Thesis Projects 2000
Sponsored by Bi-Aus Industries
Industry
Supervisor Richard Cocks
General.............................................................................................................................................................. 2
Robotic
Flea Killer...................................................................................................................................... 2
TV
Smart Sound Monitoring System...................................................................................................... 2
Wireless
Office Weather Station............................................................................................................. 2
Artificial
Intelligence for Protel CAD software...................................................................................... 2
Digital
Phone Line Recording Device with DTMF & Caller Line ID Support. (Mark II)................ 2
Digital
Phone Line Recording Device with DTMF & Caller Line ID Support. (Support and Integration Software)................................................................................................................................. 3
Solid
State Audio Recorder. (10+ hour record time)
(Mark II)............................................................ 3
Virtual
CD Juke Box. (Mark II)................................................................................................................. 3
Video
& Peripheral Cross Switch for Hi Quality PC Video signals. (Mark II)................................... 4
PC
Video over twisted pair cable (CAT 5).............................................................................................. 4
Cellular
Wireless Network constructed from modular short range RF transceivers........................ 4
Display
Systems.............................................................................................................................................. 5
Intelligent
Addressable Christmas Tree Lights.
(Mark II).................................................................. 5
Large
Portable Banner Display System (Low Voltage)......................................................................... 5
Walking
Electronic Billboard. (A Graphics
Display jacket or shirt)................................................... 5
Biometric........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Biometric
stress monitor for bank teller safety and security............................................................... 6
Biometric
K9 stress and activity monitor................................................................................................ 6
Biometric
Access control and identification for computer systems................................................... 6
Biometric
Portable human stress monitor with data logging............................................................... 6
Biometric
Key Safe..................................................................................................................................... 6
Biometric
WildLife Preserver. Monitor stalking
cats........................................................................... 6
Biometric
Child Safe Home Entry system............................................................................................... 6
Biometric
Humans body Fat monitor....................................................................................................... 7
Vision
Systems................................................................................................................................................ 7
SMD
Inspection system Non real time................................................................................................... 7
SMD
Vision Station 6x to 40x image magnification for soldering fine pitch components............... 7
Laser
targeting system for placement of SMD components............................................................... 7
Bionic
Tweezers. (Place SMD components in
small quantities)........................................................ 7
Drill
Targeting system for PCB Prototypes............................................................................................ 7
Internet
Appliances........................................................................................................................................ 8
WEB
CAM.................................................................................................................................................. 8
Internet
Security system........................................................................................................................... 8
WEB
Enabled Electronic Component Vending Machine. (Mark II)................................................... 8
FPGA................................................................................................................................................................. 8
FPGA
WEB Peripheral. Put a web server into a
single FPGA............................................................ 8
Develop
a PIC Risk processor core in VHDL......................................................................................... 8
Develop
a TCP/IP Stack in VHDL............................................................................................................ 9
Bi-Aus
Industries Back Ground Information................................................................................................ 10
Who
Are They? What are they?.......................................................................................................... 10
Bi-Aus
Industries relationship with University of Queensland........................................................ 10
Thesis
Projects Sponsored by Bi-Aus Industries............................................................................... 10
Contact
Details......................................................................................................................................... 11
Aim: To produce a simple robot to lure and
kill fleas without the use of toxic chemicals.
TV Smart Sound Monitoring System.
Aim: Produce a Smart Sound Monitoring System to track sound levels from a TV and the general environment then intelligently vary the TV sound to provide a comfortable audio level for the viewer.
Wireless Office Weather Station.
Create a wireless weather station to
monitor temperature & humidity in and around the office.
The aim is to provide a tool to measure the micro climate created by an office
air conditioning system. This data will
allow air conditioning engineers to make adjustments based on measurements in
place of highly subjective reports by staff working in each zone
Although the device could be deployed as
part of the air conditioning control system it is intended for temporary
installation. Wireless units will
enable the devices to be placed in the most suitable position for measuring
data without the addition of temporary cables.
