GPS Tracking SystemAn autonomous user tracking system is employed to navigate the vehicle using GPS data. The following diagram demonstrates the tracking procedure implemented.

Project Definition• ABEC is an autonomous cooler on wheels that

addresses the common tailgating issues such as transporting heavy loads across long distances

• It features a GPS tracking system to track the user’s smart phone and directs its path according to the user’s position

• It uses motion sensors to handle object interferences by rerouting the station’s path

• Its sustainable energy framework uses a solar panel to provide renewable energy to the vehicle

AUTONOMOUS BRILLIANTLY ENGINEERED COOLERM. Bianco, A. Boyles , C. Echanique, and G. Lee

UCF EECS Se n io r De s ig n Grou p #23

Obstacle AvoidanceObstacle avoidance is needed for autonomous tracking mode. Three ultrasonic sensors detect obstacles in front of the vehicle. The left and right sensors allow the vehicle to turn safely. The center sensor is set to a higher range to detect objects directly in front of the vehicle sooner.

The left and right sensors are set to detect objects at a range of 30 inches away. The center sensor is set to a range of 36 inches.

Mobile ApplicationA mobile application is developed on the Android platform in order to interface with the vehicle’s onboard electronics. The vehicle’s coordinates are read from the onboard GPS module and send that date to the smartphone via Bluetooth. The application is then responsible for taking these coordinates and computing the distance (D) and bearing (B) between the user and the vehicle using the equation below.

where φ1 and φ2 are the latitudes of the vehicle and the user in radians respectively, λ 1 and λ2 are the longitudes of the vehicle and the user in radians, and R is the radius of the Earth in feet.

The Android application also feature a remote control mode (below) to provide the user with manual control of the vehicle. The vehicle turns by simply titling the phone in the desired direction.

Specifications• Carry up to 130 lbs.

• Move at least 2 mph

• Must detect obstacles at least 3 feet away

• Max range of up to 50 feet from user

• GPS tracking accurate to 15 feet

• Operate for up to 6 hours on one charge

Requirements• Sync with phone via Bluetooth

• Track user through cell phone and onboard GPS

• Follow user autonomously

• Remote control feature

• Obstacle avoidance system

• Recharge battery with solar panels or wall outlet

CONNECT

BLUETOOTH

a b e c

REVERSE

FORWARD

Vehicle

Solar PowerThe vehicle ‘s primary power supply is a 12 volt sealed lead acid battery that is responsible for providing the power that will run each motor. A 30 watt mono-crystalline solar panel is mounted to hood of the vehicle so that it is in a position to receive the optimal amount of sunlight.

Charge Controller

In order to utilize the solar panel in the most efficient way possible, it has been connected to a charge controller which is then connected to the 12V battery. This charge controller will use maximum power point tracking to get the maximum possible power from the solar cells on the panel. It will also provide certain safety features that are designed to prevent overcharging as well as maximize battery life.

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