Professional Documents
Culture Documents
INTRODUCTION
This chapter emphasis on the project background and identification of the problem as
well as deliberating the core fundamentals for the development of the project. Moreover, the
scope of the project also been discussed in the chapter along with the significance and
plays a vital role in alleviating most of the challenges faced in our daily life as well as facilitates
opportunity to the younger generation for a better prospect in career and self-growth. The
history of teaching dates to the very starting of humankind and from the early man proficiency
and knowledge were pass down from generation to generation. Our ancestors’ ability to survive
and create tools out of stones and wood proves the education been the art of teaching and
The education system had evolved from writing on the sand, slates made of wood and
chalkboards. The education system that focuses of the teaching and learning process had
tremendously developed in past few decades. The materials and medium utilized in the
teaching also evolved alongside with the education system itself. In the former decades,
education related institutions used the blackboard and chalk. However, this system had taken
over by the whiteboard system to convey the teaching and learning process nowadays due to
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The immense growth and enhancement of technology had facilitated development in
numerous approaches for the teaching and learning process, the research concludes that the
traditional teaching method had resulted the student with a better understanding of the subject
been taught since there are room for them to inquiry and learn from the teacher. [2] Different
methods of cleaning the boards been employed to facilitate effective and efficient teaching
with white boards. In this paper, the design and implementation of a white board erasing
mechanism been controlled by Arduino based on the Limit sensor and IR sensors for erasing
the written text on the whiteboard via either quadrant erasing mode or full erasing mode and
capable to return to the its original position upon completion of task is planned to be developed.
In these few decades, there been a numerous growth in the new education institutions
due the upsurge in the number of students that been joining in the education institutions as well
as the old institutions are not capable to serve the large sum of students. More classroom for a
subject are required to open in a particular institution in order to cater the tremendous growth
of students. The insufficient number of teachers had eventually lead the teachers to teach more
classes in a day in comparison to the teachers in the era of 1950. [3] This setback had root the
teacher to be more fatigue as the teacher require writing the information that they want to
convey to their students repeatedly. A fix schedule in one day also can cause a fatigue to the
The teacher often overlooks to clean the whiteboard after their class sessions. When
the next class session begins, the new teachers will complain as the board not cleaned and this
would distract the class. Sometimes, the teacher assigns any students to erase the whiteboard
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once the class ended. This leads to time wastage for the student as well as the teacher. For
instance, the student need to copy the written text as fast as they could so they can proceed
with their whiteboard erasing task. This will eventually interrupt the student’s focus on the
Furthermore, cleaning the whiteboard been a difficult task for some teacher due to their
height. These teachers tend to use a minimum space out of the whole whiteboard since they are
not able to clean it. The height of some board cleaners also affect the section of the board to be
clean. Even the board cleaners are available, it takes away time from the teacher to erase the
board. Another setback that are often faced the education institutions is the vanishing of the
whiteboard eraser. The vanishing of the whiteboard eraser often caused when the student tends
to steal the eraser so that they can play with it. Besides that, other classroom tends to borrow
the eraser to clean that particular classrooms’ whiteboard and often to give back the eraser to
The essential objectives that have been designate as fundamental to the project are:
1.3.1 To design and build the whiteboard erasing mechanism that based on Arduino
controlled mechanism with the capability of returning to its original location based on
1.3.2 To enhance the erasing mode of the whiteboard erasing mechanism to quadrant mode
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1.4 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
1.4.1 The prototype of the mechanism developed on whiteboard that measures 3 feet by 4
feet in size which been attached to the plywood that measures 4 feet by 5 feet in size.
1.4.2 The Arduino Compatible Atmel ATMEGA2560 Mega 2560 acts the brain of the
mechanism whereby it collects the input from the Control Switch and processes the
1.4.3 The Control Switch utilized for deciding the erasing mode to be either quadrant 1,
quadrant 2, quadrant 3 and all which satisfies the objective of the quadrant mode and
1.4.4 The limit switch utilized in the mechanism in order to safeguard the movement of the
1.4.5 The white tape placed at the end of each quadrant detected by the IR Sensor in order
1.4.6 The duster slider consist of Velcro fastener that sticks cloth covered sponge (cleaning
1.4.7 The stepper motor is in charge for the movement of the duster slider on the whiteboard
via clockwise rotation on stepper motor 1 and anticlockwise rotation on the stepper
motor 2.
1.4.8 The three servomotor in the duster slider is in charge for the movement of the duster
slider towards the whiteboard surface depending on the IR Sensor and Limit Switch.
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1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT
The invention of this mechanism that is capable to erase the whiteboard with dual mode
erasing capacity as well return the original position upon completion of the task stipulates many
advantages. One of the major significance of developing the automatic whiteboard erasing
mechanism using Arduino is that the time wastage could be conquer. The mechanism takes
over the whiteboard cleaning task that ease the teacher to be more focus on writing and
delivering their subjects to the student as well as save the time consumed by the teacher or
The invention of the whiteboard cleaning mechanism will curb the distraction occurred
in the later classes due the overlook of the teacher to clean the whiteboard in the former classes.
With the invention of this mechanism, later class teacher can easily clean the whiteboard with
invention of the whiteboard cleaning mechanism. The invention of the whiteboard cleaning
mechanism also indirectly helps the fatigue teachers from overstraining themselves from the
whiteboard cleaning task. Eventually with the invention of this mechanism will reduce the
manual work required by the teacher in carrying of the whiteboard cleaning process.
