JetPackJoyRide - Cluster Implementation

Introduction

The JetRacer Instrument Cluster Qt Application project aims to create a real-time speedometer for a JetRacer car. The application will run on a Raspberry Pi 4 and use the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol to receive speed data from a speed sensor. This project provides hands-on experience in software engineering, including embedded systems, communication protocols, and GUI development with Qt, a framework widely used in the automotive industry.

The successful completion of this project demonstrates the ability to design and implement real-world software solutions and effectively communicate results.

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Background Information

This project involves the following key technologies:

• Raspberry Pi: A powerful, low-cost AI computer ideal for embedded applications and robotics projects.
• JetRacer: A small autonomous vehicle platform based on the Jetson Nano, suitable for testing and experimentation.
• CAN Protocol: A robust communication standard for vehicle ECUs (Electronic Control Units).
• Qt Framework: A popular tool for creating cross-platform GUIs, especially in automotive applications.

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Goals and Objectives

Main Goal

To develop a functional instrument cluster for the JetRacer car, displaying real-time speed data from a speed sensor via the CAN bus.

Specific Objectives

• Design and implement a Qt-based graphical user interface (GUI).
• Integrate a speed sensor system with the Raspberry Pi 4 using the CAN bus protocol.
• Display real-time speed data on the instrument cluster GUI.
• Test functionality using realistic driving scenarios.
• Document the project, including system architecture, design, and implementation.

Bonus Objective: Display battery level on the instrument cluster.

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Technical Requirements

Hardware

• Raspberry Pi 4: Ideal for handling the computational requirements of real-time GUI and CAN data processing.
• CAN Bus Interface: (e.g., MCP2515 or TJA1050) for interfacing with the Raspberry Pi 4.
• Speed Sensor: A CAN-compatible speed sensor for data acquisition.
• OBD-II Cable: Connects the Raspberry Pi 4 and speed sensor to the vehicle’s CAN bus.
• Voltage Regulator: Converts 12V to 5V for powering the Raspberry Pi 4 from the vehicle's electrical system.
• Display: LCD/OLED display for GUI visualization.
• Mounting Hardware: Brackets or enclosures for securely mounting the display and Raspberry Pi 4 on the JetRacer.
• JetRacer Vehicle: A small-scale autonomous car platform with a CAN bus system.

Software

• Qt Framework: Open-source version for creating GUI applications.
• CAN Libraries: Suitable libraries for CAN communication.

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Software Design

• Main Application: Manages GUI, CAN communication, and speed display.
• CAN Communication Module: Interfaces with the speed sensor and processes data.
• Display Module: Displays real-time speed data using customizable formats.

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Implementation

• Code Development: Key components written in C++ using Qt.
• Testing: Verification of real-time speed display.
• Deployment: Application setup and execution on Jetson Nano.

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Testing Plan

(To be detailed later)

• Functional Testing: Verifying data acquisition and display.
• Usability Testing: Ensuring user-friendly interface.
• Performance Testing: Evaluating system response under various conditions.

Submission Checklist

(To be updated upon submission)

• Code and configuration files.
• Algorithm and data structure descriptions.
• UI screenshots and diagrams.
• Test plans, cases, and results.
• Hardware component details.
• References and additional materials.