Running head: LAB 1 – SURFACE WATER DETECTION SYSTEM PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Lab 1 – Surface Water Detection System Product Description
Version 2
Katherine Kenyon
CS 411 Workforce Development II
Old Dominion University
Professor Hill Price
March 19, 2011
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LAB 1 – SURFACE WATER DETECTION SYSTEM PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
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Table of Contents
1
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 3
2
Product Description .............................................................................................................................. 4
3
2.1
Key Product Features and Capabilities ......................................................................................... 4
2.2
Major Components (Hardware/Software) .................................................................................... 5
2.3
Target Market/Customer Base ..................................................................................................... 8
Product Prototype Description ............................................................................................................. 8
3.1
Prototype Functional Goals and Objectives................................................................................ 10
3.2
Prototype Architecture (Hardware/Software) ............................................................................ 10
3.3
Prototype Features and Capabilities ........................................................................................... 12
3.4
Prototype Development Challenges ........................................................................................... 12
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Glossary ............................................................................................................................................... 13
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References .......................................................................................................................................... 16
List of Figures
Figure 1. Technical Overview .......................................................................................................... 5
Figure 2. Major Functional Component Diagram ........................................................................... 6
Figure 3. Hardware Component Diagram ....................................................................................... 7
Figure 4. Software Component Diagram ........................................................................................ 7
Figure 5. General Public GUI ........................................................................................................... 9
Figure 6. City User GUI .................................................................................................................. 10
Figure 7. Insurance Agency GUI .................................................................................................... 10
List of Tables
Table 1. Competition Matrix ........................................................................................................... 4
Table 2. Prototype vs. Real-World Implementation Comparison ................................................ 11
Table 3. Prototype Assumptions ................................................................................................... 12
LAB 1 – SURFACE WATER DETECTION SYSTEM PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
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Introduction
Within the last decade, a vast level of improvement of roadway systems through the use
of sensors, cameras, and computerized signs has been achieved. The results of infusing
technology into the streets have been subtle, yet life changing for commuters; one such
example is the improvement of traffic light coordination based on traffic flow. Recently, new
waves of innovative technology solutions have been implemented; cameras that record traffic
light violations, warning signs that can detect a violation of the speeding limit, signs that detect
a freezing bridge, and webcams that allow remote monitoring of traffic buildup on major
highways. These new innovations are very useful to law enforcement and technologically savvy
drivers.
When it comes to alerting a driver about adverse roadway conditions, the use of
technology is especially crucial. Notifying a driver of a dangerous roadway condition before it’s
too late can potentially reduce the number of related accidents. Car accidents are the leading
cause of death for Americans under thirty-five years of age (Online Lawyer Source, 2011). It is
common knowledge that car accidents are more likely to occur when the roads are flooded, but
sometimes driving through adverse weather conditions cannot be avoided. Luckily, there is a
simple solution to this problem – the Surface Water Detection System. The Surface Water
Detection System employs a network of ultrasonic sensors to detect dangerous levels of
flooding on highways and roads – with this information, drivers can be alerted through various
channels to avoid taking a route that has dangerous water conditions.
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Product Description
The Surface Water Detection System will consist of a network of above-ground ultrasonic
sensors used to detect an unacceptable level of water on the road. The ultrasonic sensors will
be strategically placed in areas that are prone to flooding. When a road flood is detected;
strategically placed technologically-enhanced road signs will alert drivers that there are
dangerous flood levels ahead. Upon noting the flood sign, a driver will decide whether or not
to make a detour to a non-flooded route.
2.1
Key Product Features and Capabilities
The Surface Water Detection System will feature a commercial front-end, roadside
warning signs, interactive Internet maps, and mobile device support. Table 1 compares the
functionality of the Surface Water Detection System with existing flood monitoring systems. In
addition to becoming the first flood monitoring system put to use in the Hampton Roads Area
of Virginia, the Surface Water Detection System offers a more comprehensive set of features
than any of its competitors - including innovative mobile device alerts.
Table 1. Competition Matrix
Table 1 compares the functionality of the Surface Water Detection System with existing
flood monitoring systems. In addition to becoming the first flood monitoring system put to use
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in the Hampton Roads Area of Virginia, the Surface Water Detection System offers a more
comprehensive set of features than any of its competitors - including innovative mobile device
alerts.
By providing multiple channels with which to receive timely updates about flood
conditions, drivers are able to reap the full benefits of the Surface Water Detection System.
The Surface Water Detection System uses road signs to immediately alert a driver. Advanced
route planning can be accomplished through the use of interactive internet maps. Mobile
device support will provide cell phone subscribers with SMS updates about flooding within
areas of specified interest. By knowing adverse road conditions well in advance, a driver will be
better able to make decisions resulting in a safer roadway experience.
2.2
Major Components (Hardware/Software)
Figure 1 shows three levels of functionality for the Surface Water Detection System. Each
layer builds upon the functionally of a lower layer, as indicated from the base layer to the topmost layer from left to right.
