The Project

Modern television sets, although technologically advanced in picture and sound, are generally stationary. If the viewer wishes to watch the television while moving around a room, the television must be manually rotated to face the viewer. Similarly, in an operating room a surgeon must be able to move freely around the room but must also be constantly in view of any monitors. A system that allows the monitor to follow the surgeon would be beneficial. The project would also have applications in the home and sports bars, where the change to from CRT screens to LCD screens has lead to a decrease in the viewing angle.

The goal of this project is to design a Smart TV which can rotate to optimize the viewing position of all viewers. In addition to following the viewer around a room, it should also be able to adjust the output volume of the television according to the distance between the viewer and the screen. The system should be non-intrusive, meaning that the television’s electronics will not be altered.

An override mode of operation is included. This means that the user has direct control over the rotation of the television. For example, the user could use the television’s remote control to communicate with the Smart TV controller which would then adjust the angle of the television. This would allow the user to rotate the television with minimal effort.

The proposed solution hardware will include a drive system to rotate the television set and a series of sensors to locate the viewers. A controller will be used to process the information received by the sensors, and adjust the position and volume of the television accordingly.

More information can be found in the following documents or in the System Information below:

• Proposal
  • Proposal Errata
• Blueprint
  • Expected Problems
• Final Report

• Main Control Board
• Human Detection Sensor System
• Intelligence Algorithm
• Volume Control
• Motor Controller

• Parts List - Admin Priv. Required
• Meeting Minutes - Admin Priv. Required