Research Methods, References Used, and Conclusions Reached
We consulted experts such as Dr. Oh and Dr. Carr of Drexel University for our proposal in order to develop a viable research project. Also, we have conducted a survey on various laboratories across the United States to obtain data for statistical purposes and to study our problem in depth. We then contacted Drexel's Hagerty library to help us with obtaining material for our research. In addition, we scanned through the internet for resource-rich websites. We utilized a number of databases and scholarly journals, including technological magazines and newspapers, for further references. These references are listed below. If we cannot answer your inquiries these sources should be the first place to look for help.
1. A-kem Scientific. 8 January 2002 . <www.jkem.com>.
2. ASEE Engineering Library. 13 December 2001. < http://www.englib.cornell.edu/eld%20/libraries.html>;.
3. Cornelissen, Toni Homepage. 21 December 2001. <http://home.hetnet.nl/~tonicor/
palm/tutorial/uk/firstprogram.htm>.
4. Fast Company. “The Next Small Thing” 8 January 2002 .
<"http://www.fastcompany.com/online/15/smallthing.html.>.
5. Giguere, Eric. Palm Database Programming the Complete Developers Guide.
New York : Wiley, 1999.
6. Girson, Andrew. “Handheld Devices, Wireless Communications, and Smart Sensors” Sensors Jan. 2002: 14.
7. Hardesty, Larry. “Apps on the Fly” MIT’s Magazine of Technology June 2001: 32.
8. How Stuff Works. 8 January 2002 .< http://www.howstuffworks.com/category.htm? cat=Appl>.
9. Inteligolf. 12 January 2002 < http://www.intelligolf.com/ >.
10. Mann, Steve, and Rischpater, Ray. Advanced Palm Programming. New York: Wiley, 2001.
11. Maxim. Homepage. 10 December 2001 < http://www.maxim-ic.com/ >.
12. MELD. “MELD Data Acquisition System”. 28 November 2001>
<http://www.execpc.com/~fdeck/meld/start.htm>.
13. O’Reilly. “Making the Palm/Linux Connection”. 2 December 2001.<http://www.oreillynet.com/pt/a//network/2000/05/05/magezine/PalmLinux.html>.
14. “PC ISA Bus Analog to Digital, Digital to Analog Card”. 27 December 2001 .
<http:// www.boondog.com/\tutorials\max158\max158.htm>.
15. Pico Technologies. “Interfacing an ADC-16 with a Palm Pilot”. 28 November 2001.
16. Reynolds Electronics. 27 December 2001 <http://www.rentron.com/four-channel-ad.htm>.
17. Rhodes, Neil, and McKeehan, Julie. Palm OS Programming. Second Edition. California : O’Reilly, 2002.18. “RS-232”> Nuts and Volts Magazine Nov. 2000: 47. <http://www.picotech.com/applications/palm.html>.
19. Sensys. “Four Types of analog to digital converter”. 28 November 2001 .
<http://www.industrialtechnology.co.uk/1997/sep/scensys.htm>.
20. Sherman, Erik. “Little Big Screen” MIT’s Magazine of Technology June 2001: 65.
21. Xilinx. “XAPP155 Virtex analog to digital converter”. 27 December 2001 .
<http//www.xilinx.com/ipcenter/catalog/search/reference_xapp155_virtex_analog_>.
Alternatives
We considered three different methods for solving our problem. The first was to use the PDA only to organize the data and send it to a PC. Using this method, the data would be collected by standard lab instruments and entered into the PDA by the user. Then, it would be sent to a PC using the RS-232 interface, allowing the data to be handled accordingly on the computer using software such as Microsoft Excel. This method would not actually use the PDA to collect the data. It would only provide the necessary programming and interfacing for the PDA to sort the data and communicate with a PC. The biggest problem with this method is that it would not save a great deal of time in the data collection process. We feel that it is very important to have the PDA collect the data itself in order for our device to be convenient and save the greatest amount of time. Another problem with this method is that standard lab instruments would still be required to be purchased.
The next method we considered was to design a task-specific instrument that would communicate directly with a PC. One example would be creating a pH meter that would send data directly to a lab station using database software. The biggest drawback to this method would be the loss of portability and versatility. The device would require a PC to be nearby in order to collect data, and it would only be able to record one type of data.
The third method we considered was to design a device for the PDA that would be able to collect, organize, and sent the desired data independently. The data would be able to be collected using our device with the PDA, then formatted and sorted within the PDA itself. After the desired measurements were taken, the data could then be sent to a PC through the RS-232 interface. The advantages of this method are very clear. It will utilize the PDA in all aspects of data processing to make the instrument much more convenient. The data will be easily transportable, and does not have to be near a PC to be taken. Also, consumers will be able to use a PDA that they may already own.
We feel that the third idea is the best solution because it allows for maximum convenience and functionality while also optimizing current technology. It seems to be the most practical solution. As a result, we feel that the other two methods are no longer under consideration.
The main technical concern is the durability of the product. This product will be used in hazardous environments with heat sources like Bunsen burners substances such as strong acids. Many laboratory settings have extreme and unpredictable conditions. As a result, we feel that our device must be able to withstand a broad temperature range. Also, the housing for the circuitry must be resistant to corrosion and oxidation. The device must also be shock resistant since it is to be a hand held device. In addition, measures must be taken to assure that there is no chance of the device causing damage to the circuitry of the PDA in case of electrical contact.
Impact resistance must also be taken into consideration. Since the average height of a person’s hands is around one meter, the device must be able to sustain multiple one and a half meter drops without loss of circuit integrity and with little to no damage to the housing. The device must also be able to be recalibrated with ease. This should be done using known values of the media intended to be measured. The housing and hardware must be cost effective and durable as well as not conduct electricity.
These constraints will slow down the design process since it will be hard to find components that will meet the standards stated. Through research, we have decided that the housing should be a thermoset plastic that meets the above requirements. Circuit elements with high temperature ranges may be hard to come by as well. In addition to actual physical durability, the components also need to be able to withstand temperature changes without loss of accuracy.
The more durable components will almost certainly raise the price for the device. As a result, the cost of materials must be carefully considered if the device is to appeal to a consumer market. However, we feel that versatility and sturdy construction will far outweigh a small increase in price. Spending slightly more for a quality product will save the customer more money over time, since frequent replacements will not be necessary.
Survey of Literature
We found conflicting ideas, biases, and other influences while conducting our research. Things were discovered in the course of our research which were contradictory to each member’s personal thoughts, ethics and ideals, but we were able to think objectively and rationally about the proposed solutions to our problem.; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Verdana"> After consulting our advisor and other experts for their opinion and conducting a survey, we were convinced that our problem is a significant one. The groups surveyed seemed to express interest in the idea of utilizing a PDA in order to optimize data collection. Materials and resources obtained through the library and the Internet were also very helpful. Many of them were up to date, covered various areas and technological aspects, and contained charts, graphs, and formulas to illustrate concepts clearly. Even though many of the articles used technical terms and concepts, we were able to comprehend them by getting help from experts or people knowledgeable in our area of research.
One article that reassured the validity of our project was “Handheld Devices, Wireless Communications, and Smart Sensors” from Sensors magazine. The article discussed how utilizing handheld devices for data collection purposes may be the wave of the future for many applications.> The article stated that “the idea that future sensors may be incorporated into networks of wired or wireless nodes is likely to have a significant impact on how portable, mobile, and remote sensing systems are created and maintained” (Girson). This seems to imply that using handheld devices to network data collection and organization may soon become a reality. Although on a larger scale than our device would be, it still expresses the fact that there is not only a practical purpose for our design, but also a market interest.