Abstract

1. Modern Software Engineering for Distributed Embedded SystemsJoseph Voelmle, Carlos Daboin, Joanne Sirois, Josh GallegosMentor: Dr. Janusz Zalewski

2. Abstract In this project we look at three approaches to solving the problem of remote measurement and control using embedded systems. The first approach, RFID (Radio Frequency ID), is used in many different industries to improve productivity and help with loss prevention. It provides tracking of inventory as it passes through a building, by setting up an array of sensors, effective loss prevention, as items have better accountability, time management properties, as an item “production time” can be monitored, and assurance of job quality, as items must pass through particular doors in time frames. The second approach involves data transmission surveillance and control to a remote site from a remote computer using the eBox 2300. It is a device accessible to clients/users via a network. In this application we use it to transmit video, temperatures, and webcam rotation commands. The third approach deals with the issue of data acquisition systems which need to be monitored frequently. If errors occur in the readings provided by sensors and instruments, the results could be considered completely worthless. That is why issues have to be resolved as quickly as possible. One solution is based on the one developed at Fermilab, which gives technicians the ability to see the status of data acquisition devices quickly through any computer with an Internet connection.

3. Introduction RFID technology uses a device that can sniff out electric tags in the surrounding area, which have unique information associated with them. If ten tags are in the area, then they can all be noticed and logged. This has countless applications in commercial and military environments, allowing inventory, timekeeping and accountability for a number of objects. It can be put in cell phones to track employees through buildings, can be placed on animals to locate subjects immediately by unique identifiers, or can make barcode scanning of hundreds of items go from an hour long project to a second. Also, unlike barcodes, it can be done at a distance and from angles, circumventing frustrating operational parameters required for barcode scanners. The eBox 2300 makes use of a video surveillance web camera, the temperature sensor, and a servo motor to track and control environmental changes on a remote site that have access to a network. eBox uses Windows CE Operating System and is programmed in C# The Single Board Computer (SBC) runs Wind River VxWorks Real Time Operating System. The SBC runs a web server that automates the surveillance of a data acquisition system connected to it. It allows the taking of reliable readings remotely using specific measurement instruments. It helps monitor these instruments via the Internet

4. Equipment Configuration eBox Network Diagram VxWorks Context Diagram RFID Wiring Schematic

5. Solution eBox Structure Diagram VxWorks Message format for DAQ Devices RFIDApp Class - responsible for switching between the various panels, giving the user the proper display

6. Experiments eBox Performance vs. the number of Threads Number of readings per distance of the RFID sensor for three tags

7. Conclusions The purpose of using the eBox 2300 is to make devices accessible for remote users. The communication between the eBox 2300 and the remote user is over network infrastructures. The eBox 2300 approach demonstrates the successful use of a network to communicate with remote devices. However, the study indicates that with the increase of the number of users, the performance of the system may suffer significantly because of the increased number of program threads. RFID technology offers a very simple capability: When a tag passes nearby, it records it with a unique identifier and a timestamp. All of the applications of this sort of technology are extensions on this very basic ability. Our study indicates a significant degradation of signal’s power with distance, so only certain types of tags will have to be selected for particular applications. For the VxWorks Real-Time Kernel, connectivity and a host web server which collects information from a set of data acquisition devices that have their own specialized web servers installed on them we demonstrated the viability of this approach. To take the project to the next level, the information from the devices has to be published it to a viewable webpage