Week 13: The Submission

Objective: To finish and submit the proposal report and blog to the supervisor.

Analysis/Discussion:

This is the last week for me to finish up my proposal report and blog because this week is the submission date. The last day to submit is on Friday. This week I need finish up the small parts in the report. The sections left are the 

1. Abstract
2. Table of Content
3. Limitations 
4. Conclusion
5. Formatting the report

Conclusion:  

By Friday,13/12/2013, I should have submitted my proposal report and this blog. Though this maybe the end of FYP I course, but a much harder and difficult course of FYP II is waiting next semester. I should continue my research on the GSM Based Speed Monitoring and Detection system.

Week 12: The Proposal Report Part II

Objective: To finalize the proposal report.

Analysis/Discussion:

This week I need to finalize my proposal report and the blog. The proposal report is almost 80% finished. But, this week I am a little bit busy with other reports I have only a little time to work on the proposal report. Fortunately, the proposal report is due next week.  

Discussion: A very small progress this week. I need to make it up in week 13.

Week 11: The Budget

Objective: To list the price for all the components and instruments in this project.

Analysis/Discussion:

All the components needed in this project are sold separately. I took the liberty to survey the price of each components available in electronic shops in Kuala Lumpur. After days of research, I have enlist the components and instrument. Below is the table of budget:

PART A – HARDWARE & SOFTWARE
No	EQUIPMENT	PRICE /UNIT	UNIT	TOTAL PRICE
1	Speedometer	RM 50.00	1	RM 50.00
2	Sensor	RM 10.00	2	RM 20.00
3	Printed Circuit Board	RM 5.00	2	RM 10.00
4	GSM Module	RM 430.00	1	RM 380.00
5	RS232 to TTL	RM 40.00	1	RM 40.00
6	LCD  2 by 16	RM 35.00	1	RM 35.00
7	PIC	RM 35 .00	1	RM 35.00
PART B – STATIONARY
No	EQUIPMENT			TOTAL PRICE
1	Papers			RM 10
2	Photocopy			RM 10
3	Binding			RM 15
4	Poster			RM 20
PART C – OTHERS
1	Prepaid			RM 20
2	Travelling expenses (Petrol and Taxi)			RM 50
TOTAL				RM 695.00

From the table, the most expensive instrument is the GSM modem/module. Total budget for this project is RM 695.00. 

Conclusion: Though the budget is quite is almost RM 700, but I can claim it through MARA.

Week 10: The FYP Presentation

Objective: Debriefing about the Final year presentation I (FYP I).

Analysis/Discussion:

The Final Year Presentation I (FYP I) took place in the Dewan Gemilang, Unikl British Malaysian Institute (BMI) on 22nd of November 2013. The presentation started at 3:00 in the evening. I was assigned to two assessors from the FYP committee whom are lecturers from the communication Section. The assessors are Sir Razif and Madam Lili. 

The first assessor is Sir Razif. I presented my proposal project presentation to him. He listened through the presentation until the question and answer (Q&A) session which he asked a few questions. Fortunately, I answered all his question. In the end of the first presentation, he suggested that I should clearly state my work plan for the FYP II and should be in the Gantt Chart form. 

The second presentation with Madam Lili also went well. Again, I successfully answered her question during the Q&A session. She does not suggested anything which in my opinion, she implied my presentation went with full satisfaction. 

Conclusion: Though the presentation has ended and went with flying colours, I still need to finish up and I also need to correct a few parts in the proposal report.

Week 9: The DPDT Switch

Objective: To investigate about the Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) Switch.

Analysis/Discussion:

A Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switch is an intermediate switch placed in a multi-way switching system in order to control lamps operated by more than two switches. They are crossover switches that have four terminals. Two of these terminals are inputs, and the other two are outputs. Below is a DPDT component and how it is connected:

The DPDT switch is used in this project solely to increase and decrease the needle of the speedometer. This switch have three position which in this project are to:

1. Increase
2. Stop
3. Decrease

Below is a video showing an application of DPDT switch:

Conclusion: In my opinion, this switch is suitable and it will be connected to the speedometer.

Week 8: The GSM Network

Objective: To analyse and to know Global System For Mobile (GSM)

Analysis/Discussion: 

The GSM applications in our daily life are very essential. Take a mobile phone for an example. We used it almost everyday and almost everywhere. The GSM is very suitable for this project. The GSM system on mobile devices has it advantages and its drawback such as:

Advantages:

1. Extensive Coverage
2. Security
3. Affordable devices and services
4. Wide spectrum availability

Disadvantages:

1. Can cause electronic interference
2. Bandwidth lag
3. Radiation
4. Every device uses a simcard provided by Telco. Service is terminated if simcard is not reloaded/Topup

Below is an example of a GSM network architecture.