Besides that, the built onto whiteboard feature of the whiteboard cleaning mechanism
encounters the vanishing of the whiteboard eraser problem that been faced in many educational
institutional. Thus, the education institution able to locate the mechanism in every classroom
with ease. The cleaning process also carried out easily since the built-on feature of the
whiteboard cleaning mechanism. On the other hand, this mechanism also upsurges the financial
savings. The education institutions spend a large amount of money in buying the whiteboard
eraser been stolen or vanished from the classroom since the whiteboard eraser plays a vital role
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1.6 LIMITATION OF THE PROJECT
The possibilities of limitation exist equally for the development of any software or
hardware project. The invention of the whiteboard cleaning mechanism also has its own
limitation such the whiteboard comes predefined quadrant sizes. The whiteboard cleaning
mechanism can only utilize in these predefined quadrants which are been split with a specific
length.
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CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
The study is very crucial in order to have a better understanding of the automatic
whiteboard erasing mechanism that exists in the market. Besides that, the theory understanding
is also vital since it leads to this project and the project would relate into research of the
available theory as well as its application. Every theory and device will be compares and the
best as well as the most suitable be selected and utilized in this project.
In today’s world of numerous growths and advancement of the technology, people are
becoming accustomed to not only for an easier access to information via the internet but
numerous manual labor had been simplified and taken over by machines to enhance a simple
and better life. The digital era of transformation towards Internet of Things (IOT) had lead for
the evolution mechanism in many chores. The Arduino plays role as brain of the project that
comprise of open-source electronics platform based on both hardware and software. [1]
generation who are capable to contribute the growth of the nation as well as facilitates
opportunity for a better prospect in career and self-growth. In the current era, whiteboard had
become a vital medium in the teaching and learning process in the traditional teaching method
that been practiced in numerous educational institutional in many countries. The teacher carries
out the teaching process by writing the information and knowledge on the surface of the
whiteboard. Upon the completion of the teaching process, the teacher is required to carry out
the whiteboard erasing process in order to write more information onto the whiteboard.
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Figure 2.1: The teacher is carrying out the whiteboard cleaning process
The tremendously growth in the number of students had affected the teacher to teach
numerous classes per day. This had eventually caused the teachers to be more fatigue since
they had use up their energy to write for teaching process. [4] Moreover, more manual labor
required for the whiteboard cleaning process since the whiteboard made up of white
background and more stress required to be apply on the whiteboard eraser to get a perfectly
clean whiteboard. The burn-up of energy due to the manual labor indirectly upsurge the time
wastage of both the teachers and the students that been tasked for the whiteboard cleaning
process.
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2.2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
The whiteboard been the major medium for the teaching and process in the traditional
teaching method that been practiced widely nowadays. The whiteboard designed of a white
surface for non-permanent markings. Since the invention of the whiteboards, there been
numerous whiteboard eraser been designed with the goal of reducing the stress of the cleaning
of the whiteboard. [5] There two related researches been discussed in order to obtain a better
One of the research that been conducted had affected in the designing of an automated
white board cleaner to overcome the setback rose. The automated white board cleaner was
majorly construct of plywood since it is easy for fabrication process and its availability as well
as fabrication part used stainless steel in order to make the white board eraser to be in contact
with the whiteboard. [6] Moreover, the whiteboard was equipped with motor stand mounting
together the motor, sprockets, chains and duster together. The core fundamental of this
automated white board cleaner was modifying the automatic whiteboard cleaner by replacing
the belts with chains that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the cleaner as well
as reduce the stress of cleaning the board by using an automated duster. [6]
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Figure 2.2: The design of the automated white board cleaner
This project was able to overcome the wear and tear occur in the belts of the electric
board cleaner that exist in the market. Since the cleaning process impacts the belts since most
belts designed with low wear and tear resistance and with the frequent cleaning process, the
belt is likely to cut and hence makes the device or the cleaner less useful. The automated white
cleaner also eliminate the manual effort required for the typical whiteboard cleaning process.
[6] The development of the automated white board cleaner fulfill the criteria where a fully
automated system designed in order to carry out the cleaning process. However, the automated
white board cleaner features with only the full erasing mode. Thus, the user has to wait until
the automated white board cleaner finish cleaning the full board before continuing writing more
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Figure 2.3: The operation of the automated white board cleaner
Whiteboard erasing robot is an autonomously robot, that can erase a written text on a
whiteboard completely autonomously. Without human interface, the robot easily finds the
text on whiteboard with the process that programmed. In this design, the robot moves
towards the written text until it detects the written text on whiteboard and upon detecting, the
robot will start the erasing task. The whiteboard erasing robot consist of the robot and robot
vision. The robot segment consists a base with two wheels that ride on the whiteboard track
that utilized to move on the X-axis of the whiteboard while the robot arm slider utilized to
move the robot in up and down directions on Y-axis. At the end of the arm, the duster
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Figure 2.4: The operation of the whiteboard erasing robot
The robot vision utilizes the webcam and computer base control station that located at
the opposite side of whiteboard. The vision utilized to find written text meanwhile RoboRealm
utilized to process the vision which enable the robot to perform the cleaning task at the place.
[7] After finishing the vision part and analyzing the program, robot will move to the location
and do it cleaning task. This design of robot is suitable to be use in any school whiteboard as
long as the base of platform robot is the same with the criteria that was developed that is the
base must be suitable to place the wheels of robot. However, the design of the whiteboard
erasing robot is not efficient, as the manual erasing process since riding on the track became a
big challenge due to the narrow bottom as well as a very small area to work in due to the fitting
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2.3 REVIEW OF RELATED PRODUCTS
The automatic board cleaning system designed based on the wiping system and the
controlling system. The wiping system in charge in erasing the written text presence in the
whiteboard meanwhile the control system is in charge for controlling the wiping system to
perform its task efficiently. [8] The wiping system consist of the wiper slide attached on the
board while the controlling system consist of the microcontroller that controls the motor, rpm
Figure 2.5: The operation of the automatic board cleaning system using microcontroller
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The automatic board cleaning system using microcontroller able to clean the
whiteboard in an average duration of 48.24 seconds that is three times more efficient in
comparison to the manual cleaning process that take up 75 seconds. The development of this
automatic board cleaning system using microcontroller reduce the time and manual labor. [8]
However, there are some lacks in the development whereby there is lagging presence in the
motor.
