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A Wireless Identification A Wireless Identification System to Assist SightSystem to Assist Sight--

Constrained PeopleConstrained PeopleDec06Dec06--0606

5 December 20065 December 2006

Client:Client: Mr. Curtis Mr. Curtis ChongChongIowa Department for the BlindIowa Department for the Blind

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Faculty Advisor: Dr. ZhengdaoZhengdao WangWang Team: Team: JeradJerad HarmsenHarmsen –– Team MemberTeam MemberNicholas Kayser Nicholas Kayser –– CommunicationsCommunicationsDaniel Ketcham Daniel Ketcham –– LeaderLeaderRajesh Rajesh VenkatachalamVenkatachalam**

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OutlineOutlineIntroductionIntroduction

OverviewOverview

ActivitiesActivities

Resources & SchedulingResources & Scheduling

ClosureClosure

QuestionsQuestions

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Definitions (1/2)Definitions (1/2)

OmnidirectionalOmnidirectional HandHand--Held ScannerHeld Scanner: a hand: a hand--held held scanner that can scan in all directionsscanner that can scan in all directions

BluetoothBluetooth: a short: a short--range radio technology for Internet and range radio technology for Internet and mobile devices, aimed at simplifying communications mobile devices, aimed at simplifying communications among themamong them

Radio Frequency (RF)Radio Frequency (RF): a frequency in which radio waves : a frequency in which radio waves are transmittedare transmitted

SCANACANSCANACAN™™: software distributed by Ferguson : software distributed by Ferguson Enterprises that allows a scanner to scan a barcode and Enterprises that allows a scanner to scan a barcode and transmit it to a computer which in turn will output a voice transmit it to a computer which in turn will output a voice describing the product, for sightdescribing the product, for sight--constrained peopleconstrained people

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Definitions (2/2)Definitions (2/2)HIDHID: Human Interface Device : Human Interface Device –– any device to interact directly any device to interact directly with humans (mostly input) like keyboard, mouse, joystick, or with humans (mostly input) like keyboard, mouse, joystick, or graphics tabletgraphics tablet

802.11802.11: applies to wireless LANs and provides 1 or 2 Mbps : applies to wireless LANs and provides 1 or 2 Mbps transmission in the 2.4 GHz band using either frequencies hoppintransmission in the 2.4 GHz band using either frequencies hopping g spread spectrum (FHSS) or direct sequence spread spectrum spread spectrum (FHSS) or direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS).(DSSS).

ISM BandsISM Bands: I: Industrial, Scientific and Medical Radio Bands ndustrial, Scientific and Medical Radio Bands ––originally reserved internationally for nonoriginally reserved internationally for non--commercial use of RF commercial use of RF electromagnetic fields for industrial, scientific and medical electromagnetic fields for industrial, scientific and medical purposes, but now apurposes, but now a part of the radio spectrum that can be used part of the radio spectrum that can be used by anybody without a license in most countriesby anybody without a license in most countries

Screen ReaderScreen Reader: a : a texttext--toto--speechspeech system, intended for use bysystem, intended for use byblind or lowblind or low--vision users, that speaks the text content of avision users, that speaks the text content of acomputer displaycomputer display

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OverviewOverview

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AcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsMr. Curtis Chong and the Iowa Department for the Mr. Curtis Chong and the Iowa Department for the

Blind for the information and resources provided.Blind for the information and resources provided.

Dr. Dr. ZhengdaoZhengdao Wang for all his hard work and Wang for all his hard work and guidance.guidance.

Professors Lamont and Patterson for their Professors Lamont and Patterson for their consultation and for lab provisions.consultation and for lab provisions.

Jason Boyd for his consultation and design Jason Boyd for his consultation and design recommendations.recommendations.

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Problem Statement (1/2)Problem Statement (1/2)Create Wireless handCreate Wireless hand--held scanner that can:held scanner that can:•• Read barcodesRead barcodes

•• Wirelessly transmit barcode information to computerWirelessly transmit barcode information to computer

•• Use the SCANACANUse the SCANACAN™™ software to decode barcode datasoftware to decode barcode data

•• Receive wireless audio signalReceive wireless audio signalSignal contains description of productSignal contains description of product

•• Output the audio signalOutput the audio signal

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Problem Statement (2/2)Problem Statement (2/2)

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Operating EnvironmentOperating Environment

InIn--home environmenthome environment•• Withstand occasional impactsWithstand occasional impacts

•• Slight water contactSlight water contact

•• Light dust buildupLight dust buildup

•• Temperatures ranging between 10Temperatures ranging between 10--3232°°C C

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Intended UsersIntended Users

SightSight--constrained or blind individualsconstrained or blind individuals•• Has experience with barcode scannersHas experience with barcode scanners

•• Has SCANACANHas SCANACAN™™ software and software and hardware already installedhardware already installed

•• Has a screen reader installedHas a screen reader installed

•• General use will not exceed ten minutesGeneral use will not exceed ten minutes