The information collected by each office weather station is transmitted
to a PC so several days of micro climatic change can be reviewed on the air
conditioning engineers next maintenance call.
Artificial Intelligence for Protel CAD software
Protel is an Australian CAD package for
schematic and PCB editing. It provides
the facility for developers to create applications (services) to run within its
environment. The PROTEL CAD application
exposes all its status and functionality to these applications.
The aim is to create an application within the PROTEL environment that monitors
a users use of the package and recognised repetitive sequences. The service should then offer to repeat the
sequence for the user.
This new service must recognise a sequence as repetitive if it is a predictable
derivative of the previous group of sequence.
Eg place consecutively numbered net labels on a grid at equal spacing.
In addition to this common manipulations should be stored and offered to the user as an auto complete function when the user signals intent by manually executing a percentage of any know operation.
Digital Phone Line Recording Device with DTMF & Caller Line ID Support. (Mark II)
Aim of this project is to produce a
multiline full duplex phone interface card to archive and retrieve business
phone conversations. The unit will be
based on pre selected components including phone line interface modules, highly
integrated audio codecs, Caller Line ID ICs and a DTMF decoder. The interface card will mate with an
existing microprocessor system with functional multi tasking operating system and
10BT (TCP) network interface.
This unit will have the capacity to answer and initiate phone calls, decode
DTMF tones, decode Caller IDs and report the collected information via it’s
network connection. As all line traffic
is being digitised the interface is capable of answering an incoming call and
sending it out over another phone line.
This new phone call could be directed to different phone numbers based
on Caller ID, a DTMF access code or the time of day.
With these basic functions this unit can provide a vast array of services
including Digital Answering machine capable of simultaneously answering
multiple phone lines, Voice Mail System, Recorded Information System, Voice
Menus System, Automatic Call Routing, Music on Hold, Information on Hold and
Automatic Call Cost Calculation.
These functions are usually only available to large corporate organisations and
are dependent on the brand of PABX system installed. This multi line phone interface card will connect in parallel
with the existing phone system so it functions as an independent device.
Note: Bi-Aus
Industries has stock of all major components to support this project.
The 1999 Thesis students have completed a number of modules for this system,
which will be provided for integration into 2000 thesis projects.
Aim of this project is to produce a software to integrate the features of the “Digital Phone Line Recording Device with DTMF & Caller Line ID Support” product into a small business computing environment.
A group of 1999 thesis students have produced sufficient working hardware to support software integration of many features. Ie Basic concept is to integrate information obtained from call establishment and reception into the office productivity set to improve the working environment and quantify phone traffic. Eg automatically pop up the appropriate contact details from Caller ID and DTMF dialling information as each call is actioned. Provide real time billing estimates for all telephone traffic with break down by users and telephone lines.
Solid State Audio Recorder. (10+ hour record time) (Mark II)
The Aim is to produce a small personal audio device capable of recording over 10 hours of continuous conversations onto a single digital storage device.
In the fast pace of today’s commerce, the written legal contract is fast giving way to verbal contract. Unfortunately, parties often disagree about who was to pay for what, and how long it was supposed to take.
This product is designed to reduce to risks in conducting business by verbal contract as well as solve a number of problems where proof is required. A 1999 thesis student has produces an evaluation product, which will be provided to assist in product of an enhanced system. All major components are currently in stock ready for immediate development.
Virtual CD Juke Box. (Mark II)
Many companies install CD towers with up to 50 CD drives and/or CD Juke Boxes
capable of automatically loading any one of 50 or more CD on request. Large amounts of information is distributed
on CD with regular updates provided by the authors. Typically these CDs contain
price lists, technical Information, On Line reference magazines, trade journals
and software.
Most of the information is provided in a direct readable format that dose not
require the installation of an application when the CD is updated. To make the maintenance of this CD library
compatible with an average end user, physical CDs are placed in standard CD
bays on a dedicated server. The primary
reason for using this solution is to enable non-technical operators to maintain
the library. Unfortunately, many
companies are unable to justify the cost of a 7 CD towers let alone a larger
unit.