The remote controlled motorized white board cleaner is the continuous research that
been improved from the Motorized White Board Cleaner. [9] The remote controlled motorized
white board cleaner aims to improve the design and implementation of a white board with
easing and reducing the task of clearing the board as it cleans itself. The cleaning system
consists of a remote control system unit made up of encoder which used to generate the signal
that is then transmitted through the transmitter to the receiver and transmitter consist of receiver
and decoder that decodes the transmitted signal. A pulse width modulation generator used to
modulate the signal from the decoder, the signal is then fed into the input port of the controller
unit. [10]
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Figure 2.6: The operation of the remote motorized white board cleaner
The remote motorized white board cleaner cleans the board when the remote-control
button pressed within the range of 20 meters away from the whiteboard. However, when the
range increases than 20 meters, the eraser do not detect the command from the remote. The
development of this project reduces the time required to carry out the cleaning process as well
as the manual labor required. [10] Hence, the remote controlled motorized white board cleaner
could be use in lecture theatres and seminar rooms to facilitate the effective and efficient
The automatic duster machine was continuous development for the duster cleaning
mechanism in Chennai, India. [11] The project aims to design a low cost and user-friendly
blackboard cleaner machine that operate with a press a single button as well as enhance the
efficiency and accuracy of the movement of duster machine. The robot operates in three mode
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of operation with the press of the button. The mode of operation is cleaning the left side of the
board, cleaning the right side of the board and the whole area of the board. The mechanism
consists of stepper motor that enable the movement of the duster in horizontal or vertical
direction to carry out the operation mode of the automatic duster machine. [11]
The invention of the mechanism had successfully overcome some of setback faced such
as the fatigue situation encountered by the teacher, avoid duster left in the dirty condition when
a class finished and invented am automate blackboard duster. However, some setback also rose
in the invention of this product such as the problem with the movement of stepper motor in the
X-axis and the noise of the mechanism that disturbs the learning session. [11]
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2.3.4 SUMMARY OF RELATED PRODUCTS
The following table elaborates a brief overview of the related products allied to the
Time to 48.24 seconds 42.21 seconds 45 seconds (whole 33.84 seconds (whole
perform (whole board) (whole board) board) board)
cleaning process
Advantages Reduce time and Reduce time and Reduce fatigue Reduce the manual work,
manual labour manual labour situation and avoid the stress, energy wastage
duster left in dirty and conquer time
condition wastage.
Disadvantages Lagging of motor Only can be within Lagging in Only works on predefined
range of 20 meters movement in X-axis quadrant sizes.
by remote and very noisy
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CHAPTER III
This chapter will explain about the project methodology, project planning based,
project schedule and project software. This project flow from one part to another part. The
details of the component used in this project also would pointed out.
The methodology used in this project is System Development Life Circle (SDLC).
SDLC has its specific task description in each phase, while maintaining the objectives of the
project and can be divide into several parts as well as manage in parts. Each phase of
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Figure 3.1: Methodology Flow of System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
PHASE 1: PLANNING
The first phase of this project emphasis on the inclusive planning for development of
the automatic whiteboard erasing mechanism using Arduino. The major element focused in the
planning phase is the problem identification. Once the reasonable problem been recognized,
the planning phase continues to strategy of solving the problems. The criteria that emphasized
is the investigation of the project background that enables the identification of the current
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system that exist and how does the proposal of new system to overcome the problem. The
objective and scope are set based on criteria that been layout to ensure the development of
PHASE 2: ANALYSIS
The system requirements are studied and structured in analysis phase. The process of
collecting facts from existing system performed in order to develop limitations and details as
well as defining new system objectives. The related literature work and product were examined
PHASE 3: DESIGN
In this phase of project development, the conceptual design of mechanism taken into
consideration so the mechanism specifications and requirements. Once the conceptual design
justifies the objective and scope of project, physical design developed using AUTOCAD. The
physical design using AUTOCAD easily manage product data, automate workflows and make
real time design of the mechanism. Upon accomplishment of the conceptual and physical
designing, the project will be emphasizing on the circuit diagram modelling by utilizing the
Proteus software.
PHASE 4: IMPLEMENTATION
The implementation phase instigates as the construction of the mechanism begins. Each
part of the mechanism is will develop according to the physical design, circuit diagram and the
requirement of the objective of the project. Upon completion of the gathering of the part of the
mechanism as a single mechanism, the coding phase of the source code take place.
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PHASE 5: MAINTENANCE
Testing of the mechanism take places, the coding of the source code completed as per
the objective of the project. Any errors or bugs confronted in the maintenance phase taken into
Research are carried out in order to ease the finalization of the system design for both
hardware and software development for The Automatic Whiteboard Erasing Mechanism using
Arduino. The hardware development focuses on choosing the best components and tools to
meet the need of the project. Pre-phase of the software development, the design of the
Moreover, the software development focuses on the coding based on Arduino Compiler
and simulation based on Proteus in order to fulfil the objective of the project. The circuit design
constructed via the Proteus in order to obtain a simulation beforehand of implementing the
mechanism construction while Arduino Compiler let the appropriate coding required for the
The automatic whiteboard erasing mechanism using Arduino integrated into three
segments. The first segment of the project aims on the input source for the mechanism that
consist of the Control Switch, IR sensor and Limit switch. The processor development is the
second segment of project development. In this segment, the processor chooses which is
Arduino Compatible Atmel ATMEGA2560 Mega 2560 will be integrated using the Arduino
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IDE software to meet the objective and scope of the project. Meanwhile, the third segment of
the project focuses on the output source for the mechanism. The output source consists of the
integration of mechanical segments such as the stepper motor which controls the movement of
the duster slider towards right and left of the whiteboard meanwhile the movement of the
duster towards and away from the whiteboard been controlled by the servo motor.
