AR Windshield | Fall 2024

Team Members

Mehdi Heydari, Ajay Parthibha, Amelia Zhang

Summary

The AR Windshield is a comprehensive web-based platform designed to display real-time vehicle information during competitive events. This system provides critical data visualization for both drivers and team members, enabling informed decision-making during races through an intuitive digital interface.

System Description

The platform has undergone significant enhancements in Spring 2024, with a complete frontend redesign and expanded functionality. Key features now include:

• Real-time GPS tracking for precise vehicle positioning
• Live temperature monitoring with dynamic visualization
• Comprehensive DAQ connection implementation
• Integrated time tracking system
• Enhanced data visualization components including speedometer, battery status, and thermal monitoring
• Planned integration framework for LiveTiming and Historical dashboards

The system utilizes ReactJS for the frontend, incorporating D3.js for complex visualizations and WebSocket connections for real-time data updates. The interface has been optimized for both clarity and performance, ensuring critical information is readily accessible to drivers and team members.

Key Components

• Dynamic Dashboard Interface: Completely redesigned frontend with improved visual hierarchy and component organization
• Real-time Location Tracking: Integrated GPS monitoring system using the Google Maps API
• Environmental Monitoring: New temperature tracking and visualization system
• Data Acquisition Interface: Fully implemented DAQ connection for reliable sensor data collection
• Time Management System: Added precise timing functionality for race management

How To Use

1. Clone the repository
2. Install dependencies:

npm install

3. Start the systems in the following order:

a. For AR Windshield:

cd ARWindshield
node server.js

b. For FakeDAQ:

cd FakeDAQ/server
node server.js

c. Then in a new terminal:

cd ARWindshield
npm start

Application Architecture

Frontend

The frontend has been completely revamped this semester with a focus on modularity and real-time performance:

• App.js: Core application container managing component hierarchy and data flow
• Maps.js: Handles GPS tracking and location visualization
• Temperature.js: New component for environmental data monitoring
• Battery.js: Enhanced battery visualization with D3.js
• Counter.js: Manages WebSocket connections and real-time data updates

Backend

The backend system has been strengthened with:

• Robust WebSocket server implementation for real-time data transmission
• Enhanced data processing capabilities for sensor integration
• Planned connectivity framework for dashboard integration

Challenges and Solutions

This semester's major challenges included:

1. GPS Integration: Implemented precise location tracking while managing battery efficiency
2. Frontend Redesign: Complete overhaul while maintaining system stability
3. DAQ Connection: Successfully completed full implementation with robust error handling
4. Real-time Data Management: Optimized WebSocket connections for improved performance

Future Work

Upcoming development priorities include:

1. Complete integration with LiveTiming and Historical dashboards
2. Enhanced data visualization options
3. Optimization of GPS tracking battery usage
4. Additional sensor integration capabilities
5. Expanded real-time analysis tools

Recent Updates (Spring 2024)

• Complete frontend redesign for improved user experience
• Added GPS tracking functionality
• Implemented comprehensive temperature monitoring
• Completed DAQ connection implementation
• Developed integration framework for dashboard systems
• Enhanced real-time data visualization components

Testing

The system undergoes rigorous testing to ensure reliability:

• Unit testing of individual components
• Integration testing of WebSocket connections
• Performance testing under various data loads
• GPS accuracy verification
• Real-time update latency testing

Performance Considerations

• Optimized WebSocket connections for minimal latency
• Efficient data processing for real-time updates
• Battery-conscious GPS tracking implementation
• Streamlined component rendering

Dependencies

• React.js
• D3.js
• WebSocket
• Google Maps API
• Node.js
• Express.js

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Commit your changes
4. Push to the branch
5. Create a Pull Request

Contact

mmh287@cornell.edu for more information