Figure 1. Technical Overview
At the most basic layer, each water detection device will act as a closed system. The
closed system “Remote” device will consist of a single ultrasonic sensor, a microcontroller, a
ruggedized housing unit, and a warning sign. The remote device will include (but does not
require) a network interface to operate. Figure 2 illustrates how the hardware components
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interact within the remote device. In Figure 2 the gray box indicates which components will be
consolidated within a ruggedized housing unit.
Figure 2. Major Functional Component Diagram
The next layer, called the Centralized Control layer - involves a network of “Remotes”
that communicate to a central server about roadway flood conditions. Figure 3 is a stylized
high-level diagram that illustrates the interactions between the remote device layer and the
central control layer. Each remote water detection device installed in the field will be
connected to a network for centralized control. The network gathers instantaneous data from
each of the remote devices and processes the data into a central database located on a
webserver. Lastly, the top-most layer consists of end-user applications which include websites,
online maps with real-time information, mobile alert services, and syndicated status updates.
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Figure 3. Hardware Component Diagram
Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the centralized data server and user
applications. Between the Centralized Control layer and the End-User Application layer is a
server/client web interface. The Surface Water Detection System will utilize the internet to
send data to various end-user applications. The network of remote units will not connect
directly to the internet, for the Centralized Control layer will have its own dedicated network to
gather flood level signals from each of the remote devices. However, the Centralized Control
layer will store its central database onto a web server and make its data accessible to clients via
the internet.
Figure 4. Software Component Diagram
LAB 1 – SURFACE WATER DETECTION SYSTEM PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
2.3
Target Market/Customer Base
The primary benefactors of the Surface Water Detection System are automobile drivers.
Access to the end-user services will be provided to individuals free of charge. The Surface
Water Detection System’s main customer is local and state governments interested in
implementing it as a public safety service. Additional revenue for the Surface Water Detection
System will come from secondary markets such insurance companies, agencies interested in
buying statistical data, and companies interested in utilizing services provided by the Surface
Water Detection System within commercial applications.
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Product Prototype Description
The prototype for the Surface Water Detection System will consist of two separate parts
that illustrate the closed system aspect of the system and some of the essential data services.
The first part of the prototype will consist of a demonstration of how the ultrasonic sensor
detects water levels. This will be achieved through the use of an ultrasonic sensor and a
container of water. The second part of the prototype involves demonstrating how collected
sensor data will be made of use. Figure 5 shows a rapid prototype GUI screen for searching
historical sensor information. Historical sensor information deals with sensor readings over
time. This information is stored within a database and accessed through a web-interface.
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Figure 5. General Public GUI
Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrate additional rapid prototyped GUI screens. The city user
view illustrates the water depth measurements of various sensors. The colors indicate which
sensors are reading a severe level of flooding. The prototype may or may not include
integration between sensor readings and data collection software. When actual readings and
software can’t be functionally integrated due to difficulties with the sensor or lack of sensors,
simulated data will be created to demonstrate software functionality. The prototype will
include a demonstration of integration with Google Maps and mobile updates. In the prototype
many capabilities of the product will be reduced or eliminated.
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Figure 6. City User GUI
Figure 7. Insurance Agency GUI
3.1
Prototype Functional Goals and Objectives
The first functional objective of the prototype is to demonstrate the mechanism of water
detection using an ultrasonic sensor. The purpose of this objective is to demonstrate that an
ultrasonic sensor is proficient at water level detection. The second functional objective of the
prototype is to demonstrate how data collected through the ultrasonic sensor can be
interpreted into meaningful results. The data will be accessible through the World Wide Web
in order to demonstrate ease of use.
3.2
Prototype Architecture (Hardware/Software)
An ultrasonic sensor will be directed at a container with varying water levels adjusted
through the manual addition of water through the top or drainage of water through a release
hatch. The information collected by the sensor will be collected and sent to a computer
attached to the sensor through a USB port. The computer will be running software that is able
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to interpret the sensor data into meaningful results. These results will be stored into a MySQL
database on an external webserver to be stored and accessed by web applications such as
Google Maps. Table 2 illustrates key differences between the real-world product and the
prototype, the table explains how the functionality of the prototype will be reduced from the
real world product.
Feature
Sensor
Microcontroller
Multi-Sensor Network
Centralized Data Center
Report Generator
GoogleMaps™ application
RSS
Real World Implementation
One sensor available for
closed system; multiple
sensors for networked system.
Ruggedized housing to protect
from the elements.
For closed system, embedded
data store and algorithms to
throw out erroneous data. For
networked solution,
programmed to send data to
centralized data center.
If client chooses to implement
networked solution, this is
available for implementation.
The number of sensors will be
determined by the client based
upon several factors.
Data collection server that
stores the info from the
microcontroller
Users can access reports from
the product website which will
feature an administrative login
for clients. The data is pulled
from a database on the server.
Featured on the product
website with real-time water
depth measurements in inches.