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Figure 3.2: Block Diagram of the project
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3.2.2 FLOWCHART
1. The automatic whiteboard erasing mechanism using Arduino caters with Control Switch
with four selection that are Quadrant 1, Quadrant 2, Quadrant 3 and All.
2. Upon the Control Switch pressed, the mechanism will carry out its operation which either
quadrant mode erasing (when Control Switch A [Quadrant 1], Control Switch B
3. Upon the Control Switch pressed, Arduino Compatible Atmel ATMEGA2560 Mega
2560 processes the command and triggers the stepper motor to start its operation. The
duster slider located 5cm away from the whiteboard. The Arduino Compatible Atmel
ATMEGA2560 Mega 2560 in charge to trigger the stepper motor 1 and stepper motor 2
to start its operation by rotation to enable the duster slider movement. The Stepper Motor
1 rotates clockwise meanwhile the Stepper Motor 2 rotates anti-clockwise which enable
4. Once the duster slider reached the specific quadrant, it moves towards the end of the
specific quadrant until the white tape or limit switch detected so that the servo motor
moves the duster slider towards the surface of whiteboard to execute the erasing mode.
5. For Control Switch A [Quadrant 1] and Control Switch B [Quadrant 2], the duster slider
continues to move towards the right of the whiteboard until the white tape been detected
by the IR Sensor. IR Sensor distinguish the reflected light towards its sensor from the
emitted light. The white tape is responsible to stop the movement of the duster slider. The
detection dispensed to the Arduino Compatible Atmel ATMEGA2560 Mega 2560 for
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processing which triggers erasing process to take place by enabling the servo motor to
attach the duster slider towards the surface of whiteboard and execute the Quadrant
Erasing Mode.
6. The duster slider continues to move towards the right of the whiteboard until the limit
switch 2 detected for Control Switch C [Quadrant 3]. The limit switch 2 is in authority to
stop the movement of the duster slider. The servo motor to attach the duster slider towards
the surface of whiteboard and execution of the Quadrant Erasing Mode takes place upon
the Arduino Compatible Atmel ATMEGA2560 Mega 2560 dispenses the detection of the
7. For Control Switch D [ALL], the duster slider continues to move towards the right of the
whiteboard until the limit switch 2 detected. The halt of the duster slider is accountable
by the Limit Switch 2. The Arduino Compatible Atmel ATMEGA2560 Mega 2560
receives the detection of the white tape by IR Sensor and upon processing it, the processor
runs erasing process to take place by enabling the servo motor to attach the duster slider
towards the surface of whiteboard and execute the Full Erasing Mode.
8. Upon completion of erasing process either The Quadrant Erasing Mode or Full Erasing
Mode, the processors triggers the duster slider to moves away from the whiteboard
surface and continue moving towards the left part of the prototype.
9. The movement of the duster slider continue towards the left until it detects the Limit
Switch 1 that is charge to stop the movement of the duster slider. Thus, the duster slider
return its origin position and is all set for the subsequent command from the user.
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Figure 3.3: Flowchart of the mechanism
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3.3 TOOLS AND HARDWARE
The development of the project utilizes some hardware in order to accomplish the scope
and objectives of the project. The table shows the specification of hardware for this project
development.
IR Sensor
Limit Switch
Power Supply
The Control Switch utilized by the user to determine the mode of operation for the
whiteboard erasing mechanism that is the quadrant mode erasing or full mode erasing. The Control
Switch caters four options such as “A” [Quadrant 1] which indicate the first segment of the
whiteboard, “B” [Quadrant 2] which indicates the second segment of the whiteboard and “C”
[Quadrant 3] that designates the third segment of the whiteboard as well as “D” [All] which
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Figure 3.4: The Control Switch
3.3.2 IR SENSOR
An IR sensor is a device that detects IR radiation falling on it. There are numerous types
of IR sensors that are built and can be build depending on the application. The IR Sensor detects
the color of the written text by sense certain characteristics of its surroundings by either emitting
or detecting infrared radiation via looking for reflected light, it is possible to have a sensor that can
return the value of the reflected light. The IR Sensor in this mechanism utilizes its principle by
detecting the white tape at the end of each quadrant. The white tape indicates the end of the quadrant
for the Quadrant 1 and Quadrant 2 so the mechanism is able to terminate it movement towards the
right of the whiteboard by dispending the detection to the processor which able to stop the stepper
motor’s rotation and triggers the servo motor to move duster slider towards the surface of
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Figure 3.5: The IR Sensor
The limit switch plays the role of control system in this mechanism. When an object
encounters the actuator, the device operates the contacts to make or break an electrical connection.
In this mechanism, there are two limit switch been used. The limit switch is responsible to safeguard
the movement of the slider from exceeding the wanted area of operation. Besides that, the limit
switch 2 also utilized as the limiter of the Quadrant 3 and All where the detection of this specific
limit switch triggers the processor to stop the movement of the duster slides and enable the servo
motor to move the duster slider towards the surface of the whiteboard and execute the erasing mode.
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Figure 3.6: The Limit Switch
Power Supply is an electrical tool that provides electric power to an electrical load. The
core purpose of a power supply is to convert the electric current from the source to the appropriate
voltage, current and frequency to power the load. The source for the power supply contributed from
electrical power grid such as electrical outlet or energy storage devices. The power supply obtains
the electric current from electrical outlet that is 240 V to power up the automatic whiteboard erasing
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Figure 3.7: The power supply
digital input/output pins out of which 14 used as PWM output, 16 analog inputs, 4 UARTS, a
16MHz crystal, an oscillator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header and a reset button.
