ECE 477 Digital Systems Senior Design Project Rev 8/09

Homework 13: User Manual

Team Code Name: Defender Group No. 6

Evaluation:

SCORE

/

DESCRIPTION

10 /

Excellent – among the best papers submitted for this assignment. Very few corrections needed for version submitted in Final Report.

9 /

Very good – all requirements aptly met. Minor additions/corrections needed for version submitted in Final Report.

8 /

Good – all requirements considered and addressed. Several noteworthy additions/corrections needed for version submitted in Final Report.

7 /

Average – all requirements basically met, but some revisions in content should be made for the version submitted in the Final Report.

6 /

Marginal – all requirements met at a nominal level. Significant revisions in content should be made for the version submitted in the Final Report.

* /

Below the passing threshold – major revisions required to meet report requirements at a nominal level. Revise and resubmit.

* Resubmissions are due within one week of the date of return, and will be awarded a score of “6” provided all report requirements have been met at a nominal level.

Product Description

Defender Turret Defense System provides the automated deterrence needs for securing vital locations. Defender locates targets and electromagnetically fires projectiles via a coilgun mounted on a turret. The projectiles may be fired at a high velocity in order to eliminate intruders or a low velocity to deter intruders. The Defender system is safely enclosed in a lightweight aluminum enclosure, guaranteeing system integrity. A simple laptop user interface provides seamless control over the device, including an autonomous firing mode for deterrence purposes and a manual control mode for testing or override. The turret aiming mechanism of Defender consists of two degrees of rotational freedom in order to maximize the area to be secured. Users can work without worry, knowing that Defender is securing the premises.

Product Illustrations

Setup Instructions

The Defender system is largely preassembled upon delivery to the user. Delivery will consist of a large metal enclosure with electromagnetic shielding containing the system and an installation CD containing the Java executable global user interface (GUI.) The following steps must then be completed for setup:

1: Install a Java runtime environment (www.java.com) on the dedicated laptop.

2: Copy the Defender Java executable from the installation CD to the laptop.

3: Connect the laptop to Defender using the Ethernet connection and power up Defender.

4: Unlock the system via the unique keypad code assigned to each user by Team Defender.

5: Open the Java GUI and select the local area connection once prompted.

6: Test the manual mode GUI functions to ensure proper functionality.

Performing these steps will ensure that the laptop and the system are communicating correctly before mounting.

Defender is designed to be ceiling mountable. A mounting kit is provided to assist the user in attaching the device to the ceiling. As the device weighs around 20 pounds, the user should make sure that it is mounted in a location that will support the weight for a long period of time. The user should install Defender in a corner of the room overlooking the area requiring security. The system comes mounted with a laser pointer for the operator to observe the firing range when manually controlling the motors. Once the user has successfully mounted the device, connected the laptop, and confirmed the firing area, the device may be operated according to the usage instructions.

Usage Instructions

As Defender is designed to be a deterrence system used for security purposes, proper warnings must be posted around the premises informing individuals of the danger they risk in entering. The user should be trained in procedural guidelines and safety procedures in order to be allowed to operate the system. The user assumes responsibility for the consequences of the system upon enabling the system to fire. Acknowledging these requirements, the user may load the firing mechanism by placing a small metal projectile fully down the barrel while the system is disabled.

The system enclosure contains electromagnetic shielding to protect the components inside, but electronics outside the enclosure are at risk. Do not place electronic devices next to the system when it is in use. It is recommended to keep the dedicated laptop and all other devices at least 5 feet away from the firing barrel at all times in order to ensure no damage from electromagnetic interference.

The user will assume control of the system through the user interface, displayed in the product illustrations section for reference. At the top of the interface, the user may choose between automatic mode and manual override. Automatic mode will set the system to locate and deter intruders without user operation. Manual mode allows the user to directly operate the motors and charge and fire the coilgun.

If manual mode is selected, the up, down, left, and right controls will move the motors relative to their current position. The speed of this movement is determined by the speed setting slider. The current position of the barrel relative to home will be displayed at the bottom of the interface. Also in manual mode, the user will manually charge the capacitors of the firing mechanism with the coil command console. The level to charge the system is determined by the user with the charge level slider, and a higher charging level will result in a higher projectile velocity. Once charged, through the coil command console, the system can either be safely discharged without firing or fired to expel a loaded projectile. The status of the coil system will be displayed at the bottom of the interface.

In the automatic mode, the system will autonomously locate targets, charge the capacitors, and fire projectiles. This is Defender’s main mode of deterrence. In this autonomous mode, the device will check for any infiltrators on the premises. If anyone is located, an audio warning will sound for deterrence purposes, and then firing will commence shortly thereafter.

User safety is critical for the operator of Defender. A neon bulb placed across the high voltage capacitors will signal that the capacitors are charged and a high voltage is present in the system. A sensor in the barrel signals to the user whether or not the barrel is loaded. As Defender is primarily a deterrence system, an alert will always be issued before firing. This alerts a misguided user or infiltrator to leave the premises immediately.

Troubleshooting

Do not attempt to open the Defender system unless you have the proper knowledge to work with high voltage systems. As Defender is a highly technical system, it is requested to contact one of our experts for assistance in assessing any malfunctions. Team Defender holds no liability for any injury due to failure to follow these guidelines. Here are a list of potential problems and their remedies:

Defender’s GUI won’t turn on / Install Java 6 Runtime Environment on your computer
Defender’s GUI does not return status messages / Check the Ethernet connection, make sure the local area connection is selected in the GUI
GUI pushbuttons are disabled / Defender is in automatic mode – press the Manual button on the GUI
Defender does not respond to GUI button presses / Make sure the Ethernet cable is connected
The capacitor readings on the GUI are too high (>400 V) / Turn off power to Defender and contact a representative of Defender immediately, see below
Defender does not begin to fire, or firing sequence is unpredictable / Contact a representative after making sure Defender is unpowered. Any problem with the firing mechanism may be an issue that can cause serious harm to a user.

The user should shut down the system immediately if any strange behavior is noticed within the Defender system, especially when charging and discharging the capacitors. This could be a sign of system behavior dangerous to the user, and a Team Defender representative should be contacted to assist with the problem.