Week 3: Prototype application

After reviewing some of the form functionality last week, I have been messing around with making a data entry application on the side. I am figuring out how this will work with an air gapped network for now, but I have decided to build the prototype layout first and work on that a bit later. I have plenty of other features I would want to implement that make the data entry experience much easier for the user, but I don't want to give out too much information yet.

Building the skeleton of the application 

Using Flutter makes this build very intuitive and easy from my end, and will help me stylize the forms to make it visually appealing for the users. When ready, deploying to Android is no problem, but publishing an application for iOS requires a developer license plus the application is made available to the public. Access control would be needed here but that is something for another time.

Week 2: Database and form progress

This week I was able to work on a new form for data entry to the bat database. The existing PDF had issues with tab order, which also controls the order of parsed elements placed into the array. PDF designing applications will arrange tab order based on the first element being the lowest index, with the most recent being the highest index. With tab order fixed, it is easier to navigate using the tab key and also simplifies the code for parsing documents. The only requirements to fill out the form are Adobe Acrobat which is present on both Android and iOS.

For now this method is a temporary solution. There are easier methods of filling out forms without the need to manually fill each entry and reduce the risk for errors or other issues. I currently have the submission page set to that it rejects uploads that do not have the appropriate forms filled, prompts users to check their form data, and try again.

The existing data from previous surveys has been uploaded to the database and resides in a central table. I am working out a system where submissions are added to the table and flagged for review, so that acceptable entries can be verified.

Week 1: Ozone update, BATMON, and more

Hello again!

It;s nice to be getting back to work. I am grateful to have been given this internship opportunity again. I had a blast last semester and know it will be just as good this time around.

Over the summer I worked on my ozone project and came to a dead end. The equipment within my price range is not going to be suitable for getting any sort of useful readings. Although it's unfortunate that I cannot proceed with it any further, I have other things that I can work on. I gained a wealth of knowledge throughout the research and build process so although I am moving on, I feel this experience had so much value for me. Working on this project helped me better understand the process of pursuing ideas from scratch and how to compose a research paper. For now, this will go in the archives.

Database table entries created from a PDF parsing script!

So far in this first week, I was able to pick up where I left off last semester with the BATMON project (PHP, HTML, MySQL). I am really excited to have this going again! I took a slightly different approach to uploading data and implemented some measures to prevent injection attacks (server will not be public but always good practice). After some reworking of the structure I was able to get the system generating new database tables for each upload, which is the foundation of what needs to be done! Next step will be to add data to an existing table that holds all previous survey records. Retaining uploaded documents, storing audio files, features for registered users, and some input validation are next on the to do list. I need to thoroughly test things before adding more complexity so working in small steps is the best approach right now. So far so good!

Over the summer I did some work on an augmented reality project using Unity (C#), which I plan on developing throughout the semester. I also got invested in learning to use a development kit called Flutter, which is a project from Google designed to allow software development in one language (Dart) which can then automatically compile to both iOS and Android. I believe integrating the two would make a custom applicatin interface with AR capability a simple and seamless process.

In other news, I am serving my final semester on the ASCEND team, assisting with special projects and working on the video streaming system. The spring launch was cancelled due to COVID, but we have rescheduled a launch for this October! The work being done this semester will not be deployed until sometime in the spring so the pace is a bit slower than usual. I find it nice that I can still be part of the team and have a bit more flexibility for other things that I need to work on (like this stuff!).

I wish everyone good luck this semester and to keep moving forward no matter what!

Week 14: Research Paper and BAT DB

It has been a busy week for my TRAIN projects! I happened to have a bit of an easier week compared to most with my other classes, allowing me to devote more time to my ozone monitor and database projects.

I had a bit of confusion on exactly what I had to do to finish the research paper, but thankfully I have found some sources and references to help me write a good one. I really want to start strong and have a good looking research paper. It feels nice to be back on track with a clear vision of what I need to do. In its current state, my research paper is more than halfway done and looks great. Plenty of figures that explain what I am trying to do in a manner that is easy to understand without avoiding specifics of how/why I have chosen this research. I have also been making a little more progress on the operations, including the basic flow chart, gathering parts, compiling figures, and other information to help assemble and test the device.