The Arduino Compatible Atmel ATMEGA2560 Mega 2560 act as the processor for this mechanism
is liable to process the input from the Control Switch to determine the erasing mode to be executed
Moreover, the processor is also accountable to process the detection of the white tape by
IR Sensor [For Quadrant 1 and Quadrant 2] as well as processing the detection of limit switches 2
[For Quadrant 3 and All] that stops the rotation of the stepper motor 1 and stepper motor 2 which
directly stop the movement of the duster slider towards the right of the whiteboard. Upon stopping
the duster slider movement towards right, the processor is in charge to trigger the servo motor
operation which is to enable the duster slider to move towards the surface of the whiteboard and
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The Arduino Compatible Atmel ATMEGA2560 Mega 2560 is responsible to enable the
servo motor to moves the duster slider away from the surface of the whiteboard and trigger the
stepper motor 1 rotates anti-clockwise direction and stepper motor 2 rotates clockwise for the duster
The stepper motor is DC electric motor which divides a full rotation into a number of equal
steps In this mechanism, the stepper motor emerged at one end of the timing belt which eventually
enables the timing belt to rotate based on the pulley rotated via the stepper motor rotation. These
stepper motor and timing belt with the pulley control the movement of the duster slider towards the
right and left accordingly. Motor driver act as an interface between Arduino and the motors. The
most commonly used motor driver IC’s are from the L293 series such as L293D which are designed
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There are two stepper motor been utilized to enable the movement of the duster slider to
the right and left of the whiteboard accordingly to the user’s command. The stepper motor 1 located
on the top meanwhile the stepper motor located on the bottom. The stepper motor 1 rotates in
clockwise direction while the stepper motor 2 rotates in anti-clockwise direction for the duster
slider to move towards the right of the whiteboard. The enable the movement of duster slider
towards the left, the stepper motor 1 rotates in anti-clockwise direction while the stepper motor 2
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Figure 3.10: The Motor Driver
The Servomotor act the actuator that enables the precise control of the angular or linear
position of the mechanism. In this project, the servo motor act the motor which enable the duster
slider movement towards the surface of the whiteboard to carry out the erasing operation upon
detection white tape for Quadrant 1 and Quadrant 2 or detection of limit switch 2 for Quadrant 3
and All.
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3.4 PROJECT SOFTWARE
The development of the project utilizes some software in order to accomplish the scope
and objectives of the project. The table shows the specification of software for this project
development.
Proteus
The development of the project utilizes the Arduino IDE to perform the source code
coding. The software enables to compile the necessary commands and source code into the
processor, which is The Arduino Compatible Atmel ATMEGA2560 Mega 2560. Specific
source code libraries used to program the Arduino Compatible Atmel ATMEGA2560 Mega
2560 to make decision to perform the erasing process when the IR Sensor detects the infrared
light as well as to change direction when the Ultrasonic Sensor detects obstacles.
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Figure 3.12: Sample source code using Arduino IDE
3.4.2 AUTOCAD
The physical design developed using AUTO-DESK. The physical design using AUTO-
DESK easily manage product data, automate workflows and make real time design of the
mechanism.
The Proteus Design Suite is a design tool including schematic capture, simulation and
PCB Layout modules. By using this software, we can load a hex file of a program into
simulation part and can test operation of the system before the actual hardware implementation.
Upon accomplishment of the conceptual and physical designing, the project will be
The circuit diagram for the Automatic Whiteboard Erasing Mechanism using Arduino
constructed in PROTEUS software. The Control Switch, IR Sensor, Limit Switch, Motor
Driver with Stepper Motor and Servo Motor integrated with the Arduino Compatible Atmel
ATMEGA2560 Mega 2560. The connection of each components shown in figure below:
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Figure 3.15: Circuit Diagram for The Automatic Whiteboard Erasing Mechanism using
Arduino
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3.6 CIRCUIT SIMULATION
The simulation of the circuit diagram uses PROTEUS software as well as it utilizes the
constructed circuit diagram to simulate the output of the mechanism upon the circuit begin its
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Figure 3.16: Circuit simulation in the Proteus software.
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3.7 DESIGN
The third phase of the development concentrates the development of design for the
whiteboard erasing mechanism. The design phase is a vital aspect of the project development
since the objective and scope of project are justified through the conceptual design while the
interface design enables better vision for the project development on the logical and physical
design. This phase divided into the conceptual design and AUTOCAD design.
The conceptual design are the pre-sketch of the prototype of the mechanism planned to
design and built. The following are the conceptual that sketched for the development of this
project:
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Figure 3.18: Conceptual Design 2
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Figure 3.20: Conceptual Design 4
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Figure 3.22: Conceptual Design 6
The AUTOCAD design is a computer-aided drafting software that acts the blueprint of
the mechanism planned to be develop. The following are the AUTOCAD design for the
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Figure 3.23: AUTOCAD Design 1
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Figure 3.24: AUTOCAD Design 2
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Figure 3.26: AUTOCAD Design 4
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3.7.3 3D DESIGN
The following are the 3D Design of The Automatic Whiteboard Erasing Mechanism
using Arduino:
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Figure 3.30: The 3D Design 3
The prototype base of The Automatic Whiteboard Erasing Mechanism using Arduino
constructed using the plywood. The plywood measured into the measurement of 4 feet by 5 feet
since the whiteboard measures 3 feet by 4 feet. This is enable the fitting of the rail guide, stepper
motor, duster slider and more materials have sufficient space. Upon measurement of the plywood
according the preferred measurement, the plywood was cut accordingly to measurement using
circular saw. Subsequently, the whiteboard was drilled into the centre of plywood using the drill
machine.
