Garage Parking IndicatorGarage Parking Indicator

Iowa State University Senior Design Dec 06-09Iowa State University Senior Design Dec 06-09Faculty Advisor: Dr. Gary TuttleFaculty Advisor: Dr. Gary Tuttle

Client: Senior DesignClient: Senior Design

Lars Kulseng (CprE)Lars Kulseng (CprE)Kevin Finck (EE)Kevin Finck (EE)

Richard Seals (CprE)Richard Seals (CprE)

12/05/200612/05/2006

OutlineOutline

Problem DescriptionProblem DescriptionIntended Users and UsesIntended Users and UsesAssumptions and LimitationsAssumptions and LimitationsTechnical DesignTechnical DesignResources and ScheduleResources and ScheduleProject EvaluationProject EvaluationSummarySummary

Problem StatementProblem Statement

The goal is to provide a system to assist a The goal is to provide a system to assist a person in parking a vehicle in a garage in person in parking a vehicle in a garage in two dimensions.two dimensions.

This will be accomplished by having a This will be accomplished by having a device, utilizing a laser pointer, assist the device, utilizing a laser pointer, assist the driver of the vehicle to the correct position driver of the vehicle to the correct position in the garage.in the garage.

DefinitionsDefinitions

GPI – Garage Parking IndicatorGPI – Garage Parking IndicatorLED – Light Emitting DiodeLED – Light Emitting DiodeAC – An electric current that reverses direction AC – An electric current that reverses direction in a circuit at regular intervals. (Alternating in a circuit at regular intervals. (Alternating Current)Current)DC – An electric current flowing in one direction DC – An electric current flowing in one direction only. (Direct Current)only. (Direct Current)Power Adaptor – Converts AC voltage to DC Power Adaptor – Converts AC voltage to DC voltagevoltageLaser - A device that produces a very narrow, Laser - A device that produces a very narrow, highly concentrated beam of light.highly concentrated beam of light.

Operating EnvironmentOperating Environment

To be used indoors or other controlled environments.

Reasonable tolerance to seasonal temperature and humidity changes.

Intended Users and UsesIntended Users and Uses

Any individual who requires assistance in Any individual who requires assistance in parking their vehicle in a garage.parking their vehicle in a garage.

Provide a visual guide to the driver to help Provide a visual guide to the driver to help them park their vehicle.them park their vehicle.

The garage has a door and an electric door The garage has a door and an electric door opener.opener.There is a suitable mounting place for the device There is a suitable mounting place for the device in the garage.in the garage.The same vehicle will be parked in the same The same vehicle will be parked in the same position every time.position every time.The garage door opener includes a standard The garage door opener includes a standard incandescent light bulb which comes on when the incandescent light bulb which comes on when the door opener is activated.door opener is activated.The unit has an unobstructed “line of sight” to the The unit has an unobstructed “line of sight” to the vehicle.vehicle.Vehicle is parked forward into the garage.Vehicle is parked forward into the garage.

AssumptionsAssumptions

One device will provide guidance for two parking stallsOne device will provide guidance for two parking stalls

Installation should be easy, using simple hand toolsInstallation should be easy, using simple hand tools

The system should turn on and off automaticallyThe system should turn on and off automatically

Designed for household power (120V AC)

Nothing is to be mounted on the sidewalls or floor of the garage

Device must retail for less than $40.Device must retail for less than $40.

