Automated Gardening using Wireless Sensor Mesh Network

2018 ELE Engineering Design Project (AA06)

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Faculty Lab Coordinator

Alagan Anpalagan

Topic Category

Communications / Networking

Preamble

Automated remote monitoring and control of appliances, gadgets and devices in many industries has become normal nowadays. For example, through the smart phones with a touch of a button, light can be turned on, temperature can be decreased, and moisture level can be controlled with turning on sprinklers. Large scale farming also needs automated and efficient way to monitor the state of the soil and atmospheric conditions that are critical to the healthy cultivation of plants. The monitoring and control can be done using a wireless sensor network. The design of a suitable sensor network, choice and placement of various sensors, remote monitoring with reliable communication and intelligent decision making are some of the challenges here. In this project, you will do a small-scale home garden as a prototype for large-scale farm implementation.

Objective

-To design, develop and test a prototype for monitoring and control of various components of a garden as per the specifications. -The typical applications (such as temperature control, dry condition, power usage and bug detection) within a typical garden are to be monitored and controlled in one system with the focus given to wireless mobile technologies (including smart phone apps) to efficiently and effectively communicate with remote devices. - To build a prototype (or simulate if needed) and validate the workings of the monitor/controller through the combination of software simulation and embedded implementation.

Partial Specifications

The monitoring and control system to be implemented should: (a) use Arduino board in sensing and data acquisition, (b) in real- time monitor via wireless technologies at desktop computer and smart phone, (c) use Java in programming and Android/iPhone based display, (d) supervisory control and digital fault recording if such events occur.

Suggested Approach

- Study the literature on Arduino-based (or appropriate) sensors, wireless control, and monitoring.
- Research on technology for wireless device communication with attention given to radio channels, energy-efficient yet reliable communication. Decide on the wireless system.
- Design a data acquisition/monitoring subsystem and develop software for the data acquisition/processing of subsystems.
-Use modular approach in design/test and then integrate.
-Design/develop the GUI with as many user-selectable inputs
- Arduino programming and APPS development.
-Test the automated system for typical/extreme utility conditions which will be done through simulation and some implementation.

Group Responsibilities

Study sensor networks and wireless communication systems, design/develop the technical specifications required for the system prototype under consideration, implement and test of the entire system with the above objectives. Follow the project management plan carefully and thoroughly. Responsible for the demo and project report.

Student A Responsibilities

To design, develop, implement, and test a prototype of a monitoring and control system for home gardening using wireless mesh network.

Student B Responsibilities

To design, develop, implement, and test a prototype of a monitoring and control system for home gardening using wireless mesh network.

Student C Responsibilities

To design, develop, implement, and test a prototype of a monitoring and control system for home gardening using wireless mesh network.

Course Co-requisites