Conference Room Laser Pointer System Anna Goncharova, Brent Hoover, Alex MendesSponsored by Dr. Jeffrey Black Overview The project concept was developed for use in large conference rooms, where presentation slides are often projected at multiple screens. If the speaker chooses to use a handheld laser pointer, he or she will only be able to point it at one of the screens. The goal of this project was to develop a system that detects where the speaker points the handheld laser pointer and replicates the laser beam on a second screen. The location (x and y coordinates) of the primary laser beam are extracted and a secondary laser is directed to the same spot on the screen as the corresponding location where the first laser is directed. Hardware Overview Software Overview Operational Concept Conclusions Figure 1: General Hardware Diagram Figure 3: Relay Circuit Webcam Captures the raw image of the presentation screen Transfers the image to the program through USB Laser Locator This algorithm within the Replication Program uses OpenCV functions to find the coordinates of the point Relay on/off determination program This algorithm determines if the primary laser is on or off, and sends the appropriate command to the relay Servo motor controller This algorithm sends commands to the servo motor controller to direct the pan and tilt system to the right coordinate location Figure 2: Software Components Diagram Overall, this project was successful in accomplishing the basic objectives. The system is able to replicate a beam coming from a handheld laser pointer relatively accurately. Another strength of the developed system is the relative inexpensiveness. Most of the components were purchased online for under $50. The total budget of $200 was not exceeded. Ideally, the only thing required of the user for the system to operate is to turn on the Conference Room Laser Pointer System so that the built-in webcam faces the primary presentation screen and use his or her handheld laser pointer as usual. Presently, a more complex preparation is required of the user. The system must be properly calibrated to allow for the size of the presentation screens, the distance from the screens, and the hue of the primary laser. Future Work Overall, this project has the potential to be profitable. To accomplish this, several future directions may be undertaken. The image processing algorithms are an integral part of this project. The code can continue to be improved upon in terms of accuracy and reliability. The project housing can also be improved upon to be more aesthetically appealing and durable. Ultimately, the system should be tested by real users who have little knowledge of the technological workings of the system. This will help further develop and improve the Conference Room Laser Pointer System to make it more effective. Laptop Controller Pan and tilt mount Servo motors Relay Webcam Image data On/off signal Angle info Primary laser on/off information C++ command Relay on/off Mounted system Webcam Computer Figure 4: System Diagram Handheld laser pointer Replicated on secondary screen Laptop Integrates all system components Locates primary laser beam Controls servo motors Controls relay Webcam Transmits primary screen image to laptop Servo motors Control and move pan and tilt system Pan and tilt system Moves secondary laser Servo motor controller Transmits information from laptop to servo motors Relay Disconnects secondary laser as needed Replicating laser Replicates primary laser USB cables and hub Connect system Power supplies Power system