LimitationsLimitations

End Product and Other DeliverablesEnd Product and Other Deliverables

Functional prototypeFunctional prototype

User manualUser manual

Present AccomplishmentsPresent Accomplishments

ResearchResearch 100%100%

DesignDesign 100%100%

Purchase partsPurchase parts 100%100%

Assembly of prototype Assembly of prototype 100%100%

Write user manualWrite user manual 100%100%

TestingTesting 100%100%

Approaches ConsideredApproaches Considered

Ultra sonic sensorsUltra sonic sensorsLaser distance measurementLaser distance measurementLaser tripwiresLaser tripwiresLaser pointer as a visual guideLaser pointer as a visual guideSound detection for on and off controlSound detection for on and off controlVibration sensor for on and off controlVibration sensor for on and off controlLight detection for on and off controlLight detection for on and off controlUtilize garage door opener as power sourceUtilize garage door opener as power sourceTiming circuit for switchingTiming circuit for switching

Approach UsedApproach Used

Laser pointer as visual guideLaser pointer as visual guide

Use garage door opener to power on and Use garage door opener to power on and off device.off device.

Project Definition ActivitiesProject Definition Activities

Met with client to determine the scope and Met with client to determine the scope and requirements, gather limitations, as well as requirements, gather limitations, as well as determine an overall definition of the determine an overall definition of the project.project.

Research ActivitiesResearch Activities

Existing productsExisting products

Laser vs. LEDLaser vs. LED

Sensor devicesSensor devices

Timing circuitTiming circuit

Laser safetyLaser safety

Design ActivitiesDesign Activities

The design for this project includes a laser The design for this project includes a laser pointer unit, a power supply unit and a pointer unit, a power supply unit and a targeting pad.targeting pad.

Laser Pointer UnitLaser Pointer Unit

The GPI will be a single unit that is installed on the The GPI will be a single unit that is installed on the ceiling or back wall of the garageceiling or back wall of the garage

Two lasers mounted on the outside of the unit will be Two lasers mounted on the outside of the unit will be pointed in a user defined directionpointed in a user defined direction

Class 3A lasers will be usedClass 3A lasers will be used

Power Supply UnitPower Supply Unit

Device is powered Device is powered using the automatic using the automatic lighting of a garage lighting of a garage door opener.door opener.

Targeting PadTargeting Pad

A target pad will be placed on the dashboard of the vehicle to help the A target pad will be placed on the dashboard of the vehicle to help the driver to determine if he or she is in the right positiondriver to determine if he or she is in the right position

The square in the middle will serve as the target for the laser beamThe square in the middle will serve as the target for the laser beam

When the laser is within the square, the driver is within +/- 1 inch of the When the laser is within the square, the driver is within +/- 1 inch of the initial calibration pointinitial calibration point

The extensions on either side of the target pad will provide the driver The extensions on either side of the target pad will provide the driver guidance on how far the car is to the left or to the right.guidance on how far the car is to the left or to the right.

Technical Design Technical Design Installation/MountingInstallation/Mounting

Option 1Option 1 Option 2Option 2

Implementation ActivitiesImplementation Activities

Disassemble laser pointer units (2) without damageDisassemble laser pointer units (2) without damage

Remove components from circuit boardRemove components from circuit board

Solder external power source wires to circuit boardSolder external power source wires to circuit board

Laser pointer housing attached to #6 solid copper wire Laser pointer housing attached to #6 solid copper wire using epoxy/hardener compound (3 surface coatings)using epoxy/hardener compound (3 surface coatings)

Laser pointer unit constructed of plastic project box Laser pointer unit constructed of plastic project box modified for installation of laser pointer mounting wires, modified for installation of laser pointer mounting wires, on/off power switches and power jackon/off power switches and power jack

Mounting screw holes drilled on sides of the boxMounting screw holes drilled on sides of the box

Laser pointer units are attached to plastic box using ¼ inch Laser pointer units are attached to plastic box using ¼ inch bolts and flat washersbolts and flat washers

Laser power leads (-Voltage) attached to power toggle Laser power leads (-Voltage) attached to power toggle switches via 100 ohm resistorsswitches via 100 ohm resistors

Toggle switches common (-Voltage) and leads (+Voltage) Toggle switches common (-Voltage) and leads (+Voltage) are connected to 2.5 mm barrel power jack on side of boxare connected to 2.5 mm barrel power jack on side of box

