06419 - Know the USA
Fall 2005
Problem Statement / Deliverables
The goal of the project is to enable an instructor to monitor the progress of students using
the “Know the USA” handheld device from a desktop/laptop computer via a wireless
connection. Deliverables will include modification of the existing PDA software,
development of new monitoring software for a PC, purchasing a wireless card and
configuring the HP Jornada 567 for wireless connectivity, and a user manual to
accompany the product.
Deliverable 1: Modifications to PDA “Know the USA” Software:
The current “Know the USA” software includes both a digital version of the “Know the
USA” flashcards, and a 10 question quiz which can be played at varying difficulty levels.
The following modifications shall be made:
i.
A “monitor my progress” option shall be added at the beginning of the game
which will allow the user to connect to a PC (via a wireless network connection)
for real-time progress monitoring.
ii. When an answer is selected, the result (correct or incorrect) shall be sent to the PC
application via the wireless connection. When the game has ended, the final score
will also be sent across the connection.
Deliverable 2: Wireless Connectivity
To make a wireless connection, two options are currently available.
i.
The first is to use a ‘Belkin Wireless PDA Network Card’ which is compatible
with the HP Jornada 567. This adapter operates in the ISM band using Direct
Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) transmission. It is equipped with most
necessary tools to establish a wireless connection. ($120)
ii. The second is to use an external wireless port such as WiPort: a wireless
embedded device server that transmits a stream of data from a serial input to IEEE
802.11b packets which can be retrieved with modifications to the user’s software.
($65)
Since both solutions are viable, a comparison of both options will be done (using Pugh’s
method or another analysis technique) to determine the best possible solution.
Figure 1: The “Know the USA” system
06419 - Know the USA
Fall 2005
Deliverable 3: Instructor Progress Monitoring PC Software
Since no software currently exists for this deliverable, a new software application will be
created that will allow for connectivity from a PDA device and will display incoming
data. The application will have the following requirements:
i.
Upon start-up, the application will sit idle and listen for devices trying to connect.
ii. Once a connection is detected, the application will begin showing data on the
progress of the ‘Know the USA’ quiz currently being played on the PDA device.
Once the quiz has been completed, a final score for the game will also be shown.
iii. This data can be saved to the PC computer to allow an instructor to track progress
of a student over time.
Deliverable 4: User Manual
A user manual will accompany the product and will be divided up into sections
accordingly to allow both users of the PDA device and users of the PC monitoring
software to gain an understanding of the system. The manual will be divided into three
sections:
1. Overview of the Product – General overview of the entire system, including how
to setup the PC software and handheld device to work with each other.
2. Guide for PDA users (parents/aides helping students use the device) – will
include all documentation necessary to operate the PDA device, including a
description of the “Know the USA” digital flash cards and quiz, and how to
connect to a PC for progress monitoring.
3. Guide for Instructors – will include all documentation necessary to use the
“Know the USA” student progress monitoring software.
Project Timeline
Week
5
6
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7
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8
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9
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Goal
Establish understanding of project requirements
Purchase a Belkin Wireless PDA Network Card
Install Microsoft Embedded C++ compiler and HP Jornada 567
drivers on campus computer (real-time lab computer RTPC-02)
Revisit the ‘Know the USA’ software from Spring Quarter
Install the Wireless card and configure/assess what is needed
(software) to make a wireless connection
Begin coding modifications to the PDA-end software
complete coding modifications to the PDA-end software
Establish a functional connection between the PDA and a PC
computer
Begin coding of progress monitoring software
Complete coding of the progress monitoring software
Begin and complete testing of both modified PDA software and
progress monitoring software
Tie up all loose ends
06419 - Know the USA
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10
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Fall 2005
Write up user manual and any other necessary project
documentation
Demo/Presentation