Running head: LAB 1 – SURFACE WATER DETECTION SYSTEM PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Lab 1 – Surface Water Detection System Product Description
Chris Meier
CS411
Gene H. Price
February 9, 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
2.1
Key Product Features and Capabilities ................................................................................ 4
2.2
Major Components (Hardware/Software)............................................................................ 5
2.3
Target Market/Customer Base ............................................................................................. 7
3
Product Prototype Description................................................................................................. 9
3.1
Prototype Functional Goals and Objectives ....................................................................... 10
3.2
Prototype Architecture (Hardware/Software) .................................................................... 11
3.3
Prototype Features and Capabilities................................................................................... 12
3.4
Prototype Development Challenges ................................................................................... 13
4
Glossary ................................................................................................................................. 14
5
References ............................................................................................................................. 17
List of Figures
Figure 1. Technical Overview .......................................................................................................... 5
Figure 2. Hardware Component Diagram ....................................................................................... 6
Figure 3. Hardware Overview ......................................................................................................... 6
Figure 4. Software Component Diagram ........................................................................................ 7
Figure 5. General Public GUI ........................................................................................................... 8
Figure 6. City User GUI .................................................................................................................. 10
Figure 7. Insurance Agency GUI .................................................................................................... 11
List of Tables
Table 1. Competition Matrix........................................................................................................... 5
Table 2. Prototype vs. Real-World Implementation Comparison................................................. 12
Table 3. Prototype Assumptions ................................................................................................... 13
LAB 1 – SURFACE WATER DETECTION SYSTEM PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
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3
Introduction
Heavy flooding of roadways can present many problems for traffic. Countless motorists fall
victim to what seems like shallow water only to become trapped when their vehicles fail to pass
through much deeper water. The damage a vehicle can have after being caught in a flooded area
can be potentially devastating. The cost of replacing an engine that has taken in water or simply
replacing parts that have become water logged can be expensive. In addition to compromising
frame integrity and the problems that might arise from it later on (rust damage). When this sort
of problem arises it is up to public works to rescue those unfortunates who are caught off guard.
When flooding occur many a motorist face the problem of not being able to get from one point to
another without the risk of becoming stranded.
In the last couple of years there have been storms that created severe flooding problems for
the entire city. Many vehicles were left abandoned in the streets, where they had failed to cross
over the water and were forced to leave their vehicles until conditions became suitable for
reclaiming them. Others remained trapped in their homes, unable to travel anywhere due to such
severe flooding. Even the lucky few who had the means to travel were not always lucky enough
to have a route that could lead them to escape.
Many roadways that are prone to flooding lack a city controlled contiguous alert system to
warn drivers of dangerous water levels. Such a system could assist drivers in preventing vehicle
damage and personal injury in cases where they proceed through inundated portions of the road.
Surface Water Detection System aims to provide just that, a network of above ground ultrasonic
sensors able to detect water levels in areas prone to flooding. In addition to the sensors, physical
signs placed strategically would warn drivers of dangerous roadways. Supporting this system, a
LAB 1 – SURFACE WATER DETECTION SYSTEM PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
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centralized data center allowing for easy access by user-based applications, allowing for motorist
to find information on blocked roadways and plan accordingly.
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Product Description
The Surface Water Detection System is a network of above ground ultrasonic sensors that
are able to detect rising water levels in areas prone to flooding. The sensors are mounted to road
signs that are equipped with warning lights that will flash when hazardous conditions are
detected. All information that the sensors receive will be transmitted via a microcontroller to a
data center where the data is then processed for applications such as Google maps. In Addition,
the data is stored in a database for other parties (Insurance Agencies or City Municipalities) to
access as needed and help to provide up to the minute driving condition status information.
2.1
Key Product Features and Capabilities
A network of above ground ultrasonic sensors operating in tandem with roadside warning
signs and supported by a centralized data center working to provide information to motorist via
user friendly applications. The system as a whole is able to provide up to the minute readings of
roadway conditions wherever it is installed, simultaneously broadcasting the readings to the
centralized data center and updating to a commercial front end that utilizes Google maps API
and RSS to offer real time services via internet or mobile device. When flooding occurs, the
sensors continually monitor the surface level of water and if that level should exceed prescribed
safety conditions the signs flash warning signals for motorists in the area to be alerted to a
dangerous driving condition. Additionally, as the signs warn those in the area of danger, they
also transmit the information back to the centralized data center to flag their area of road as
flooded. Those who choose the option will receive automatic email via RSS feeds. Whether on
LAB 1 – SURFACE WATER DETECTION SYSTEM PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
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the road or in the home, drivers will be able to receive warnings ahead of time in order to prevent
any catastrophic situation.
Table 1. Competition Matrix
2.2
Major Components (Hardware/Software)
Figure 1. Technical Overview
Figure 1 illustrates the three major focuses of the Surface Water Detection System. The
first being the remote portion of the system which consists of ultra-sonic sensors mounted to
roadside warning signs within a ruggedized housing.