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Intended UsesIntended Uses

Scan barcodesScan barcodes•• Common household itemsCommon household items

Namely food productsNamely food products

•• Scanner rests on flat surfaceScanner rests on flat surface

•• Held by userHeld by user

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Assumptions (1/2)Assumptions (1/2)SCANACANSCANACAN™™ software and hardware was software and hardware was previously installed on Windowspreviously installed on Windows®® based based platformplatform

Screen reader software was previously Screen reader software was previously installedinstalled

Aid with installationAid with installation

Used in a home environmentUsed in a home environment

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Assumptions (2/2)Assumptions (2/2)Home computer is always onHome computer is always on

AA Batteries available for powerAA Batteries available for power

Wireless frequency between 905Wireless frequency between 905--925MHz 925MHz will not cause interference with common will not cause interference with common household itemshousehold items

The scanner will be used within the United The scanner will be used within the United States and comply with FCC regulationsStates and comply with FCC regulations

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LimitationsLimitations

End product costs no more than $600 USDEnd product costs no more than $600 USD

Must not weigh more than 5Must not weigh more than 5--6 pounds6 pounds

Wireless technology must be strong Wireless technology must be strong enough to operate without data loss at a enough to operate without data loss at a minimum distance of 30 metersminimum distance of 30 meters

Must operate on batteriesMust operate on batteries

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End ProductEnd ProductHandHand--held wireless scannerheld wireless scanner•• All features contained within an enclosureAll features contained within an enclosure

Wireless USB devicesWireless USB devices•• Transmitter attached to scannerTransmitter attached to scanner•• Receiver to be attached to a computerReceiver to be attached to a computer

UserUser’’s manual and setup guides manual and setup guide

Comprehensive design reportComprehensive design report

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ActivitiesActivities

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AccomplishmentsAccomplishments

Wireless design completeWireless design complete•• Low powerLow power•• Moderate costModerate cost

DocumentationDocumentation•• Electronic userElectronic user’’s manuals manual•• Comprehensive design reportComprehensive design report

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Approaches Considered (1/4)Approaches Considered (1/4)

Approach 1: Use a Bluetooth Approach 1: Use a Bluetooth interface for data/audio transmissioninterface for data/audio transmission•• Development kits too expensiveDevelopment kits too expensive•• Limited working knowledgeLimited working knowledge

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Approaches Considered (2/4)Approaches Considered (2/4)

Approach 2: Make transmitter and Approach 2: Make transmitter and receiver from scratchreceiver from scratch•• Low costLow cost•• Not within scope of this projectNot within scope of this project•• Implementation is difficultImplementation is difficult

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Approaches Considered (3/4)Approaches Considered (3/4)

Approach 3: Use a preApproach 3: Use a pre--made made transceiver chip for communication transceiver chip for communication methodmethod•• TRF6901TRF6901

Low cost chipLow cost chipLow power usageLow power usage

•• Additional circuitry neededAdditional circuitry neededToo many possible problemsToo many possible problemsNot within scope of this projectNot within scope of this project

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Approaches Considered (4/4)Approaches Considered (4/4)

Approach 4: Use a preApproach 4: Use a pre--made made transceiver moduletransceiver module•• Chip contains all circuitry necessary for Chip contains all circuitry necessary for

transmission and receptiontransmission and reception•• Low power usageLow power usage•• Higher cost per deviceHigher cost per device

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Approach UsedApproach Used

Approach 4: Use a preApproach 4: Use a pre--made made transceiver module (RFD21130)transceiver module (RFD21130)•• Fastest development timeFastest development time•• Cost of additional components removedCost of additional components removed•• SimplicitySimplicity•• ““Plug Plug ‘‘n Playn Play”” interfaceinterface

Picture Courtesy of R.F. Digital <http://www.rfdigital.com>

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Definition ActivitiesDefinition Activities

Meeting with ClientMeeting with Client•• Discussed project definitionDiscussed project definition

Convert wired scanner to wireless systemConvert wired scanner to wireless systemSound in proximity of the scannerSound in proximity of the scannerStill works with SCANACANStill works with SCANACAN™™ softwaresoftwareProduct documentationProduct documentation

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Research activitiesResearch activities

Researched barcode scannersResearched barcode scannersResearched wireless technologyResearched wireless technology•• BluetoothBluetooth•• 802.11802.11•• RFRF

MAX2606 chipMAX2606 chipTRF6901 chipTRF6901 chipRFD21130 moduleRFD21130 module

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Design Activities (1/3)Design Activities (1/3)

Voltage stepperVoltage stepper•• TranceiverTranceiver uses less voltage than USBuses less voltage than USB•• Negative voltages for voltage steppingNegative voltages for voltage stepping

Circuit layoutsCircuit layouts

USB DIAGRAM HEREUSB DIAGRAM HERE

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Implementation ActivitiesImplementation Activities