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CONSTRUCTION OF PLYWOOD BASE
1. The plywood was measured into 4 feet by 5 feet using T ruler.
2. The plywood was cut according to the preferred measurement using a circular saw.
ASSEMBLY OF WHITEBOARD
1. The whiteboard was placed to the center of the plywood and measurement was
drawn around the whiteboard with same gap.
2. The whiteboard was drilled onto the plywood using drill machine
Figure 3.32: Measuring the plywood to Figure 3.33: Measuring the same gap
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Figure 3.34: Drilling the whiteboard onto Figure 3.35: Completion of plywood
Upon the completion of plywood base construction with the assembly of whiteboard, the
duster slider was design accordingly. The plywood was utilized as the base of the duster slider.
The duster slider was assemble in the vertical orientation to the whiteboard. The Velcro was
assembled on the bottom of the duster slider that faces the surface of the whiteboard. The duster
sponge that been covered with the cloth would be placed onto the Velcro to be utilized as the
cleaning tool. The core intention of assembling the Velcro is to ease the user to remove the duster
sponge in case it get dirty and fit the clean duster sponge for the erasing purpose.
In addition to this, the servo motor was also installed into duster slider. The sole purpose
of installing the servo motor inside the duster slider is to enable the slider to move towards and
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The plywood was The plywood installed The Velcro assembled
measured and cut in the vertical on the bottom of the
accordingly orientation duster slider
Completion of
The servo motor The duster sponge
designing and
installed into the wrapped with cloth
assembly of duster
duster slider sticked onto the velcro
slider
Figure 3.37: The plywood made duster Figure 3.38: The duster sponge is fit on
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Figure 3.39: The Velcro to be assembled Figure 3.40: The servo motor installed
The metal shift guide installation the subsequent step taken for the assembly of the
Automatic Whiteboard Erasing Mechanism using Arduino. The core task for this step is to install
the metal shift guide on the plywood base. The metal shift guide was accurately shorten as per the
plywood base requirement. The metal shift guide was installed on the top and bottom of the
plywood base. The main purpose of the metal shift guide is ease the movement of duster slider.
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The metal shift guide measured to fit the plywood base
The metal shift guide cut according the reqirement to fit the plywood base
Completion assembling the metal shift guide on the top and bottom of
plywood base
54
3.8.4 INSTALLATION OF STEPPER MOTOR AND MOTOR DRIVER
Subsequently to the completion of fixing of the metal shift guide, the installation of stepper
motor and the motor driver takes place. The stepper motor responsible for the duster slider
movement to the right and left of the whiteboard as per control switch. Firstly, the motor driver
fitted on the back portion of the plywood base. The timing belt fitted between the stepper motor
and the fixed holder in order to ease the movement of the duster slider. The stepper motor 1 installed
on the top of the plywood base meanwhile the stepper motor 2 installed on the bottom of the
plywood base. Finally, the both stepper motor connected to the motor driver using wires.
Figure 3.43: Workflow of installation of the stepper motor and motor driver
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Figure 3.44: Motor driver installed to the Figure 3.45: The timing belt fitted from
back portion of the plywood base the stepper motor to the fixed holder
Figure 3.46: The stepper motor 2 been Figure 3.47: The stepper motor 1 been
installed on bottom of the plywood base installed on top of the plywood base
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Figure 3.48: The motor driver connected to the stepper motor 1 and stepper motor 2
ARDUINO
The fitting of the control switch the following step upon completion of the installation of
the stepper motor and motor driver accordingly. The user utilize the control switch to set the erasing
mode that to be carried out by the mechanism which either in the quadrant erasing mode or full
erasing mode. The control switch set up whereby the first switch labeled as A for Quadrant 1 as
followed by the second switch to be labeled as B for Quadrant 2 while Quadrant 3 represented by
the third switch labeled as C and the ALL represented by switch D. The control switch been
installed on to the plywood base. Then, the control switch set up with wires according to the
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Figure 3.49: The control switch been Figure 3.50: The wires are set up
Arduino
The IR Sensor installed on the plywood base subsequent to the completion of fitting the
control switch. The IR Sensor in this mechanism utilizes its principle by detecting the black tape at
the end of each quadrant. The black tape indicates the end of the Quadrant 1 and Quadrant 2 so the
mechanism is able to trigger the Arduino to stop the movement of duster slider and enable the servo
motor’s operation. Besides that, the Limit Switch also been installed at the same period of IR Sensor
installation in this mechanism. In this mechanism, the limit switch been utilized to safeguard the
movement of the slider from exceeding the wanted area of operation as well as indicate the end of
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Figure 3.51: The IR Sensor installed on Figure 3.52: The Limit Switch installed
Subsequently, the Arduino Compatible Atmel ATMEGA2560 Mega 2560 fitted at the
bottom of the plywood base. The Arduino obtain the input from the control switch to determine the
erasing mode to execute, the IR Sensor and Limit Switch 2 to stop movement of duster slider and
enable the erasing process as well as Limit Switch 1 to return the duster slider to the origin position.
Figure 3.53: The installation of The Arduino onto the plywood base
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3.8.6 SPRAYING PLYWOOD BASE AND INSTALLATION OF POWER SUPPLY
The plywood was sprayed with the black colour in order to appear neat and clean. Upon
the spray had dried, all the previous material was installed back to the plywood accordingly.
Subsequently to these installation, the power supply was fitted to supply sufficient power for the
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Figure 3.55: The power supply installed onto the plywood base.
