Optical Encoder for a Game Steering Wheel May 05 - 26

1
Optical Encoder for a Game Steering WheelMay 05
- 26
Introduction
Project Requirements
Abstract Professional race car drivers and
serious video game enthusiasts demand a higher
level of precision from their video game steering
wheel controllers. Thomas Enterprises wishes to
create an inexpensive upgrade for their current
video game controller products which will allow
higher precision and control for their customers.
Incorporating optical sensors and upgrading the
USB interface circuit board of the current
products will allow a direct upgrade for Thomas
current product line and will deliver the
performance demanded by the most serious gamers.
The higher resolution and sensitivity of the
upgraded components will open Thomas products up
to a wider market share and bolster their
position as a leader in production of video game
controllers.

• Functional Requirements
• Must work with Windows compatible computers
• Higher resolution for a more realistic gaming
  experience

• Design Objectives
• Easily upgrade existing units with new circuit
  board
• Must be easy to install and use

• Design Constraints
• Dimensions need to be the same as previous design
• Cost effective design
• Must be durable to withstand the frequent use

• Measurable Milestones
• Device functionality
• Software functionality
• Successful operation with software and computer
• Comprehensive documentation for product
• Satisfies companys expectations

Problem Statement The current design uses
potentiometers for the steering wheel and pedal
inputs and only recognizes 255 positions. Thomas
Enterprises would like a direct replacement for
the sensors and interface with a higher
resolution of 1024 available positions with 16
function buttons at a maximum cost of 150.

• Intended Uses and Users
• Serious video game enthusiasts
• Professional race car drivers
• Operators of driving simulators

• Operating Environment
• Indoors, room temperature 70F
• Possibly outdoors under pleasant weather
  conditions
• Little to no moisture
• Little dust

Estimated Resources and Schedule
Lorenzo Subido 205 hours
Sam Dahlke 213 hours

• Assumptions
• Ability to modify existing computer code
• Have access to original design specifications
• Upgrade to a new microcontroller

• Limitations
• Must have same connections as the current design
• Optical encoder placement must be the same as
  potentiometer
• Circuit board must have similar size
• Must cost less than 150

Dan Pates 238 hours
Peter Fecteau 200 hours

• Expected End Product
• 1024 available positions by use of optical
  encoders
• USB connection with software driver
• Maintain 16 function buttons
• Detailed documentation

• Acknowledgements
• Andrew Bice of Iowa State Universitys Center for
  Industrial Research and Service, for sharing his
  design of the original USB interface circuit
  board.
• Dr. Doug Jacobson and Dr. Jim Davis, for their
  guidance and advice on this project.

Personnel efforts
Total project costs
Project Schedule
Closing Summary
Proposed Approach and Considerations

• Proposed Approach
• The project will be completed in the following
  phases
• Problem definition
• Device modeling and design
• Testing
• Documentation
• Demonstration

• Testing Considerations
• Controller testing with multiple computers
• Software testing
• Demonstration testing

Racing fans and video gamers demand a more
responsive steering wheel controller. This
project will improve on an existing design of the
Thomas Enterprises game controller. This
project will begin with the research of the best
alternative for the steering wheel input. The
project will consist of product design, testing,
documentation, and demonstration to the client.

• Team members
• Sam Dahlke Cpr E
• Peter Fecteau Cpr E
• Dan Pates EE
• Lorenzo Subido EE

Advisors Dr. James Davis Dr. Doug Jacobson
Client David Thomas Thomas Enterprises

• Technologies Considered
• USB interface with computer
• Optical encoding for controller input

Current controller design