Smartphone Land Searching Drone (SLSD) with

Wide- Eye Lens Viewing and Two- Way Radio

Communication

By:
Kerby D. Rubinas
John Dylan R. Aranzado
Angelo S. Reyes
Roxanne Leila P. Ronquillo
Shanne Anne D. Chappel
Nicole R. Dela Pena
Maryhan A. Furaque
Shania Trisha H. Fontalba

A Research Passed to the Science Department of

Manuel A. Roxas High School and to
Arjay Advincula, Research Teacher
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Research Class
Feb. 29, 2016

Introduction:

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In our generation, drones are widely used nowadays. It has evolved

from a mere robot traveling along pre-set paths, operating off an internal
navigation system, Initially used in military as a mere mapping robot of
terrain together with limited functionality, to an independent or remotecontrolled robot. it had evolved as a technology used for both offensive and
defensive strategies used in skirmishes, that really made a big difference in a
life and death situation, in mapping situations and locating mercenaries;
although it can be done by a human being, the value of life is priceless over
the funds needed to execute the activity because it decreases the chance of
the rescuer to be the one put in the line of danger. It also decreases the
needed manpower in the said activity because instead of people, it could be
replaced with drones and the one who could perform the work while being
controlled by a human being. Another use of the drone is video recording
and capturing photos angled atop, offering aerial view. These are just some of
the few of the major improvements of drone technology. The uses of these
things really are unimaginable, although complex, but through the use of
growing advancements of science, it is growing user- friendly day by day.
But the mere fact of hearing advanced technology, we often think of is
its price, the price of how much a regular and simple drone there is in the
market. The lowest price range of a drone in the market is above or equal to
P2000 (http://techpp.com/2014/01/29/cheap-drones/) varying the quality and
specifications the drone could offer which means, low price is to limited
affordability. A high budget is needed to fund the needed money in order for a
regular person to buy a simple flying drone, even for buying the lowest price
in the market.
Why smartphones incorporated as land drones? A smartphone is a
mobile phone with an advanced mobile operating system which combines
features of a personal computer operating system with other features useful
for mobile or handheld use. They typically combine the features of a cell
phone with those of other popular mobile devices, such as personal digital
assistant (PDA), media player and GPS navigation unit. Most smartphones can
access the Internet, have a touchscreen user interface, can run third-party
apps, music players and are camera phones. Most smartphones produced
from 2012 onwards also have high-speed mobile broadband 4G LTE internet,
motion sensors, and mobile payment mechanisms. ("Smartphone". Phone
Scoop. Retrieved 2011-12-15.) ("Feature Phone". Phone Scoop. Retrieved
2011-12-15.) (Andrew Nusca (August 20, 2009). "Smartphone vs. feature
phone arms race heats up; which did you buy?". ZDNet. Retrieved 2011-1215.) Having the capability of running third- party apps, it opens up the
possibility of having it created as a drone since a program could be created

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that has the capability to control the cameras functions and communication
handset of a phone on another smartphone.

The smartphone utilizes an Android Operating System (OS) not only

because it is rather cheap over other operating systems, but also the
flexibility it gives to the user. Android is entirely open, and has designed its
software developer kit (SDK) to work across as many platforms as possible.
Also Like other mobile platforms, Android has an officially sanctioned app
store in the shape of Google Play, which comes as standard on nearly every
Android smartphone and tablet in order for users to find and download new
software. Android users can choose to install applications from other sources.
You can download apps direct from a developer's site, install them from a
flash memory card, or from a third-party app store. The Android platform has
a proven track record of supporting the latest cutting-edge ideas. While
casual apps still seem to appear on other OSs first, the bigger hardware
innovations almost invariably start at Google. Android was the first to support
Wi-Fi Direct, WebP images, multiple user accounts and screen mirroring
support through Miracast. In addition, when something doesnt exist, the
open platform makes it almost guaranteed that it will be available within
hours of a need being identified, rather than having to wait two years for
other
OSs
to
release
something.
(http://www.v3.co.uk/v3uk/news/2336474/top-10-android-benefits-over-apple-iphone/page/4)
The aim of this research is to create a low- cost land drone capable of
recording videos and capturing photos using smartphones that is transmitted
from another smartphone that uses live feeds which are some features of a
commercial drone. It is set to function on land because it reduces the
variables needed like: gyroscopes, accelerometer, altitude control, rotation
vector sensor, gravity sensor and etc., preventing its complexity in build.
SLSD incorporates the use of remote- controlled toy cars as the
transportation device of the smartphone from one place to another using a 6way motion motor control manipulated by its specified remote controller. It
also incorporates a wide- eye clip lens offering a much wider view. It
maximizes the range of area that the camera can cover.
Specifically, this study aimed to test the capability and effectiveness of
the Smartphone Land Searching Drone (SLSD). Specifically, the study aimed
to answer the ff. question,
1. Does it have the similarities to aerial drones? Is it more
advantageous if we use land-based drones instead of aerial
drones?