The Aim of this project is to produce a virtual CD Juke Box. It should be a stand alone network connected
device (PC) with storage space (hard drive) to load the contents of a multiple
CDs and present a WEB interface for the user to maintain the CD library. This interface should be visually intuitive
to a non-technical user. Any one who
can change a CD in a domestic CD stacker should be able maintain the library
via its WEB interface.
Note: A
1999 Thesis student has completed a basic Juke Box,
this software will be supplied
for integration into 2000 thesis projects. The HTML interface requires significant
improvement. The advanced student may
wish to consider implementing a driver for NT workstation to emulate multiple
hardware CDs on each NT Workstation.
Video & Peripheral Cross Switch for Hi Quality PC Video signals. (Mark II)
With the proliferation of client / server
based software solutions developers need access to multiple computers
simultaneously. Often a software
developer must have ready access to a number of computer systems
simultaneously. Commonly there is the
development server, a development workstation, an office applications
workstations and a company file server.
As software can not be developed on a companies live administration
server or workstations the current solutions for developers to gain access
involves video switch boxes and multiple monitors.
Thesis 1999: The Aim of this project is
to produce a video / peripheral cross point switch with the unique ability to
route individual computer video output to the most appropriate display. For example a common arrangement would be 3
computers with 2 monitors. This
solution will allow software developers to display video on their preferred
monitor increasing comfort and efficacy while reducing stress and eliminating
the need for excess monitors.
Thesis 2000: The Aim of this project is
to improve upon the 1999 thesis group prototype by the addition of a number of
new features and re-design some system modules. The video / peripheral cross point switch with the unique ability
to route individual computer video output to the most appropriate display(s)
should be improved to support dual controls for keyboard and mouse. This will allow several people to operate
one or more PCs. Pairs of PC could be
used for training with video image and user interfaces switched in various
combinations to facilitate the learning process.
PC Video over twisted pair cable (CAT 5)
The Aim of this project is to distribute PC VGA signals over standard 10BT CAT5 Network cable. Allowing the use of VGA Monitors up to 50 metres away from their associated PC.
Although the differential video signals can not travel through a standard 10BT hub they can be routed through the CAT 5 network cable installed in all modern office networks.
With the advent of LCD Visual display units this solution will allow a Virtual Notebook at the office desk and centralised positioning of office computer systems. Or the capacity for remote maintenance of individual servers or workstations via standard office network cable. Alternatively it could be used to share a single PC between many physical positions. A viable alternative to multiple licences for expensive industrial software applications.
Cellular Wireless Network constructed from modular short range RF transceivers.
The Aim of this project is to create a self configureing RF network using low
power RF transceiver modules generating a network coverage significantly larger
than the range of any single transceiver pair.
The network can be used to implement a stored voice or text e-mail system
linking stationary individuals over open ground. Eg communications for open flea markets, School fete, Sporting
Event. This system could also be used
to connect devices in an industrial environment and report current operational
status or monitor the battery condition of golf carts providing an extended
range due to their network participation.
Display Systems.
Intelligent Addressable Christmas Tree Lights. (Mark II)
The Aim is to create an array of 120+ LEDs to display dynamic light patterns over a Christmas tree.
Each LED must be individually addressable
and controlled by patterns loaded into a stand alone sequencer positioned at
the base of the tree.
The LEDs array should be constructed in modules. Each strand of approximately 2.2 metres contains between 12 and
24 LEDs. The strands should attached to
the tree top falling vertically down just like the streamers on a Maypole. (def: Maypole ask a chronologically
challenged persons )
If strings of LED arrays are arranged in this way a conical grid of LEDs will
cover the Christmas Tree. Displays
should include vertical and horizontal bands, chaser effects and random star
light twinkles. The adventurous could
even display their sound system’s volume level dynamically as bands on the
tree.
