1

David ChaffeeKyle RuckerMichael CookDelaun SmithAshley Hihath

Samuel SpenceSpencer Oldemeyer

Client: Kerri VierlingAdvisors: Jay McCormick Tom HessMentor: Brandy Holmes

2

Overview

• Monitoring the use of tree habitats is important •Presently, necessary tools used to remotely monitor these habitats during the fall/winter months do not exist •Development of a triggered-based cavity camera system will eliminate quiet periods where no animal activity occurs while facilitating data analysis

3

Opportunity Statement

Develop instrumentation to monitor the use of tree cavities by small animals during fall/winter months. The ideal instrumentation would be a camera that:

1) takes pictures in low light conditions2) is continually powered3) can function during extreme weather conditions4) has high image storage capabilities5) is self-triggered by animal presence6) does not disrupt the wildlife7) is camouflaged from predators and humans

Needs and SpecificationsGeneral Requirements Specific Requirements Acceptable PerformanceRecord Occupancy

Photographic Evidence Species ID possible >90%Trigger

Animal missed <20%

False positive <20%Long Operation Time

4 mo. solar & battery power Works 70% of timeframe

Storage for all photos 4 month data capacityHarsh Environments

Operation in cold climate Works > -20° F

Operates in wet climate Withstands rain and snowInstallation

Weight of any one module Deployable by ATV

Size (Camera Module) diameter <2" - Length <8"Camoflague

Battery not seen Not Noticeable at >10'Wires obfuscated

Wires >1' from entrance

Size >20 GA

Internal Wildlife undisturbedTemperature

Heat dissipation from electronics Less than 1-2 °C

5

Inside Camera

Pro Con

Protected from the elements External battery

Less conspicuous Animal interference

Consistent imaging environment Size

Trigger can be close Wires

Alter the dwelling

Camouflaging the power source

Outside Camera

Pro Con

Limited size constraints Complicated triggering

Easy to installVariable Imaging conditions

Easy transition from artificial to natural cavity Optics expenseEasily Transported/Installed Extensive Camouflage

Human interference

AlternativeCamera

Placement

6

Camera Type

Camera Resolution Power Usage Supply Voltage Interface Output

CAM3908 352 x 28845 mW @ 15

fps 2.8 V Digital 8 bits UYVY

C329-7640 640 x 480 180 mW 3.3 V UARTJPEG, VGA, QVGA, CIF

CA-84/C (IR CCD) 500 x 500 1.7 W 12 V RCA Signal BW TV

TCM8230MD 640 x 48053 mW@ 15

fps 2.8, 2.5, 1.5 V Digital 8 bits YUV, RGB

TCM8240MD 1300 x 1024 225 mW (JPEG) 2.8, 2.5, 1.6 V Digital 8 bits YUV, RGB, JPEG

LI-3M02CM 2048 x 1536 400 mW 2.8, 1.8 V Digital 24 bits YUV

7

Microprocessor

Type Speed Flash Memory RAM Memory Power Usage I/O Pins

MAXQ2000 20 MHz32 k words (16bit

words)1k words (16)bit

words23.1 mW @ 1

MHz 50

MSP430 8 MHz 4kb (16bit words)256b (16bit

words)23.1 mW @ 1

MHz 14

LPC2131/32/34/36/38 (ARM7) 60 MHz

512kB (16/32bit words)

32kB (16/32bit words) 50-200 mW

47 GPIO + ADCs

Rabbit 3000 55 MHz1 MB shared

data/code1 MB shared

data/code 6 mW / 1 MHz 56

ARM thrumb (AT91/ARM7) 20 MHz 32kB

8kB (16/32bit words)

