The different stages of the project follows
a systematic approach using Strategies and resources specified in
section F of the report to assure a deadlines being met. A brief
overview of the phases is as follows:
Inception phase
[understanding the objectives/device applications/constraints]:
Reading the User Manual Accompanied by the Rabbit Zigbee
Applications Kit and the Dynamic C software manual which is
fundamental to programming the Prototyping board. The inception
phase shall continue for 5 weeks
[28/08/2008 – 29/08/2008]
-
After getting familiar with the
characteristic capabilities of the RCM3720 module and the nodes
by running sample programs. Duration: 2 weeks
-
A simple mesh network would be aimed
for to be established which would communicate small bit of
information like ASCII characters being displayed on the screen.
Duration: 2 weeks
-
Research on selecting a suitable soil
moisture sensor which is compatible with the RF module’s IO pins
and meets the power requirements. Duration: 2 weeks.
-
Re-negotiate specification and
requirements of the system based on progress made on the
conceptualization of design.
Elaboration phase
[Acquisition of right resources]: On successful completion of the
familiarization process and comprehensive detailing of the various
sub-phases. The final plan finalized on Friday August 22, 2008 shall
include all the details about inclusions of research conducted on
suitable sensors and implementation details of the communication
between RF modules.
This phase shall require 3 weeks [22/8/2008
- 12/9/2008] of effort to select the right sensors and document
finding about compatibility issues, power requirements,
environmental constraints, efficiency and reliability issues in
detail.
A detailed and finalized report including
250-300 words abstract shall be submitted to the Supervisor for
consideration of a D/ HD mark due on 24/10/2008.
Researching and Designing phase:
This phase shall look more closely into constraints and issues
associated with using the available sensors/ designed prototype
which matches our specification for communication in a mesh
topology. Decisions on the system architecture [data logging-files,
IO and connection devices (adapters)] and then target is to get the
probes to trigger IO and saves entries at specific delays in time.
The research would include a detailed study of Communication
problems under the real environment which relates to embedding the
RF module with sensor underground. The tests would involve study of
signal strength based on depth under the ground level and moisture
in soil which could possibly cause attenuation or loss of data. This
Experimentation results shall indicate ideal operational environment
characteristics.
This phase shall continue for 6-10 weeks
[12/9/2008 – 21/11/2008] which would conclude with a demonstration
and submission of Progress Report [a copy of Appendix A to APO] to
the supervisor. The Target during these 6-10 weeks shall be to
achieve a basic level of control over the system by recording the
periodic outputs from the sensor communicated wirelessly to the base
station RCM Prototyping board and a simple data logging mechanism
established to conduct further analysis on the data.
Testing and Statistical Analysis
phase: This phase shall be conducted in the Capstone
project B (48026) during Autumn Semester 2009. The target would be
to conduct tests on the designed system and evaluate its
practicality. One of the concerns which are to be addressed is the
design of the cover for the RF module before installation and
attenuation [any reduction in the strength of a signal] perceived
when the module is installed beneath the soil surface.
The tests would indicate and support initial
research conducted on implementation constraints of the Zigbee
devices and % accuracy of the moisture sensors.
Final Report presentation and Demonstration
phase: This phase would be conducted during last 4 weeks of the
project schedule and shall include a professional representation of
compiled information from the conducted tests and display of a fully
functional prototype of the System.
Note: Although the phases do indicate
specific goals specified in terms of deliverable yet overlaps
and repetition of processes shall occur due to the nature of the
project. Mostly, the iterative loops shall occur while testing
and re-designing the intermediate elements. These phases and the
inclusions of intermediate deliverable shall be subject to
supervisor’s approval.