The GSM network can be divided into four main parts:

1. The Mobile Station (MS).
2. The Base Station Subsystem (BSS).
3. The Network and Switching Subsystem (NSS).
4. The Operation and Support Subsystem (OSS) (BSS and NSS together).

TYPE	FULL ACRONYM DESCRIPTION
BTS	BASE TRANSCEIVER STATION
BSC	BASE STATION CONTROLLER
HLR	HOME LOCATION REGISTER
VLR	VISITOR LOCATION REGISTER
AUC	AUTHENTICATION CENTER
OMC	OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE CENTRE
MSC	MOBILE SWITCHING CENTRE
PSTN	PUBLIC SWITCHED TELEPHONE NETWORK
ISDN	INTEGRATED SERVICES DIGITAL NETWORK

In this project, I need to find a suitable GSM device to send and receive a Short Messaging Service (SMS). In my opinion, I think a GSM modem would suffice as the GSM device. Currently, there are many choices of this type of modem in the market. The SIEMENS company offers variety of product which i think suitable with its reasonably priced product. Below are the example of a GSM modem:

A GSM modem is a specialized type of modem which accepts a SIM card, and operates over a subscription to a mobile operator, just like a mobile phone. From the mobile operator perspective, a GSM modem looks just like a mobile phone.When a GSM modem is connected to a computer, this allows the computer to use the GSM modem to communicate over the mobile network.  While these GSM modems are most frequently used to provide mobile internet connectivity, many of them can also be used for sending and receiving SMS and MMS messages.

Conclusion: 

The GSM modem the most expensive component in this project. I need to save up a sum of money before FYP II course start. Also, I also need to learn how to program the GSM modem and how to integrate it with the circuit. 

Week 7: The Proximity Sensor

Objective: To identify about and research about sensors

Analysis/Procedure:

There are many type of sensors currently being used nowadays. In this project, I need to find a suitable sensor that suitable for the speedometer. This components is the most important part. The sensor must detect the narrow and thin needle of the speedometer. My idea of the position of the sensor which will be placed on the speedometer display:

Below is the suitable sensor that I think could integrate with the speedometer. 

1. Proximity Sensor

• A proximity sensor is a sensor able to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. A proximity sensor often emits an electromagnetic field or a beam of electromagnetic radiation (infrared, for instance), and looks for changes in the field or return signal. The object being sensed is often referred to as the proximity sensor's target. Different proximity sensor targets demand different sensors. For example, a capacitive photoelectric sensor might be suitable for a plastic target; an inductive proximity sensor always requires a metal target. The maximum distance that this sensor can detect is defined "nominal range". Some sensors have adjustments of the nominal range or means to report a graduated detection distance. Proximity sensors can have a high reliability and long functional life because of the absence of mechanical parts and lack of physical contact between sensor and the sensed object.

• One of the application of this sensor is on a modern smart phone. For example, if there is an outgoing or incoming call on a smart phone and a person will start moving the cellphone towards his or her ear to listen to the other person, the device’s proximity sensor detects that the phone is very close to his or her face. The proximity detector signals the motherboard to disable the phone’s touch-sensitive display to prevent the person inadvertently activating an icon on the screen with his or her face. When the person move the phone away from your head, the proximity sensor detects the change and reactivates the touch-sensitive display.

In term of this project with the proximity sensor, if the proximity sensor detects a needle crosses the sensor it will send a signal to the PIC and automatically sends an SMS through the GSM modem.

Week 6: The Speedometer

Objective: To identify and research about the speedometer.

Analysis/Procedure:

Speedometer or a speed meter is a gauge that measures and the instantaneous speed of a land vehicle. Otto Schulze, an inventor from Strasbourg, filed the first patent for the eddy-current speedometer in 1902. Schulze conceived of the revolutionary device as a solution to a growing problem. Cars weren't only becoming more popular, they were also traveling faster. The average automobile's top speed just after the turn of the 20th century was 30 miles per hour, slow by today's standards but sizzling fast at a time when much of the world still moved at the leisurely pace of a horse-drawn carriage. As a result, serious accidents began to increase dramatically. Below is an example of a speedometer.

There are two types of speedometer for land vehicle. 