The mechanism is entirely assembled upon installation of the power supply, thus the
process of coding the source codes into the Arduino would take place in order the mechanism to
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3.9 PROJECT SCHEDULE
The table below shows in detail about planning of the tasks that carried out throughout
PROJECT 1
Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Tasks
11/09 - 17/09
18/09 - 24/09
25/09 - 01/10
02/10 - 08/10
09/10 - 15/10
16/10 - 22/10
23/10 - 29/10
30/10 - 05/11
06/11 - 12/11
13/11 - 19/11
20/11 - 26/11
27/11 - 03/12
04/12 - 10/12
11/12 - 17/12
18/12 - 24/12
Project Briefing 1
Project Class
Session
Meeting with
supervisor
Title Proposal
Mini Proposal
Preparation and
Submission
Project Title
Approval
Proposal Report
and Slides
Preparation
Proposal
Presentation
Conceptual
Designing
Circuit Design
Simulation Design
Progress Report and
Slides Preparation
Progress
Presentation
AUTOCAD
Designing
iRex
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Table 3.4: Project Schedule for the development of the Project 2
PROJECT 2
Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Tasks
19/02 - 25/02
26/02 - 04/03
05/03 - 11/03
12/03 - 18/03
19/03 - 25/03
26/03 - 01/04
02/04 - 08/04
09/04 - 15/04
16/04 - 22/04
23/04 - 29/04
30/04 - 06/05
07/05 - 13/05
14/05 - 20/05
21/05 - 27/05
Project Class Session
Assembly of project
Programming
Testing
Troubleshooting
Final Report and Slides
Preparation
Poster Design
iRex
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CHAPTER IV
This chapter will describes the simulation result that outcome from the mechanism
been assembled in the previous chapter. The final design and system test for the successfully
The circuit simulation replicate the behaviour of the actual electronic device and circuit on
the computer-aided software. Thus, circuit simulation software permits for demonstrating of the
circuit operation. The circuit simulation been executed using The Proteus software for this project.
The circuit simulation was performed few groupings such as Limit Switch output, IR Sensor output
and erasing mode output for Quadrant 1, Quadrant 2, Quadrant 3 and All.
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Figure 4.1: The Limit Switch 1 Simulation Output.
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Figure 4.2: The Limit Switch 2 Simulation Output.
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4.1.2 IR SENSOR OUTPUT
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4.1.3 ERASING MODE OUTPUT
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Figure 4.5: The Quadrant 2 Switch Simulation Output.
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Figure 4.6: The Quadrant 3 Switch Simulation Output.
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Figure 4.7: The All Switch Simulation Output.
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4.2 FINAL DESIGN
The final design reflects the completed mechanism with all the hardware been fitted
accordingly and the software been configured appropriately to ensure a successfully working
mechanism. The ultimate design of The Automatic Whiteboard Erasing Mechanism using Arduino
as following:
The top view indicates the front view or perspective of the user of the developed
mechanism. The top view of The Automatic Whiteboard Erasing Mechanism using Arduino as
following:
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Figure 4.9: The top view of the mechanism
The back view indicates the behind view or perspective of the user of the developed
mechanism. The back view of The Automatic Whiteboard Erasing Mechanism using Arduino as
following:
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Figure 4.10: The back view of the mechanism
The system test of The Automatic Whiteboard Erasing Mechanism using Arduino can
classified into two categories which is the hardware system testing and the software testing. The
hardware system testing focuses on the examination and troubleshooting the hardware halt faced
upon the test been executed meanwhile the software system testing focuses on the analysing and
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4.3.1 ARDUINO SOURCE CODE TESTING 1
The duster slider required to move towards the left upon completion of the erasing mode
task been assigned as per the requirement from the control switch, however there was a setback
found whereby the duster slider was going back in opposite direction instead of moving towards
the origin position. There was a minor problem with the source code. Upon rewriting the source
There was error incurred mentioning that that compilation of the source code failed using
the Arduino IDE. Upon analysing the source code, there error identified as a double insertion of
semicolon at a command in the source code. Thus, the source code executed successfully upon the
addition semicolon been removed from the command in the Arduino IDE.
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Figure 4.12: The Arduino source code Testing 2
The initial design and blueprint for the mechanism was plan to be executed with a single
servo motor to move the duster slider towards and away from the surface of the whiteboard.
However, the power and force from one servo motor wasn’t sufficient enough for moving the duster
slider towards the surface of the whiteboard. Thus, two more servo motor was added into the duster
slider in order to have the sufficient power and force to move the duster slider towards and away
from the surface of the whiteboard. Upon adding the servo motor, the system function successfully.
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Figure 4.13: The initial design with single servo motor in the duster slider
Figure 4.14: The latest design with three servo motor in the duster slider
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4.3.4 IMPLEMENTATION OF WHITE TAPE FOR IR SENSOR
The initial design of the mechanism utilizes the black tape for the IR Sensor detection to
enable the limit of Quadrant 1 and Quadrant 2 to be determine by the Arduino. However, the duster
slider didn’t detect the black tape been sticked to the plywood base since the plywood base been
sprayed with the black colour. The black tape replaced with the white coloured tape instead. Upon
the the white tape been detected by the IR Sensor, the movement of the duster slider stops and the
processor triggers the servo motor to move the duster slider to move towards the surface of the
Figure 4.15: The initial design with black tape for IR Sensor detection
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Figure 4.16: The final design with black tape for IR Sensor detection
The Quadrant 3 Erasing Mode testing evaluate the erasing mode from the initiating of
control switch labelled “C” until the completion of quadrant mode erasing process and the duster
slider returns to its origin position. The process involved for the duster slider to move towards the
right of the whiteboard as well as the movement of the duster slider towards the surface of the
whiteboard also been examined upon the testing. The Quadrant 1 Erasing Mode testing was
successful.
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Figure 4.17: The control switch “C” been Figure 4.18: The duster slider moves to
Figure 4.19: The duster slider moves Figure 4.20: The Quadrant 1 Erasing
The Quadrant 2 Erasing Mode testing examines the erasing mode from the initiating of
control switch labelled “B” until the completion of quadrant mode erasing process and the duster
slider returns to its origin position. The process involved for the duster slider to move towards the
right of the whiteboard as well as the movement of the duster slider towards the surface of the
whiteboard also been evaluated upon the testing. The Quadrant 2 Erasing Mode testing was
successful.
