provided in the remote. In this case, the frequencies that the car recognizes to perform individual tasks will have to be determined. Also, the option of manual control of the car will be lost. At this time, we have no solution to the circumstance RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 8

12 where the sensor would be unable to be connected in conjunction with the RF receiver and avoid obstacles. In order to address these possible issues in a timely manner, a RC car will be purchased soon and examined to understand its inner workings. 4.2 Codes and Standards To avoid interference with other frequencies, the FCC requires that RC toys operate at either 27 MHz or 49 MHz [6]. The RCVAC will adhere to this particular requirement due to the fact that the original remote for the car will be used to send signals to the car. The RC car kit that will be used has been approved for meeting this standard. 4.3 Constraints, Alternatives, and Tradeoffs One design alternative considered involved using a transmitter matched to the frequency of the car s receiver. The transmitter would then be connected to the voice recognition system and serve as a replacement of the RC car s original remote. All of the functions of the original remote would have to be duplicated with circuits. This configuration would allow more flexibility as opposed to using the original controller. The disadvantage to this approach is that it would add an unnecessary amount of circuitry. A better approach is to use the original remote in conjunction with the voice recognition system. This would result in a less complicated circuit, thus saving both money and time. 5. SCHEDULE, TASK, AND MILESTONES RCVAC s tasks are distributed throughout the group based on individual s capabilities. There are two meetings a week to discuss progress and concerns in order to ensure that all deadlines for milestones are met. Table 5.1 provides each necessary task s duration, start date, end date, degree of difficulty and responsible person (or people). RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 9

13 Table 5.1 RCVAC Schedule, Task, and Milestones TASK NAME DURATION START DATE END DATE DIFFICULTY DEGREE RESPONSIBLE PERSON Project Definition 2 days 8/19/2008 8/27/2008 Group Project Proposal 13 day 9/3/2008 9/15/2008 Low Group Sensors 76 days 9/15/ /30/2008 Group Choose Sensor 5 days 9/15/2008 9/19/2008 Low Warren Choose Programming Language 5 days 9/15/2008 9/19/2008 Medium Cameron & Jarrad Order Sensor/Receive Sensor 15 days 9/19/ /3/2008 Low Warren Install Sensors 4 days 10/5/ /8/2008 High Andy Program Sensors 29 days 10/8/ /5/2008 High Warren Sensors Complete 1 day 11/5/ /5/2008 Milestone Group RC Car 76 days 9/15/ /30/2008 Group Choose Car 5 days 9/15/2008 9/19/2008 Low Nima Order Car/Receive Car 15 days 9/19/ /3/2008 Low Nima Build Car 3 days 10/3/ /5/2008 High Cameron & Andy Test Car 1 day 10/5/ /5/2008 Low Andy & Nima Car Complete 1 day 10/5/ /5/2008 Milestone Group Voice Activation 76 days 9/15/ /30/2008 Group Choose Parts 5 days 9/15/2008 9/19/2008 Low Cameron Order Parts/Receive Parts 15 days 9/19/ /3/2008 Low Cameron Assemble Voice Activation System 4 days 10/8/ /11/2008 High Cameron Choose Frequency 1 day 10/11/ /11/2008 Medium Nima Wire to Controller 2 days 10/11/ /12/2008 High Jarrad Program Voice Commands 29 days 10/12/ /9/2008 High Jarrad Programming Complete 1 day 11/9/ /9/2008 Milestone Group Implement Voice Commands 15 days 11/9/ /23/2008 High Andy & Cameron Test Voice Activation System 3 days 11/23/ /25/2008 High Warren Perform Final Tests 6 days 11/25/ /30/2008 Medium Group Final Test Complete 1 day 11/30/ /30/2008 Milestone Group The project begins on August 19, 2008, where there are four milestones for RCVAC to complete. The last milestone, the final testing of the radio controlled voice activated car, is complete on November 30, RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 10

14 6. PROJECT DEMONSTRATION The finished project will be demonstrated at the Georgia Institute of Technology Savannah campus classroom. The car will be given commands by one team member. Forward, reverse, left, right and stop are the commands that the car will be given during the demonstration. The car must react to and follow each command. The sensors will be tested by allowing the car to drive directly toward a wall. The car will automatically reverse direction once it gets within one foot of the wall. At a specified time during the voice control demonstration the user will operate the manual controls and the car will follow the controls given. The student that is performing the demonstration will not have a personal computer or laptop available for the demonstration. The car will also be free of any cables and will operate at a distance of 100 feet from the user. Figure 6.1 RCVAC Demonstration RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 11

