Airplane Safety Simulation

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  Setup

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  Motion/user input module

• 

  Temperature module

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  Joystick

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  Motion/user input module

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  Temperature LCD

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  Arduino Yún

Project Overview

An analog plane simulator that uses Arduino microcontrollers to read outside temperature, user input via a joystick, and motion through an ultrasonic sensor.

Purpose

The project's purpose was to provide a safety simulation which factored in environmental variables that were crucial to flight and to train individuals in maneuvering during dire situations.

Description

The project is divided into two modules, the temperature sensing module and the motion/user input module.

The temperature module is composed of an Arduino Yún connected to a temperature sensor and an LCD screen. The module reads the outside temperature and formats it onto the LCD display, which can be adjust for brightness using a potentiometer.

The motion/user input module is composed of a standard Arduino microcontroller connected to an ultrasonic sensor that reads the proximity of objects. A red LED is lit up when the proximity is too close, providing a warning for the user. Additionally, this module incorporates the joystick control of the aircraft. This joystick piece adjusts the position of the aircraft.

Project Scope

Our initial scope consisted of actual movement via connecting the Arduino Yún, temperature sensors, and ultrasonic sensors to a mini drone which would provide real time data to control modules. Another portion of the project was a aircraft simulation in Unity that used the user input for the animations. These aspects were not implemented in the final simulation due to time constraint, however they could be later implemented along with a more robust design.

Analytical Data

The user's control of the joystick allows for the pitch and yaw of the abstract aircraft to be adjusted.

Empirical Data

The environmental variables measured by the temperature sensor and ultrasonic sensor will be read and displayed on the LED screens.

Lessons Learned

Project members were exposed to Arduino hardware and software, making use of the many hardware pieces that come in a SparkFun Inventors Kit.

Inspirational Tagline

Although we may be from different background, we came together at the Embry Riddle Hackathon to make something that will change the world (Silicon Valley joke).

Built With

• arduino
• joysticks
• jumper-wires
• lcd-screens
• led
• temperature-sensors
• ultrasonic-sensors