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Figure 4.21: The control switch “B” been Figure 4.22: The white tape been
Figure 4.23: The Quadrant 2 Erasing Figure 4.24: The duster slider returning
The Quadrant 1 Erasing Mode testing examines the erasing mode from the initiating of
control switch labelled “A” until the completion of quadrant mode erasing process and the duster
slider returns to its origin position. The process involved for the duster slider to move towards the
right of the whiteboard as well as the movement of the duster slider towards the surface of the
whiteboard also been evaluated upon the testing. The Quadrant 3 Erasing Mode testing was
successful.
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Figure 4.25: The control switch “A” been Figure 4.26: The Quadrant 3 Erasing
The Full Erasing Mode testing evaluates the erasing mode from the initiating of control
switch labelled “D” until the completion of full mode erasing process and the duster slider returns
to its origin position. The process involved for the duster slider to move towards the right of the
whiteboard as well as the movement of the duster slider towards the surface of the whiteboard also
been examines upon the testing. The Full Erasing Mode testing was successful.
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Figure 4.28: The control switch “D” been Figure 4.29: The duster slider moves
Figure 4.30: The Full Erasing Mode been Figure 4.31: The Full Erasing Mode
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CHAPTER V
5.1 CONCLUSION
approach towards the 21st century environment since this mechanism enhance the erasing mode
to be either quadrant erasing mode or full erasing mode as the user’s intention as simple touch
of control switch. This mechanism collaborates the input from the control switch, IR Sensor
and Limit Sensor to process by The Arduino Compatible Atmel ATMEGA2560 Mega 2560.
The processor also commands the stepper motor movement that controls the duster slider
movement to the right and left of the whiteboard and the movement of the servo motor that
manages the movement of duster slider towards and away from the surface of the whiteboard.
The duster slider is also capable to return to its origin position subsequent to the completion of
the erasing process. Besides that, the invention of this mechanism gives some notable
significance such as reduces the manual work required which eventually diminish the stress
and energy wastage, curb the distraction occurred in classes, conquer time wastage conquered
For the future development, voice commanded operation could upgrade with the
development of the mechanism which extent the efficiency of the mechanism. Moreover, the
ability to control the Arduino could also enhanced by the mobile applications.
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REFERENCES
85
APPENDICES
86
APPENDIX A
SOURCE CODE
#include <Servo.h>
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volatile bool IRSW = LOW;
void setup()
pinMode(limit_sw1, INPUT);
pinMode(limit_sw2, INPUT);
pinMode(qudrant1_sw, INPUT);
pinMode(qudrant2_sw, INPUT);
pinMode(qudrant3_sw, INPUT);
pinMode(full_sw, INPUT);
pinMode(ir_pin, INPUT);
pinMode(full_sw, INPUT);
pinMode(step_a, OUTPUT);
pinMode(step_b, OUTPUT);
pinMode(step_c, OUTPUT);
pinMode(step_d, OUTPUT);
pinMode(servo_pin, OUTPUT);
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attachInterrupt(digitalPinToInterrupt(ir_pin),vector, HIGH)
Serial.begin(9600);
void loop()
SW1 = digitalRead(qudrant1_sw);
SW2 = digitalRead(qudrant2_sw);
SW3 = digitalRead(qudrant3_sw);
SW4 = digitalRead(full_sw);
if ( SW1 == HIGH)
moveone();
SW1 = LOW;
Position = 0;
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if ( SW2 == HIGH)
movetwo();
SW2 = LOW;
Position = 0;
if ( SW3 == HIGH)
movethree();
SW3 = LOW;
Position = 0;
if ( SW4 == HIGH)
movefour();
SW4 = LOW;
Position = 0;
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}
void reverse()
//step 4
delay(step_delay);
//step1
delay(step_delay);
//step 2
delay(step_delay);
// step3
delay(step_delay);
void forward()
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{
//step 4
delay(step_delay);
// step3
delay(step_delay);
//step 2
delay(step_delay);
//step1
delay(step_delay);
void stopstep()
delay(step_delay);
void moveone()
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{
// move to 33 rotations
forward();
stopstep();
Position++;
Serial.print("steps: ");
Serial.println(Position);
delay(10);
//activate servo
IRSW = LOW;
reverse();
stopstep();
Position--;
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Serial.print("steps: ");
Serial.println(Position);
delay(10);
//deactivate servo
stopstep();
reverse();
stopstep();
delay(10);
forward();
stopstep();
delay(10);
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}
void movetwo()
// move to 33 rotations
forward();
stopstep();
Position++;
Serial.print("steps: ");
Serial.println(Position);
delay(10);
//activate servo
IRSW = LOW;
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reverse();
stopstep();
Position--;
Serial.print("steps: ");
Serial.println(Position);
delay(10);
//deactivate servo
IRSW = LOW;
stopstep();
reverse();
stopstep();
delay(10);
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forward();
stopstep();
delay(10);
void movethree()
// move to 33 rotations
forward();
stopstep();
Position++;
Serial.print("steps: ");
Serial.println(Position);
delay(10);
//activate servo
IRSW = LOW;
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Serial.println("servo activated ");
reverse();
stopstep();
Position--;
Serial.print("steps: ");
Serial.println(Position);
delay(10);
//deactivate servo
IRSW = LOW;
stopstep();
reverse();
stopstep();
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delay(10);
forward();
stopstep();
delay(10);
void movefour()
reverse();
stopstep();
delay(10);
Position++;
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for (int i = 0; i < 200; i++ ) {
reverse();
stopstep();
delay(10);
stopstep();
reverse();
stopstep();
delay(10);
Position--;
forward();
stopstep();
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delay(10);
void vector()
IRSW = HIGH
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