LAB 1 – SURFACE WATER DETECTION SYSTEM PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
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Roadside
Warning Sign
Remote Device
Ultrasonic
Sensor
Embedded
Microcontroller
Internal Data
Store
Data Center
Web Server
Figure 2. Hardware Component Diagram
As in Figure 2, the sensor is operated by an intelligent microcontroller that is able to
utilize an onboard Network Interface Card for updating to a network; however if need be the
remote portion can operate separately as a closed system (i.e. the sign itself can act as the entire
warning system).
Figure 3. Hardware Overview
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Figure 3 shows how the remote portion communicates via NIC with Centralized Control in order
to process incoming remote data and reformat it for storage and redistribution via end user
applications such as real time maps and syndication services.
Remote Device
Development PC
Data
Acquisition
Client
Data
Acquisition
Host
Control
Software
Database
User
Applications
Figure 4. Software Component Diagram
Figure 4 demonstrates how a data client is able to send and receive roadway information
via the data host while the data host updates the user application.
2.3
Target Market/Customer Base
The target group for Surface Water Detection System is that of the city public works and
private citizens in two aspects. The multi-sensor system can be sold to the city and help to
alleviate the costs of paying law enforcement and towing services while offering a practical
solution to a city wide road safety problem. The web service can be offered to private citizens
for real time warning via Google Maps graphical representation of hazardous pathways, and in
addition, can offer RSS feeds that can alert the customer to changes in the availability of their
common routes (Shown in figure 5).
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LAB 1 – SURFACE WATER DETECTION SYSTEM PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Figure 5. General Public GUI
In addition, the customers benefit from being able to access real time and historical flood
data in order to improve their mobility even in the worst conditions. In this way, Surface Water
Detection System alleviates the burdens on public works having to help stranded motorists and
allows the individual citizenry to become aware of compromised roadways, prevents many
unfortunate situations and alleviates the need of assistance for both the city and its residents
when flooding does occur.
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Product Prototype Description
The prototype of Surface Water Detection System will demonstrate the accuracy and
expediency of the ultra sonic sensors and their capability to read water levels on the fly.
Additionally, the system will demonstrate the updating ability of the microcontroller using the
NIC to the web server. Also, the website’s historical and real time data services will be
demonstrated.
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Figure 6. City User GUI
3.1
Prototype Functional Goals and Objectives
The first functional objective will be to demonstrate how the sensor is able to relate
measurement data on the fly as water levels change. The ultra-sonic sensor will emit frequencies
that when hitting a surface read the distance between the sensor and the surface. As the water
levels change, so do the readings allowing for accurate monitoring of roadway conditions. The
second functional objective will be to demonstrate the intelligent microprocessor’s capabilities.
As the sensor receives the data, the intelligent microprocessor will access the database via NIC
and in turn the database will display the results according to the web page format (Shown in
Figures 6 & 7).
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Figure 7. Insurance Agency GUI
As measurements are taken they are instantly available from the internet courtesy of the
web server for review either by browser or mobile device.
3.2
Prototype Architecture (Hardware/Software)
The prototype will consist of an industrial ultra sonic sensor mounted to the motherboard
with intelligent microprocessor and network interface card. This assembly will not be housed
and will be mounted on a simple stand attached to a basin. Also included in the demonstration
will be a personal computer running MySQL database. The purpose of which will be to simulate
the centralized data center and the real time updating of sensor information.
LAB 1 – SURFACE WATER DETECTION SYSTEM PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Feature
Sensor
Microcontroller
Multi-Sensor
Network
Centralized Data
Center
Report Generator
GoogleMaps™
application
RSS
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Real World Implementation
Prototype
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.
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.
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 realtime water depth measurements in inches.
Included on the product website for entities
to subscribe.
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.
Table 2. Prototype vs. Real-World Implementation Comparison
3.3
Prototype Features and Capabilities
The prototype will demonstrate how an ultra-sonic sensor is able to read water levels
consistently and accurately, while providing a constant stream of data via onboard components to
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an online database. Showing that this assembly is capable of correctly measuring and providing
data to the database will prove that the in the field solution will be able to successfully mitigate
the real world problem. Regarding project risks the prototype demonstrates that the system is
feasible but most of the risks remain undeterminable until tested within the field.
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
Challenges expected for prototype completion are centered around the logistics of correctly
analyzing and determining correct sensor data and false positives (e.g. filtering logic) and
completion of the database/server. For demonstration purposes the sensor and its components
will need to be carefully placed and the procedure will have to be carefully reviewed and
rehearsed for maximum clarity and efficiency. One other implicit problem is the coordination of
efforts between group members and the budgeting of time for previously stated objectives.
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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.
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 inturn, 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.
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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
"Repository." CS410 Green Team. Green Team, 19 Oct. 2010. Web. 1 Feb. 2011.
<cs41x.com/repository>.
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