Fixate wireless module to an Fixate wireless module to an enclosureenclosure

Hook up both scanner and wireless Hook up both scanner and wireless module to powermodule to power•• Power regulationPower regulation

Hook additional wireless module to Hook additional wireless module to the computerthe computer

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Testing ActivitiesTesting Activities

Lab testingLab testing•• Signal interferenceSignal interference•• Signal strengthSignal strength•• Proper data transmissionProper data transmission

User testingUser testing•• Scanner tested outside of labScanner tested outside of lab•• Scanner tested by end userScanner tested by end user

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Other ActivitiesOther Activities

Documentation for scanner setup Documentation for scanner setup and usageand usage

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Resources & SchedulingResources & Scheduling

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Personnel EffortPersonnel Effort

Daniel Ketcham(317 hrs)

Rajesh Venkatachalam(74 hrs)

Jerad Harmsen(242 hrs)

Nicholas Kayser(305 hrs)

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Tangible ResourcesTangible ResourcesItem Team Hours Other Hours CostParts and Materials:

Scanner 0 0 $0.00

Wireless Technology 40 0 $86.00

Battery 5 0 $10.00

Electronic Components 30 0 $110.00

Poster 25 0 $40.00

SCANACAN™ Package 15 0 $650.00

Subtotal 115 0 $896.00

Other Services:Print Poster 0 2 $0.00

Printed Paper 15 2 $50.00

Travel Expenses 5 0 $20.00

Mailing Expenses 1 1 $25.00

Subtotal 21 5 $95.00

Totals 136 5 $991.00

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Financial RequirementsFinancial RequirementsItem W/O Labor With Labor

Parts and Materials:

Scanner $0.00 $0.00

Wireless Technology $86.00 $506.00

Battery $10.00 $62.50

Electronic Components $110.00 $425.00

Poster $40.00 $302.00

SCANACAN™ Package $650.00 $807.50

Subtotal $896.00 $2,103.00

Other Services:

Print Poster $0.00 $0.00

Printed Paper $50.00 $207.50

Travel Expenses $20.00 $72.50

Mailing Expenses $25.00 $35.50

Subtotal $95.00 $315.50

Labor at $10.50/hr

Jerad Harmsen $0.00 $2,541.00

Nicholas Kayser $0.00 $3,202.50

Daniel Ketcham $0.00 $3,328.50

Rajesh Venkatachalam $0.00 $777.00

Subtotal $0.00 $9,849.00

Totals $991.00 $12,267.50

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ScheduleSchedule

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ClosureClosure

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EvaluationEvaluationMilestones

Relative Importance Evaluation Score Resultant ScoreProblem definition 15% 100% 15%

Research 10% 100% 10%

Technology selection 5% 100% 5%

End-product design 15% 100% 15%

Prototype implementation

10% 90% 9%

End-product testing 15% 60% 9%

End-product documentation

10% 100% 10%

Project reviews 5% 100% 5%

Project reporting 5% 80% 4%

End-product demonstration

10% 2% 0%

Total 100% 82%

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CommercializationCommercialization

Design intended as a prototypeDesign intended as a prototype•• Potential for future productionPotential for future production•• Approximately $150 for production of Approximately $150 for production of

system, excluding SCANACANsystem, excluding SCANACAN™™software and hardwaresoftware and hardware

•• Marketable to all current and new Marketable to all current and new SCANACANSCANACAN™™ usersusers

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Additional WorkAdditional Work

Rechargeable batteryRechargeable battery•• Battery strength indicator (audible)Battery strength indicator (audible)

Wireless built into scannerWireless built into scanner•• Elimination of a Elimination of a ““black boxblack box”” attachmentattachment•• Copyright infringement issuesCopyright infringement issues

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RisksRisks

Loss of a Team MemberLoss of a Team Member•• Rajesh left the team at the end of the Rajesh left the team at the end of the

spring semesterspring semester

Defective hardwareDefective hardware•• No defective hardware was foundNo defective hardware was found

Design flawsDesign flaws•• Design was reDesign was re--evaluated three timesevaluated three times

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Lessons LearnedLessons Learned

Contact with many sourcesContact with many sources

Start design work as early as possibleStart design work as early as possible•• Designs do not necessarily work as plannedDesigns do not necessarily work as planned

Assume lengthy testing timesAssume lengthy testing times

Set up project goals so that the project Set up project goals so that the project can continue with member losscan continue with member loss

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SummarySummaryDue to the need for an adequate scanning Due to the need for an adequate scanning solution for sightsolution for sight--constrained individuals, this constrained individuals, this project centers around creating a scanner that project centers around creating a scanner that will fit these needs. This scanner does not only will fit these needs. This scanner does not only scan barcodes on prescan barcodes on pre--defined products, but also defined products, but also it will tell the user verbally what the product is. it will tell the user verbally what the product is. By using this designed product, blind individuals By using this designed product, blind individuals will have an easier time managing their personal will have an easier time managing their personal inventories.inventories.

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Questions?Questions?