• The first and widely used is the mechanical speedometer. The speedometer is made up of two sections, the odometer which records the miles and the speed indicator. The odometer is quite simple, a simple gear train which takes a given number of turns of a tire and gears those turns down to equal one turn of the tenths wheel. Simple gearing. The speed needle is quite different. It works on magnetic fields. Connected to the cable is a magnet on the very end, usually in the sape of a disc. Close to, but not touching, is an aluminum disc. The magnet spins and genenerates eddy currents in the aluminum disc which produces a magnetic field in the disc, which tends to drag the aluminum disc to spin with the spinning magnet. There is a spring which works against the movement of the needle. So, the faster the magnet spins, the more the aluminum disc tends to be dragged along, resisted by the spring. So, the faster the spin, the higher the needle reads. In essence, it is a rate meter, which indicates the rate the magnet is spinning. Below is a mechanical speedometer example:

• Second is the electronic speedometer. Many modern speedometers are electronic. In designs derived from earlier eddy-current models, a rotation sensor mounted in the transmission delivers a series of electronic pulses whose frequency corresponds to the (average) rotational speed of the driveshaft, and therefore the vehicle's speed, assuming the wheels have full traction. The sensor is typically a set of one or more magnets mounted on the output shaft or differential crownwheel, or a toothed metal disk positioned between a magnet and a magnetic field sensor. As the part in question turns, the magnets or teeth pass beneath the sensor, each time producing a pulse in the sensor as they affect the strength of the magnetic field it is measuring. A computer converts the pulses to a speed and displays this speed on an electronically-controlled, analog-style needle or a digital display. Below is the electronic speedometer example: 

Conclusion:

The mechanical speedometer is cheaper and more practical then the electronic speedometer. To build this project, I have decided to choose mechanical speedometer. But there are few problems which I will be facing:

1. How to install the sensor to the speedometer?
2. How to simulate speedometer, when the meter is working mechanically?

Before going any further, I need to do some research about sensors.

Week 5: The Block Diagram

Objective: To identify the overall picture of the system of the project.

Analysis/Procedure:

After Hours of research, I have created a block diagram of the system. This is only a draft block diagram which shows the components needed to build this project. Below is the block diagram:

Explanation:

• The speedometer have two sensors installed at the meter display. 
• There are two sensors that is installed at the meter display which are located at 80 KM/H and 100 KM/H 
• If the needle of the meter crosses the 80 KM/H, it will automatically send an data to PIC. 
• If the needle of the meter then crosses 100 KM/H, again, it will automatically send data to PIC.
• If the PIC detects and receives a data from a sensor, it will send signal to RS232 to TTL device and shows a alert at the LCD display simultaneously.
• RS232 to TTL will convert the analogue signal from PIC to digital signal before transmit to GSM module. 
• Then user will receive this signal as a SMS application in their mobile phone.

Conclusion:

I need to identify and make researches about all the components needed.

Week 4: The Proposal Report Part I

Objective: To discuss on how to proceed with the proposal report.

Analysis/Procedure:

Today, I visited my supervisor, Sir Ismail, seeking about the proposal report. He explained briefly about the report and what should be in it. Below are the list needed in the proposal report that is essential; 

1. Title Page 
2. Abstract 
3. Table of Contents 
4. Introduction 
5. Problem Statement 
6. Literature Review 
7. Methodology 
8. Objectives 
9. Benefits/ Contributions 
10. Work Plan 
11. Budget 
12. Conclusion 
13. References 

Then, I explained what I have been research about my project. He also suggested that I needed to save up a sum of money to buy components needed for my project. He also suggested to list up the components needed.

The meeting went briefly.

Conclusion:

Further research is needed and I have to list certain components for my project.

Week 3: The Title

Objective: To present the suitable title.

Analysis/Procedure:

After doing some research on my final year project, I have decided the project which is:-

"GSM Based Speed Monitoring and Detection". 

The brief introductory: 

In respect with the GSM system, the GSM Based Speed Monitoring and Detection is twofold; to ensure the safety of a driver, passenger and other vehicles and to monitor and to detect the speed of the vehicle with this project installed. For example, a taxi company called Teksi Jaya SDN. BHD. provides 100 taxis in Gombak area. The company wants to monitor the speed their taxi drivers since one of the company’s policies is that every taxis should not exceed 90 km/h at all times. If a driver exceeded 90km/h speed limit, the GSM module of the project will send an SMS to the company’s monitor, thus, certain warning can be made.

Conclusion:

My FYP supervisor Sir Mohamad Ismail Bin Sulaiman from the Communication Section, Level 2 of the Administration Building of UniKL British Malaysian Institute has agreed with title and I can now proceed further with my project.

Week 2: The Supervisor

Objective: To find and register a supervisor whom can asses on my project.

Analysis/Procedure:

Today, I scouted for a lecturer to be my supervisor for my Final Year Project, preferably from the Communications Section. Few of the preferable lecturers are unavailable to be my supervisor because the they had reached the allocated number of students for each lecturer. Luckily, Sir Ismail is available and quickly I asked him to be my supervisor. He agreed but only if I had a title for my FYP. The deadline for finding a supervisor extended until week 3. Hence, I have only a week for finding a title. 

Sir Ismail requested me to find a title with a synopsis and discuss my ideas before Thursday of week 3.

Conclusion:

Sir Ismail have officially become my supervisor if and only if a have a title. Until then, I have to make a lot of research and present a few good titles to him.