5-2 mW / 1 MHz 58

8

SensorsType Advantages Disadvantages Sensing limitations

Image AnalysisAdaptive, No extra

partsPower/Computationally

expensive Visible subject

IR ReflectionSimple to implement,

Small size, InexpensivePower requirements,

Heat producedSubject must reflect appreciable IR light

Photo Resistor Small size, InexpensiveDependent on visible

light conditions Day time only

Audio Analysis AdaptiveComputationally

expensiveSubject must make recognizable sound

Ultrasonic Distance Simple interfaceSize of module, Power

requirements, Expensive

Sensor must be 10 or more cm from opposite

interior wall

IR Laser Tripwire Simple interfaceRequires modification of

cavity Subject must break

emitted beam

CombinationIncreased accuracy

and reliabilityCompounded power

disadvantagesReduced Sensing

limitations

9

Battery

Type Construction ChargePower Loss

Power Density Weight Longevity

Li-ion Li-ion cellsConstant Current Some Good Light ~1000 cycles

Li-poly Li-poly cellConstant Current Minimal Best Light ~1000 cycles

Lead Acid AGM ≥14V More Moderate Heavy ~500 cycles

Lead Acid SLA ≥14V Most Lowest Heavy ~300 cycles

10

Solar PanelTesting

Testing carried out on EP roof from 11/13 – 11/16

5W rated panel

11

7750 8250 8750 9250 97500

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

Power (mW) 11/14/09 Detail (9:30AM - 3:13PM)

Power (mW)

Time (360 units = 1 hour)

Pow

er

(1000 m

W =

1 W

)

12

15361 15861 16361 16861 17361 17861 183610

50

100

150

200

250

300

Power (mW) 11/15/09 6:40AM - 4:14PM

Power (mW)

Time (360 units = 1 hour)

Pow

er

(mW

)

13

Power System Flow

1. Power is generated at the solar panels2. The charge controller converts this energy

into the proper voltages and currents needed to charge the battery

3. The battery stores the electrical energy for use when the solar panels are unable to produce enough energy

4. The voltage converter changes the 12 VDC battery voltage to the 5 VDC voltage the microprocessor uses

14

Charge Controller

The CD Technology #35004.

Designed for high efficiency solar systems.

Prevents damage to the battery from overcharging

Provides exact voltages and currents needed to minimize battery degradation

15

Battery

The Sun Xtender PVX-420T

Designed specifically for solar applications.

Freeze resistant and Spill proof.

Can power the system for up to 12 days from a full charge.

16

Voltage Converter

The Linear Technology LT3751 DC-DC Converter

Can handle Charger Voltages of up to 24 Volts

Easily interfaces with the microcontroller to convert to the proper output voltage

17

Energy and Power Needs Average Power Usage Rate of 400 mW Daily Total Energy of 1.509 x 105 Joules Total Energy in Amp-Hours: 3.493 Ah

18

Casing

The casing shown has a diameter of 1.5 inches.

The final dimensions of this device will depend on

component size and layout.

19

Recommended Design

Component Type

Camera TCM8240MD

Microprocessor ARM7 LPC213X family

Sensor Combination image processing, IR trip wire, IR distance

Battery Sun Xtender PVX-2580L

Solar Panel 3 x 5W panel

Casing Custom Aluminum

Data Transmission Cell/satellite phone

• Camera system will be placed inside the tree cavity• Battery camouflaged at the base of the tree• Solar panel mounted on the tree

21

Cost AnalysisComponent Cost

Camera $10

Microprocessor $15/chip

Sensor $20

Solar Panel 5W $50/unit

Casing $20

Battery $250

Voltage Converter $5

Development Platform (one time expense)

$150

Charge Controller $50

Printed circuit board $100

Battery casing $200

Misc. (cables, panel mount, installation)

$100

TOTAL $970

22

Potential Problems• Solar panel

-not charging the battery during extended periods of bad weather-debris accumulation

• Overheating components

• Disrupting animal habitat- Heat- IR

• False positives/missed subjects

• Weatherproofing

23

Future PlansBy the end of this semester:

• Complete solar panel experiments• IR distance sensor testing• Temperature modeling• Software outline• Image selection algorithm• Project Report by (12/11/09)

Next Semester:

• Sensor Prototyping• Camera prototyping• PCB design• Software writing and testing• Manufacture camera casing• Integrate systems• Mounting configuration/installation• Finalize design