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2. Are there considerable similarities of data collected from the
SLSD compared to the data collected from the aerial drones?

Hypothesis:
Null
1. SLSD doesnt have the similarities of what aerial drones offer.
2. SLSD isnt more advantageous over using aerial drones.
3. SLSD doesnt have considerable similarities on data collected from the
SLSD compared to data collected from aerial drones.

Alternative
1. SLSD does have the similarities of what aerial drones offer.
2. SLSD is more advantageous over using aerial drones.
3. SLSD does have considerable similarities on data collected from the
SLSD compared to data collected from aerial drones.

Significance of the Study:

Given the chance, SLSD could be a great yet cheap substitute
for the drones offered in the market. It could also be a great search and
rescue drone having the similar features market drones has to offer.
Further, this study focuses on the utilization of UV black light as a
blood detector, therefor increasing the chance of finding casualties and
survivors.

Scope and Limitations:

The research only focused on the capability of SLSD to be a
great yet cheap substitute for aerial drones. It also tests the
significance of applying UV Black Light on to drones for detecting
blood.
The research does not involve the terrain SLSD could cope up to.

Methodology:
The flow of the investigation is illustrated below:
Collection of Smartphones
and other Materials
Preparation of the Gadget

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The Frame

The Smartphones
Communication System

Testing and Data

Processing

Installation and
Completion of the
SLSD

Procurement of Materials
The Preparation of the materials begins with borrowing a Toy Car and reusing it as the
main housing of the SLSD. Collection of Borrowing of two smartphones was also done that is to
be used for the live feed recording and viewing of the environment the SLSD is engaged onto.
Other essential materials, Pocket Wi-Fi, Power bank and Clip Lens were borrowed also from the
groupmates household.
Preparation of Materials
The SLSD was created by removing the 10 x 4.5 x 2.5 housing of the RemoteControlled Toy Car (RCTC), replacing it with a10 x 4.5 x .7 Do-It-Yourself (DIY) housing
using Styrofoam, double-sided tape and electrical tape. The following was essential for the safety
of the smartphone that is to be placed because it prevents it from outside damages and being In
contact with electricity. The housing was formed depending on the shape of the RCTC, taking in
consideration its interference to the rotation of the wheels. A 5.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 dock is also made,
carving two rectangle holes that will allow the camera to work in the SLSD, being the back
camera facing in front that is to be attached horizontally placed on top of the housing for the
placement of the smartphone, pocket Wi-Fi and the power bank. It was taped on the RCTC and
serve as housing for the SLSD. Two smartphones will be used, smartphone A as the camera, and
smartphone B as the monitor, both having the IP Webcam app installed. The smart phone as the
camera will be inserted in the dock, and the dock will be attached on the DIY Housing. After
placing it, the space behind it, will be occupied by the Pocket Wi-Fi and the power bank. It was
taped with double- adhesive to keep it still; usage of glue stick (glue gun) is not advisable for it is
possible that it melts away the Styrofoam housing. It was firmly placed and made sure it was
secured.
Testing:
Six tests were made concerning the capabilities and disadvantages of the SLSD as a
Search and Rescue Drone. It is as follows; (a) The first test measured the Remote Controlling
Signals of the RCTC by having 9 tests in total, three main tests, having three repetitions each,
with varying distances that focuses on the length of distance the remote control could exchange
radio signals (RCTC). (b) The second test focuses on the speed and acceleration of the RCTC by
having 8 tests in total, 2 main tests having four repetitions, covering different distances and

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clocked by how much time it could complete the test. (c) The third test focused on the maximum
elevation it could travel onto, by having 7 tests with different increasing angles. (d) The fourth
test focused on its maneuverability, by placing items, 2m apart, and letting the SLSD maneuver
its way, following the pattern right and left directions; 3 tests were made having three tests with
two repetitions setting time caps on each test. (e) The fifth test was focused on how far the signals
of the pocket Wi-Fi could transmit signals onto the smartphone in order for the live feed
recordings to proceed; 10 tests with different increasing distances were done. (f) The sixth test
focused on the delays per distance covered by the SLSD by matching whether occurrence of lag
spikes happen during its travel at different lengths between the smart phone monitor and the
smart phone camera; 10 tests were done covering different distances.
A. Maximum Range Of The RCTC In Terms Of Radio Signals

Number of Tests
Test 1 (a)
Test 1 (b)
Test 1 (c)
Test 2 (a)
Test 2 (b)
Test 2 (c)
Test 3 (a)
Test 3 (b)
Test 3 (c)

Distance (m)
10
10
10
20
20
20
30
30
30

Functioning or Not
Functioning
Functioning
Functioning
Functioning
Functioning
Functioning
Not Functioning
Not Functioning
Not Functioning

B. Speed And Acceleration Of The SLSD

Number of Tests
Test 1 (a)
Test 1 (b)
Test 1 (c)
Test 1 (d)
Test 2 (a)
Test 2 (b)
Test 2 (c)
Test 2 (d)

Distance (m)
10
10
10
10
20
20
20
20

Time (s)
7.48
7.39
7.01
8.02
12.38
12.41
12.36
12.09

Speed (m/s)
1.34
1.35
1.43
1.25
1.62
1.61
1.62
1.65

Ave Speed (m/s)

1.34

1.63
Ave= 1.49 m/s

C.

