1. MARKETING HOVER CAMERA
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science Department
Winter - 2014
Abstract
Currently we are situated in a technology boom, where
engineers need to be a step ahead all the time. In terms of
marketing, being forward thinking and having the next best
thing is important. An example of this is advertising your
company with the latest gadgets. Because of this a prototype
is proposed and the marketing hover camera idea is born.
The purpose of this project is to create a friendly device that
can be customized to the client needs and will provide pro-
fessional footage at an affordable cost while advertising the
company, team, product or sporting event. The marketing
hover camera has high tech components and systems, it’s
simple and convenient to use and it’s a cost effective ap-
proach to advertising and capturing live events. The market-
ing hover camera could be the beginning of a new standard
of video live streaming.
Objectives
Remote control overhead camera system customized for
marketing use in public events.
Sensors are to be used for giving warnings and possible
course adjustments when close to objects via customized
programming.
Establish a wireless connectivity between the camera and
computer to enable live streaming of pictures and videos.
Balancing the weight, optimizing total system power con-
sumption, minimizing power supply size and weight, and
programming the micro controller to comply with the
needs and constraints to optimize performance and func-
tionality between recharging/changing batteries.
The resulting system should represent a viable product for
a possible client interested in high quality video and pic-
ture streaming for indoor public events.
Team Members
Sue H. Fontanez Nieves : 58982
Karla E. Martínez Burgos : 65704
Javier Perez Perez : 57621
Juan C. Ramos Padro : 69556
Orlando Rosado Rodríguez : 78657
Professor Wence Lopez Cruz
Design Specifications
Prototype
Roller with drill attached Motor Controller Connection
The console Controlling the console
Conclusion
This design project was completed successfully, even
though we did have to overcome many obstacles while at the
same time learn about realistic issues regarding movement
of a heavy frame. As an example, our objective was to find
two motors that had the torque necessary to move the slid-
ing bar and the attached console that together weighed
around 8 pounds without overheating the power supply or
damaging the electric motors. We also wanted to make a sys-
tem that would be battery powered. Having to move a 12
foot beam was one of the biggest challenges because if both
sides did not move synchronously the bar would begin to ro-
tate in a way which would eventually lock the wheels on the
side.
We decided to use a single motor connected to an axle
which would move both sides at the same time and in-
creased the voltage fed to the motor to move the system
without any issues. We used an Arduino microcontroller to
send commands wirelessly to a separate receiving Arduino
microcontroller while only experiencing minimal lag. The
Samsung Galaxy Camera was attached to a pan and tilt servo
mount which was controlled by the receiving Arduino micro-
controller. The final program has a four proximity sensor
function that helps avoid damages with objects that may col-
lide with the console. It is capable of streaming through an
Android application that lets you access high definition video
and high resolution photos through any mobile device that
contains this application. At the same time the application al-
lows you to control the zoom, brightness and other features.
Lastly, an Xbox 360 controller was successfully programed so
the buttons could control the motors which move the hover
camera in an X and Y axis plane in addition to controlling the
servos responsible for panning and tilting the camera.
Components
Arduino Uno Microcontrollers
XBee 1mW Chip Antennas - Series 1 (802.15.4)
Xbee Shield For Arduino
HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensors
Black and Decker AS6NG Alkaline Cordless Screwdrivers
RioRand® Smart Car DC Dual Motor Driver PWM H-Bridge
HS-85B Mighty Micro Servos
Samsung Galaxy Camera
Xbox 360 Controller