Basic flowchart of the device's methods for gathering and examining samples. Detailed measures will be included that offer input validation, ensuring mechanical operations, and more at some point in the future.

The BAT DB is progressing but I have run into a few issues. Since I have had to completely set up the test database on my own computer, it has been tough to push information into the database tables for some reason. I am new to working with PHP/MySQL/XAMPP, so I have to learn what I am doing wrong that is preventing me from populating tables. The document parser works like a charm and prepares an array of information ready to send to the table, so the only thing left is to populate, test, and possibly refine the list of data points. I am hoping that I can move on from this soon, because we are close to a fully functioning system that would make uploading bat data much easier and available to all platforms regardless of device.

I hope everyone is working hard and making good progress on their final papers/posters. Good luck, make sure to eat healthy and go outside!

Week 13: O3 Sensor Parts, Symposium Complete

The parts for most of the O3 sensor package are in. I have been able to select a UV-C LED that emits within the ± 275nm wavelength range, keeping most of the emissions below 280nm. This is far enough into the UV-C band that any fluctuations should correspond to a voltage change from the UV-C sensor. I am still researching materials that I can use for the air tube. Quartz seems to be a good fit, but it is quite expensive. UV-C also can degrade certain materials so I need to find something suitable for shielding 

The symposium presentation went well. We had a few rehearsals and were able to share our findings, while hearing from the other participating colleges. Holding the symposium online turned out better than I could have expected. Research was presented from all aspects of space, and I was able to learn a lot. The main keynote speaker was Moriba Jah, who specializes in management of space debris. He presented a mapping project which is meant to track man-made objects orbiting Earth, while making it publicly available to hold nations accountable for what they place into space. This is extremely important to have, especially now that private space services are becoming realized and with nations likely moving to satellite based warfare. What makes it even more important is that there are few regulations regarding space object management. Many of these presentations should have been recorded and I will post links once they are available.

I am very proud to have taken part with the Fall '19 and Spring '20 teams, and they are all destined to move onto big things. I really have a soft spot for the program, and I have volunteered to work on special projects for Mr. V for the next semester. This will include assisting with transitioning to a new team, building the O3 sensor, and creating a battery monitoring system for the next launch.

Week 12: Adjusting, final paper, ASCEND symposium

This past week as been a bit difficult. I have been trying to adapt to this new work situation as best I as I can while managing the new structure of my classes. I am typically used to going from place to place to take care of things, and chatting with my peers once in a while to get through the long hours. This pandemic has really highlighted the reasons why I prefer to take classes in person.

I have been prepped on the next steps for the rest of the semester and have to pick up on my final project again. I still have my abstract and project background for the ozone package but I also have the option to write about the database work I have done. Maybe I will do both? Who knows.

ASCEND symposium has transitioned to a Zoom format and is happening this weekend. The team will be doing a quick slideshow on the technological achievements and progress made over the past academic year. Hoping all goes well, and looking forward to seeing what other teams have put together.

I hope everyone is managing well. Hang in there.

Week 11: Back to work

It's nice to be back. I hope that everyone is healthy, well rested, and ready to get back to work.

Although everything has transitioned to an online format, I am grateful that I can still work on some aspects of the database from home. I prefer to be around other people and in a lab environment since I do well with structure, but I have to adapt to the situation in order to move forward.

I am a bit stuck on my research project right now. I am very much a novice at writing abstracts with variable tables and don't know where to look for help. The variable table is the biggest problem, since I am not exactly altering any inputs to analyze output. Testing the device would require this, but the results of the project are based more on if an optical ozone sensor is sufficient for high-altitude ballooning or not, and whether or not it can be done within the given constraints.

ASCEND symposium is still happening, but it is voluntary and will be held through a web conference. I have been working on slides as well as the battery monitor/status indicator for the payload but we don't have the ability to assemble and test. According to my last phone call with ANSR, it appears that all the other colleges are in the same position. Nothing is set in stone but it is looking like we will have to carry out the launch in the Fall semester, separately from the next incoming ASCEND team. I am glad we will still get a launch but it will be some time until then.

Battery monitor (left breadboard) using the Arduino Uno as a programmer/power source.

Looking forward to seeing you all when this is over! Until then be safe and healthy!