Overview

1. Relay Webcam Conference Room Laser Pointer SystemAnna Goncharova, Brent Hoover, Alex Mendes Sponsored by Dr. Jeffrey Black The project concept was developed for use in large conference rooms, where presentation slides are often projected at multiple screens. If the speaker chooses to use a handheld laser pointer, he or she will only be able to point it at one of the screens. The goal of this project was to develop a system that detects where the speaker points the handheld laser pointer and replicates the laser beam on a second screen. The location (x and y coordinates) of the primary laser beam are extracted and a secondary laser is directed to the same spot on the screen as the corresponding location where the first laser is directed. Pan and tilt mount Image data On/off signal Controller Laptop Angle info Mounted system Webcam Servo motors Computer Overview Operational Concept Software Overview Ideally, the only thing required of the user for the system to operate is to turn on the Conference Room Laser Pointer System so that the built-in webcam faces the primary presentation screen and use his or her handheld laser pointer as usual. Presently, a more complex preparation is required of the user. The system must be properly calibrated to allow for the size of the presentation screens, the distance from the screens, and the hue of the primary laser. Hardware Overview Figure 4: System Diagram Future Work Figure 1: General Hardware Diagram Overall, this project has the potential to be profitable. To accomplish this, several future directions may be undertaken. The image processing algorithms are an integral part of this project. The code can continue to be improved upon in terms of accuracy and reliability. The project housing can also be improved upon to be more aesthetically appealing and durable. Ultimately, the system should be tested by real users who have little knowledge of the technological workings of the system. This will help further develop and improve the Conference Room Laser Pointer System to make it more effective. • Handheld laser pointer • Replicated on secondary screen • Laptop • Integrates all system components • Locates primary laser beam • Controls servo motors • Controls relay • Webcam • Transmits primary screen image to laptop • Servo motors • Control and move pan and tilt system • Pan and tilt system • Moves secondary laser • Servo motor controller • Transmits information from laptop to servo motors • Relay • Disconnects secondary laser as needed • Replicating laser • Replicates primary laser • USB cables and hub • Connect system • Power supplies • Power system Figure 2: Software Components Diagram Conclusions Figure 3: Relay Circuit Overall, this project was successful in accomplishing the basic objectives. The system is able to replicate a beam coming from a handheld laser pointer relatively accurately. Another strength of the developed system is the relative inexpensiveness. Most of the components were purchased online for under $50. The total budget of $200 was not exceeded.