Note: A
1999 Thesis student has implemented a development system for the LED array with
working code. The year 2000 thesis
students will be provided access to the development system so it can be
augmented to produce a complete solution with master sequencer and PC
interface. An adventurous student could
implement PC software to graphically design and display the lighting sequences.
Large Portable Banner Display System (Low Voltage).
The Aim to produce a large banner display able
to be easily transported by a single person in the boot of an average car. The display area should measure 4 metres x 2
metres and operate from a low voltage DC power source. (Car Battery).
Example: 1) special event advertising
over the side of a bridge or hung from the window of any building. 2) Portable electronic score board.
Walking Electronic Billboard. (A Graphics Display jacket or shirt)
The Aim is to produce a graphical display system to be worn by a person and to display advertising messages, directions, or information. The walking electronic billboard must be self powered and flexible enough to accommodate the curvatures of a human body. A wireless link could be added to allow real time updates to display information.
Get wrapped and be the fist to wear the stock exchange.
Commercial use sales and marketing at trade fairs.
Advanced feature: Cluster Operation :- multiple jackets display sequences over a
group automatically adjusting to the relative position of people within the
group. Have a simple graphical
character jump from one user to the next creating the illusion of leaving one
jacket and landing on the next.
Biometric stress monitor for bank teller safety and security.
The Aim of this project is to produce a biometric monitoring device to evaluate a bank tellers physical state and automatically summon assistance if an individual personal safety is at risk.
Biometric K9 stress and activity monitor.
The Aim of this project is to produce a biometric monitoring system with telemetry to monitor the health and performance of K9 security patrols. It erratic biological activity is detected a security officer should be alerted.
Biometric Access control and identification for computer systems
The Aim of this project is to use biological features to identify individuals to a designated computer systems. Most computer networks have access control / security systems and all have security compliance problems this product should utilise biometric technology to identify a person by a unique feature like their finger print. The result is simple non-transferable access to computing facilities.
Biometric Portable human stress monitor with data logging.
High expectations from professionals is leading to an ever increasing level of stress related illness. The Aim of this project is to monitor and record stress indicators for an individual over an extended period for latter review by the medical profession. When provided with hard information of the level and type of stress experienced by an individual treatment is significantly simplified.
The Aim is to produce a biometric key safe designed to open based on bio-chemical and/or physiological characteristics of the user seeking access. The product should verify a user’s identity and allow access to the key safe. Full entry log must be maintained. The benefits of this product will be guaranteed identification of the person responsible for accessing the keys. No key card, combination or other transferable item to secure and carry.
Biometric WildLife Preserver. Monitor stalking cats.
The Aim of this project is to produce a monitoring device that can detect when a domestic cat is stalking and produce a harmless distraction to warn the local wildlife.
Biometric Child Safe Home Entry system.
AIM:
produce a system that used biometric features to safely admit a child to
its home.
Children enter their homes many times each day and with the changes in our
society it is safer to keep homes locked at all times. When small children are given keys, they are
often lost compromising household security and creating addition expense. Even when a children reaches home there is
no guarantee they are by alone.
This product should use biometric features to allow authorised children access to there homes. It should allow access to any one of average intellect over the age of four years.
A number of biological features could be used including finger prints, hand geometry, face recognition etc. In addition to the access, function the system should evaluate the entry profile and provide feed back if a potential hazard exists. Eg child enters with addition weight equal to one or more adults etc.
Biometric Humans body Fat monitor.
Aim: Calculate the content of body fat compare to established norms and log for individuals.
SMD Inspection system Non real time.
Aim: produce a visual inspection system to automatically capture solder joint images.
The system must recognise integrated circuits on any PCB and scan all sides to produce a series of images showing the solder joints at the base of each IC pin. After captured batches of images will be evaluated by a quality control manager.
SMD Vision Station 6x to 40x image magnification for soldering fine pitch components.
AIM:
produce a real time imaging system to magnify a small area for hand
soldering surface mount integrated circuits.
The system need to magnify a few IC pins at a time so an operator can hand
solder each pin. No image capture is
required and images may be displayed onto a standard PC VDU.
