Vehicle Targeting System Katie Dellaquila Jeremy Nelson Khiem Tong
Dec 19, 2015
Agenda
Project Overview [KED] Multidisciplinary Aspects [KED] Motivation (Similar Products) [KED] System Schematic [JSN] Components
Image Processing [KDT] Mechanical Control [KDT/JSN]
Testing [KED] Integration [KED] Project Feasibility and Anticipated Problems [JSN] Cost [JSN] Questions
Project Overview
This project will implement a game involving a moving target with a mechanical targeting and shooting system.
The user playing the game will move the target around while the targeting system attempts to shoot it with foam darts.
The system will use a web camera placed on a tripod and image processing algorithms to detect, track, and predict the location of the target.
Multidisciplinary Aspects
Mechanical Engineering Firing Mechanism, Pneumatics
Electrical Engineering Power considerations, Power MOSFETS
Software Engineering Software design principles, design
patterns, source control.
Motivation (Similar Products)
Modern weapon systems have very complex targeting systems that utilize lasers.
Target tracking for security cameras. Any application that requires the
tracking of a target. Filters and feedback system would change but idea stays the same.
Time-out System
If microcontroller loses contact with laptop after specified time, it will shutdown.
The microcontroller will not move the mechanisms nor fire any darts if it does not receive messages containing these commands from the laptop.
Image Processing
Three filters are used to isolate target and get it’s dimensions. Color filters iterate over
array and compare to threshold values
Each new frame captured from the camera generates an event whose listener applies the filters.
Detected object’s coordinates are then used in order to calculate the centroid.
HSL Filter
Grayscale Filter
BlobCounter
Filter
Coordinate
Translation
Target Predictio
n
Frame
Control signals to
μController
Operating Restrictions/Assumptions
Target is a solid, predefined color. Target is within operating area, defined at
calibration. Lighting conditions are “reasonable”. No external objects are the same color as
the target. Computation load affects image processing,
frame rate. Disable “RightLight” automatic light
adjustment for camera. Jitter needs to be tested.
GUI Prototype
Calibrate functionality allows for adjustments to environmental conditions.
Calibrate is done by placing uniquely colored objects in viewing area to form reference points which are stored.
Target Prediction
Simple Technique: Linear Interpolation The location of the target will be tracked. This information will be used to determine the
next location of the target. Complicated Technique: Kalman Filter
This technique will probably be more accurate, but it is more costly in terms of performance.
Timing Considerations The calculations must be done quickly for
better accuracy. Dart flight time is taken into account
Mechanical Firing Mechanism
Based on, with permission, mechanism utilized in the Remote Control Turret by Josh Bookout et al.
Barrel from Nerf gun. Machine mounting with
two holes. Servo rotates barrel
using shaft connected by 2:1 gear ratio for 360˚ rotation.
Barrel is aligned with compressed air tube.
Mechanical Specifications
Servo is rated for 2.75 lbs (4.8V) and 0.19 s/60˚
The firing rate will be limited by a minimum wait time between shots.
Range is limited by pressure which controlled by regulator.
This is not huge concern since range of accurate image processing is only 15-20’.
Testing
Unit tests of individual components. Mechanical and software tests separately Mechanical▪ Empirical tests to produce scatter plot of dart firing
locations▪ Timing for updating servo position, barrel rotation, and
travel time. C# Code components▪ Image processing (light conditions, camera location, etc.)▪ Target prediction (accuracy, timing, etc)
Embedded Code components▪ Serial communication with laptop▪ Servo control, solenoid valve control
Integration
SVN server setup to help with software integration (and testing).
Iterative integration. Laptop and microcontroller
communication Microcontroller and mechanical
components control Overall system – accuracy and usability
Feasibility/Projected Problems
Mechanical design components Borrowed CAD drawings have very
precise dimensions, which make machining parts time costly
Lighting conditions Target prediction/calibration will be
challenging.
Cost
Component Retail Price Our Price
Webcam *$70 $0
Compressed Air Tank *$40 $40
Foam Dart Launcher $30 $30
Solenoid Valves **$40 $0
Turret Platform *$50 $50
Microcontroller *$100 $0
Ultrasound Sensor $15 $0
Vehicle $10 $0
Laptop $1200 $0
Total $1555 $120
*Purchased by RIT Department of Computer Engineering** Received from Mr. Wellin