Maximum Elevation It Could Travel

Number of Tests
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
Test 4
Test 5
Test 6
Test 7

Elevation (in degrees)

5
10
15
20
25
30
35

Plausible or Not
Plausible
Plausible
Not Plausible
Not Plausible
Not Plausible
Not Plausible
Not Plausible

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D.

Obstacle Test

Number of Tests
Test 1 (a)
Test 1 (b)
Test 2 (a)
Test 2 (b)
Test 3 (a)
Test 3 (b)

Number of
Obstacles
2
2
5
5
8
8

Time
(s)
5.28
5.41
8.73
8.21
14.1
13.57

Time Cap
(s)
6.00
6.00
9.00
9.00
12.00
12.00

Passed or Not
Passed
Passed
Passed
Passed
Not Passed
Not Passed

E. Maximum Range Of The Pocket Wifi Signal

Number of Tests
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
Test 4
Test 5
Test 6
Test 7
Test 8
Test 9
Test 10
F.

Distance (m)
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65

Connected or not
Connected
Connected
Disconnected
Disconnected
Disconnected
Disconnected
Disconnected
Disconnected
Disconnected
Disconnected

Distance (m)
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65

Time Delay (s)

No Delay
No Delay
3.69
Disconnected
Disconnected
Disconnected
Disconnected
Disconnected
Disconnected
Disconnected

Live Feed Recording Delays per distance

Number of Tests
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
Test 4
Test 5
Test 6
Test 7
Test 8
Test 9
Test 10

Results:
The (a) first test gave a result of 20m pertaining to the distance the remote controller and the
RCTC could successfully transmit radio signals with each other. But depending on the test, the maximum
range was exactly 27m. The (b) second test gave an average speed of 1.49 m/s after testing it for 2 4-set
test repetitions; It is tested on a smooth surface. The (c) third test gave an exact 10m of elevation of the

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RCTC could travel in an elevated path. The (d) obstacle test gave 2 successful set of tests and one that is
not. The maximum time cap the SLSD could cover is 8.21s since it is under 9.00s. It failed on the third set
of tests covering 14.1 and 13.7s which didnt passed the 12.0s time cap set. The (e) fifth test gave the
maximum 25m distance the Pocket Wi-Fi could transmit Wi-Fi signals and be received by the SLSD. The
(f) sixth test showed only a 3.69s delay on the 30m which after 10.43s of testing, the Wi-Fi signal could
not be transmitted and received anymore since the maximum capacity of the Wi-Fi signal is 25m.

Discussion:
Based on the given data and analysis, SLSD has the potential to cope up with the simple
advancements of drone technology in the market. Simple materials found in common households like an
unused RCTC and a simple smartphone could do the trick in making DIY drones. To be considered as
one, it should incorporate features like two- way radio communication, recording, etc. which commonly
is found in daily electronic devices we use in every day. Since it is based only on land, it makes it easier
for an individual to create a DIY drone such as SLSD. It doesnt actually have the exact similarities nor
advantageous but still, it could give way to future research since the common drones used today,
specifically in the market is based on aerial terrain. The idea of using land drones is of also a great idea
because there are some terrains aerial drones could not offer to do that land drones could accurately do.
SLSD has the capability to reduce the price standard of a drone enabling each and every individual to
have drones which in the past years, is considered too much expensive for a regular consumer to buy. The
possibility of having a drone is now in reach, all we need is to utilize everything we have in our hands and
our imagination, the past dream of having one is now a reality.

Recommendation:
The following recommendations are offered as possible ways to improve this study:

Use a much more improved material on the RCTC to improve its maneuverability, its speed and
elevation travel capabilities. The best material to be used in the RCTC is a monster-truck based
car since it has a much more powerful toy engine and larger tires therefore not only increasing its
friction force, but also increasing its speed. Additionally, a much more improved RCTC could
also increase its radio signal range.
Test the SLSD on different kinds of terrains. Specifically on testing it much more on rough
terrains like roads covered with debris since that is its main target location.
Instead of using smartphones, incorporate a small Wi-Fi camera to enable Live feed recording
therefore removing the smartphones, which could really benefit the owner since it reduces its
bulkiness and scaling the size down to a much smaller size.
Incorporate solar panels to increase its battery life longevity therefore reducing its risk to die out
in the location that is far out of reach due to danger the place imposes. It also increases its
operation time in the field since power is continually being supplied on the SLSD.

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