15 7. MARKETING AND COST ANALYSIS 7.1 Marketing Analysis There are a couple of radio controlled, voice activated cars presently available. However, none of the RC cars that are available have all of the features that the RCVAC incorporates into its design. For instance, one particular design consists of a RC car that is run by computer. In this case, the voice recognition software located on the computer sends commands to a transmitter. The transmitter then sends the appropriate signals to the computer. The restriction associated with this design is that the remote for the RC car must remain connected to the computer in order to operate. This design limits the flexibility of use and is not on the market. There is a design where the microphone that receives the voice command is directly attached to the RC car. The voice command travels from the microphone to the car through a cable. The commands are then processed in the circuit on the RC car. The car is allowed more mobility as opposed to the previously mentioned design, however, the operator is forced to closely follow the RC car at all times. This can potentially become a nuisance. A third RC car design that is available contains a microphone that is built into the car. The operator is able to give voice commands from a distance and the car reacts accordingly. This system works as long as the operator is within a distance close enough for the car to accurately decipher the voice command. This design allows damage to the RC car. If it is moving but is too far away to receive the command to stop, it could possibly run into an object. The proposed design captures the positive subtleties from each design type. This design will have the microphone and voice recognition circuit built into the remote control to remove the limits of flexibility associated with the first design mentioned. Also, because a remote control RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 12

16 exists, the operator will not have to closely follow the RCVAC as in the case of the second design mentioned. Finally, the proposed RCVAC will contain ultrasonic sensors that will prevent the car from running into objects. This is beneficial when the operator is negligent or when the car is out of range but still moving, 7.2 Cost Analysis The RCVAC can be designed and built for a total cost of $39, The equipment that will be used in this design can be purchased for $ The total labor expenses will cost $23, Table 7.1 lists all of the expected equipment cost. Table 7.1 Equipment Cost Product Description Quantity Unit Price Price Image Scientific Instruments Speech Recognition Circuit SR-07 1 $ $ :10 scale Ferrari 430 GT electric RC car 1 $39.95 $39.95 Vex Ultrasonic Range Finder 2 $29.99 $39.98 SRI-03 Speech Recognition Interface 1 $ $ Basic Micro Basic ATOM Universal Development Board 1 $62.95 $62.95 RCVAC Total Cost $ RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 13

17 Table 7.2 Project Cost PROJECT COMPONENT LABOR HOURS LABOR COST EQUIP COST TOTAL TASK COST RC Car 8 $ $39.95 $ Ultrasonic sensor Install Ultrasonic Sensor 80 $2, $39.98 $2, Install Microcontroller 120 $3, $62.95 $3, Program Sensors 120 $3, $0.00 $3, Voice Recognition Install Hardware 120 $3, $ $3, Install Interface 80 $2, $ $2, Program Voice Commands 80 $2, $0.00 $2, Class lectures/meetings 225 $6, $0.00 $6, Overhead Fringe Benefits $4, Overhead of Labor and Materials $5, Sales and Marketing expenses $4, TOTAL PARTS COST $ TOTAL LABOR 833 $23, TOTAL OVERHEAD COST $15, PROJECT TOTAL $39, RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 14

18 The labor costs were calculated using an average salary for an entry level electrical engineer [7]. The yearly salary was broken down into an hourly rate based on a 40 hour work week. In table 7.2 all of the labor cost, equipment cost, and overhead are broken down. The fringe benefits were calculated as 20 percent of the total labor cost. The overhead of labor and materials was calculated at 25 percent of the total labor and equipment cost. The sales and marketing expenses were calculated to be 20 percent of the total labor and equipment cost. 8. SUMMARY The RCVAC design team is in the process of ordering parts. When the car arrives, the team will be able to finalize some of the design aspects. The team will start construction on the prototype once the parts are received. The progress of the RCVAC design team can be viewed on the group s website. RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 15

19 9. REFERENCES [1] R. S. Schleicher, Racing for Real, in The R/C Car Bible: How to build, tune and drive electric and nitro-powered radio control cars on and off-road, 1st ed, St. Paul, MN, Voyer Press, 2006, ch.1, pp. 12. [2] D. Lui and D. Xian, Home environmental control system for the disabled, in Proc. 1 st Int. Conv Rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology, Singapore, 2007, pp [3] Ultrasonic Sensor Kit, Vex Robotics Design System, Fort Worth, TX, [4] Image Scientific Instruments (2007). Speech Recognition Circuit Build Your Own Circuit. [Online]. Available: Tutorial01.html [5] Image Scientific Instruments (2007). Speech Recognition Interfaces. [Online Website]. Available: [6] J. Tyson. (2000 December 18). How Radio Controlled Toys Work. [Online Website]. Available: RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 16

20 [7] Salary Wizard. (2008). Know your worth, [Online Website]. Available: html. [8] VEX Robotics. (2008). VEX Robotics Ultrasonic Range Finder Kit, [Online Website].Available:http// [9] Basic MICRO. (2003). Pro Development Board, [Online Specifications Sheet]. Available: RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 17

21 Appendix A RCVAC (ECE4007RP1) 18