Mounting screw holes reinforced with epoxy and washers Mounting screw holes reinforced with epoxy and washers

Light bulb socket adaptor provides access to switched 120 Light bulb socket adaptor provides access to switched 120 Volt AC power source from garage door openerVolt AC power source from garage door opener

120 volt extension cable (14 inches) constructed from 120 volt extension cable (14 inches) constructed from standard household extension cordstandard household extension cord

Power adaptor provides 9 volt DC power to laser pointer unitPower adaptor provides 9 volt DC power to laser pointer unit

9 volt DC power source extension cable (18 Feet) 9 volt DC power source extension cable (18 Feet) constructed for back wall installation of laser pointer unitconstructed for back wall installation of laser pointer unit

Side view of garageSide view of garage

Laser turns on automaticallyLaser turns on automatically

Car is in correct position when laser hits targetCar is in correct position when laser hits target

The device will switch off automaticallyThe device will switch off automatically

Testing ActivitiesTesting Activities

An End-Product, End-User test was An End-Product, End-User test was completed in a typical residential garage completed in a typical residential garage to determine usability of the GPI unit and to determine usability of the GPI unit and the user manual.the user manual.

The testing was a success and some of The testing was a success and some of the comments made by the users were the comments made by the users were used to improve the users manual.used to improve the users manual.

ResourcesResources

Items Cost W/O Labor Cost With Labor

Printing Documentation $10.00 $10.00

Lasers $16.64 $16.64

Casing $3.15 $3.15

Power Converters $5.45 $5.45

Other $8.71 $8.71

Subtotal   $43.95 $43.95

  Hours     

Labor at $15.00 per hour      

Kulseng, Lars 123 $0 $1,845

Finck, Kevin 166 $0 $2,490

Wiltse, Daniel 75 $0 $1,125

Seals, Richard 92 $0 $1,380

Subtotal $0 $6,840

Total 456 $43.95 $6,883.95

Project ScheduleProject Schedule

Project EvaluationProject EvaluationNumber Milestone Overall Importance Success

1 Problem Definition High Fully Met

2 Research High Fully Met

3 Technology Considerations and Selection Medium Fully Met

4 End-Product Design High Fully Met

5 End-Product Implementation High Fully MetFully Met

6 End-Product User Manual Medium Fully MetFully Met

7 End-Product Testing Medium Fully MetFully Met

8 End-Product Demonstration Medium Fully MetFully Met

9 Project Reporting Medium Fully MetFully Met

CommercializationCommercialization

This product would allow for very low-cost This product would allow for very low-cost production.production.

The street price of the product could also The street price of the product could also be low compared to competitors in this be low compared to competitors in this market because of the low cost to produce market because of the low cost to produce the GPI.the GPI.

Recommendations for Additional WorkRecommendations for Additional Work

Commercialization of the product could be Commercialization of the product could be considered.considered.

Lessons LearnedLessons Learned

What went wellWhat went well– Team interactionTeam interaction– Creative processCreative process– Development of low-tech, low-cost productDevelopment of low-tech, low-cost product

What did not go wellWhat did not go well– Team schedulingTeam scheduling– Finalizing ApproachFinalizing Approach

Risks and Risk ManagementRisks and Risk Management

Loss of a team member(s)Loss of a team member(s)– Redistribute work load to other membersRedistribute work load to other members– Central location for document storageCentral location for document storage

Late arrival of parts or equipmentLate arrival of parts or equipment– Order in advanceOrder in advance– Have alternativesHave alternatives

Equipment damage Equipment damage – Have backup equipmentHave backup equipment

SummarySummary

The garage parking indicator provides a The garage parking indicator provides a low-cost, easy to install solution to allow low-cost, easy to install solution to allow persons who have difficulties parking a persons who have difficulties parking a vehicle, to park a vehicle safely in their vehicle, to park a vehicle safely in their garage.garage.

QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?