EE 296 TEAM “DA KINE” MICROMOUSE PROJECT PROPOSAL Team members: Software Group - Henry, James Roles : tracking, mapping, guidance, interface Hardware Group – Regi, Wes Roles : sensors, soldering, device placement, chassis construction, motors, power supply

Overview  To create a moving object which can traverse through the maze and find the center of the maze without any human intervention.  General Approach  Goals  Block Diagram  Potential problems  Modifications  Tracking / Mapping  To do list  Chasis design  Expectations  Timeline

General Approach  First step - work in separate groups (software/hardware)  Second step – integrate software and hardware when both are working properly  Third step – test, solve problems which arise ( ex. turns, alignment, crashing, etc. )  Final step – make final adjustments on the mouse, then let it rip!

Fruits of labor!  Learn how to integrate software and hardware to solve a real world problem  Learn how to apply engineering principles and theory to create a smart robot  Learn how to troubleshoot  Learn how to work as a team to reach a design goal

Block Diagram

Potential Problems  Driver?  Reliable sensor readings  Steering (turning at desired angles)  Centering mouse between walls  Time conflicts when having group meetings  Code Interpretation Errors  Durability of mouse from crashes  Passing Variables  Operating Temperature

Modifications  Top-down sensor design instead of side- sensor design  Battery placement (front, back)

Tracking and mapping code  Increments I,J entries as the mouse traverses in the maze  Readjust as the mouse turns  Sensor glitches while turning  Backwards vs 180 turns  Tremaux algorithm  Cell values, data from sensors  8 wires for the motors, X for diagnostics

To Do List:  Integrate Mapping, Tracking and Movement Code  Decide on Main module  Mount wheels  Attach Circuit Board w/ Components  Solder Connections  Interface Software and Hardware  Test and Troubleshoot

Pictures

Expectations  Mouse will find the center of the maze in record time!  Win the micromouse competition!  Be the next micromouse champion!

Project Timeline (January 8 – May 3, 2007)