Laser targeting system for placement of SMD components.
Aim: provide a visual indicator showing the
next component position on a PCB to be populated.
This product should place a spot of light over the position of the next component
to be placed on a PCB and communicate the component name and value to the
operator.
Bionic Tweezers. (Place SMD components in small quantities)
Aim: To produce a simple aid to for the placement of surface mount components in small quantities.
This project seeks to produce a device to pick up and place surface mount electronics in co-operation with a human operator. The complex and expensive part of a fully automated surface mount pick and place machine is the vision system and robotic X,Y mechanism required to pick and place each component.
As electronics shrink, manual placement of components requires ultra steady hands. The bionic tweezers will allow the average user to place very small electronic parts without the expense of an inspection microscope. In this project the human operator will provide the vision system and X,Y movement by following instructions provided by their bionic partner, leaving only simple pick and place operations to the machine.
Drill Targeting system for PCB Prototypes.
The Aim is to produce a targeting system to drill holes in blank PCB material.
The targeting of drill holes on PCB prior to etching tracks is the major hurdle
inhibiting individuals and small businesses from in house production of plated
through hole PCB. Current drilling
solutions involve the use of Numerically Controlled drilling machines. The size and cost of these robots is well
beyond most Electronics design companies.
By using a human operator to provide X,Y movement for the system the PCB can be moved with respect to a fixed drill position. In this way, the drilling robot may be produced from any low cost drill press.
Aim: produce a web peripheral with image capture to function as a simple web server connecting directly to a corporate Intranet or the Internet.
The device must function without an associated PC and be accessible via the Internet from any computer via a standard web browser. Applications include home and business security, Wild life monitoring, long distance teen monitor, house sitter, traffic condition reporting etc, special event advertising.
Aim: produce a security system for home and /or office where all functions are accessible via the Internet.
The security system should provide access authorisation via the Internet from an off site server. All data logging for entry, exit, alarm activation and de-activation must be logged by the remote server.
WEB Enabled Electronic Component Vending Machine. (Mark II)
The efficient and timely supply of
electronic components to students is a logistical nightmare. Tracking and replenishing supplies is a
costly and time consumptive exercise.
The aim of this project is to produce a prototype vending machine suited to
issuing small quantities of electronic components to individual students and
recording each transaction to facilitate stock control.
To simplify this design electronic components will be placed in containers
similar in physical dimensions to a 35mm film container. Each container will have a metal lid and ID
chip. A small electromagnet can be used
to pick up the container verify it’s ID code and then drop the container into a
delivery chute. As each container has
its own ID code they may be refilled at another location. The vending machine should accept new stock
by picking up containers and moving them to empty storage positions.
Note: A
1999 Thesis student has implemented the magnetic pick up head and cylinder
identification module. The year 2000
thesis students will be provided access to this working sub module so it can be
augmented to produce a complete vending system.
FPGA WEB Peripheral. Put a web server into a single FPGA.
Aim:
To produce the full functionality of a simple web server on a single IC.
FPGA manufactures are now shipping 1,000,000 gate devices with 40,000 gate devices selling for less than $30 dollars the days of the ASIC are numbered. Soon all designers will have access to large inexpensive field programmable gate arrays (FPGA). Even now, the discrete microprocessor is being threatened by FPGA designs with 100% compatibility.
Develop a PIC Risk processor core in VHDL
Aim: To develop a common processor core to
allow design migration between discreet processors and FPGA without the need
for changing development tools or software.
This FPGA Virtual Micro-controller should run the Hi-Tech “C” cross compiler
code without modification.
Develop a TCP/IP Stack in VHDL.
Aim: To develop a TCP/IP stack as an add-on peripheral so very small micro controllers can be used to implement Web Peripherals.
Richard Cocks
Phone (07) 3878 1935
Fax (07) 3878 1965
Mobile 0414 50 20 10
e-mail richard@bi-aus.com.au.
PO Box 381 INDOOROOPILLY
BRISBANE QLD 4068