Included on the product
website for entities to
subscribe.
Table 2. Prototype vs. Real-World Implementation Comparison
Prototype
Will feature one sensor that
detects and sends data to the
simulation computer in the
closed system demonstration.
Will feature one
microcontroller that receives
data from a single sensor and
sends it to the development
PC.
This will be simulated for the
networked demonstration.
Will be simulated.
This is simulated in a GUI on
the development computer.
Will be simulated on the
product website via a GUI.
An icon will be featured on
the product website but will
not be functional.
LAB 1 – SURFACE WATER DETECTION SYSTEM PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
3.3
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Prototype Features and Capabilities
The prototype will demonstrate the general concept behind the Surface Water Detection
System. A sensor unit is used to detect water levels and computer software records historical
sensor data, as well as alert coordination and publishing of flood conditions to various web
services such as RSS. The prototype addresses risk mitigation by providing an example of a
third-party network solution model that may need to be implemented in case existing networks
such as the Intelligent Transportation Systems Network (ITS), or the Advanced Transportation
Management System (ATMS) cannot be used by the real world product. Table 3 lists prototype
assumptions.
Prototype Assumptions
A simulated sensor will not stop functioning during a simulation.
Any spike in data will be regarded as an obstruction (such as a vehicle) and will be
thrown out.
The user will not look up data archives for a date that precedes the sensor installation
date.
The microcontroller will not perform any data processing; it is assumed that software at
the centralized data center will perform this task.
Table 3. Prototype Assumptions
3.4
Prototype Development Challenges
An accurate demonstration of the product must be demonstrated despite the availability of
only one sensor. Demonstration of data collection features dealing with data from multiple
sensors will be simulated through pre-generated data. The prototype filter logic also presents a
challenge. Successful implementation of filtering logic must be accomplished in order to
demonstrate that the Surface Water Detection System will not be prone to a high level of false
alarms.
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Glossary
Algorithm: A precise rule or set of rules specifying how to solve a problem.
Annual software license: A legal contract governing the usage of software that is updated once
a year.
Application Programming Interface (API): Software implemented to allow for simpler and more
abstracted interactions with other software.
Baseline package: The basic closed-system version of the flood detection system that includes
the ultrasonic sensor, microcontroller, ruggedized housing, and flashing warning sign.
This is best suited for remote locations where a sensor network would be impractical.
Bid proposal: An explanation of products and services given with an estimated cost.
Centralized data center: The software and hardware that acts a central point for collecting the
sensor data transmissions over a network and recording their values into a database.
Client: Any end-system that is connected to a network.
Closed system: A single ultrasonic sensor, microcontroller, ruggedized housing, and warning
sign set up that has no network interface.
Commercial front-end: An entity that provides some means, via website or physical location, to
sell a product. These are direct whose primary goal is to sell its company’s deliverables
to a targeted market.
Embedded data store: The ability to store data on the microcontroller.
Flooding: An inundated area of roadway that is considered impassible due to an influx of water.
Global Positioning System (GPS): A navigational system that pinpoints latitude and longitude of
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a location using stationary satellites.
Google Maps API: A technology created by Google that utilizes maps to support a variety of
uses, typically displaying related locations in map form through a web browser.
Graphical User Interface (GUI): A user-friendly interface that allows easy access to an
applications features, which uses a mouse and keyboard as input devices.
Microcontroller: A small computer on a chip that is used to control electronic devices.
Modularized: Development technique which involves breaking a unified process or idea into
coherent segments for the purpose of abstraction or simplicity.
Multi-sensor network: Several sensor installations connected by a network infrastructure that
relay measurements back to a centralized data center.
Network: A system of interconnected electronic components or circuits.
Prototype: Logical step in the development process demonstrating the real world potential of a
concept.
Short Message Service (SMS): A mechanism which allows brief text messages to be sent to the
phone. Several of the major phone standards support it.
Real time data: Information that is collected in the actual time the process is occurring.
Really Simple Syndication (RSS): Formatted XML used to provide subscribers with information
updated on a regular basis.
Risk analysis: Identifying and assessing factors that may compromise the success of a project.
Ruggedized housing: An enclosure designed to protect an electronic device such as a field
sensor from the elements.
Server: A computer used to accept incoming requests and information over a network, and in-
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turn, generates and transmits data back to another user or computer (client).
Ultrasonic sensor: A sensor that calculates changes in depth using high frequency sound waves.
User base applications: Programs developed for the purpose of providing services to users.
Warning sign: A type of traffic sign that indicates a hazard on the road that may not be readily
apparent to a driver.
Web Server: A computer that delivers content from websites over the internet.
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References
CS Green Team. (2011). Surface Water Detection System. Retrieved February 9, 2011, from
CS410 Green Team: http://cs.odu.edu/~411green/
Online Lawyer Source. (2011). Car Accident Statistics. Retrieved February 8, 2011, from Online
Lawyer Source: http://www.onlinelawyersource.com/personal_injury/car/statistics.html