Vivek Gupta's Blog: Wireless Noticeboard using 16x2 LCD and Matlab GUI

Abstract:

The project “Wireless Notice board Display” is based upon wireless transmitting of data on a simple LCD. Basically in colleges there are notice boards which are still operated manually. Each time they have to display a new notice, they will go and stick the piece of paper on which the notice is written. In our project, there will be an LCD in place of notice board and operating software in place from where it has to be operated. The user simply has to type the message in the textbox given in the GUI and simply click on the send button. The GUI is programmed in such a way that it sends one by one character at a time to the notice board through Transreceiver. The whole system of notice board is such that it will eventually receive the character and start displaying it on the LCD screen. The kind of Transreceiver this project uses is of high range. So it can directly work on the departmental level. More modifications can be done in future, such as increasing size of LCD, increasing the range of Transreceivers etc. But for now it can be easily fixed into class rooms and students can check this instant notice board for any updates from authorities.

Introduction:

One of the main reason behind making this project was, When we saw the procedure of displaying the normal notice on our departmental notice board, we thought of digitalizing the whole process. The basic necessity of this project is that, during normal procedure of notice, it may get delayed due to substantial methods. But when we digitalize the process, the respected higher authorities could directly send the message from their computer without even moving from chair. Which will surely overcome this delay, and also there is no wastage of paper for each notice, which eventually is environment friendly.

This system is efficient and can be used in many places including government offices, schools, Colleges, factories and many more industrial, commercial and medical places.

Problem Formulation:

The basic general Idea of the project was to send a simple message or notice from the computer. The person or the user will have software installed on his/her Computer made especially for operating notice board. The user has to simply type the notice in the GUI and click on the send button. And the GUI will then send the data on the notice board for displaying. The notice then will be finally displayed on the LCD screen attached. The problem with the earlier system was that it used hard copies of notice which proved worth after its use. And also displaying and changing the notices on the regular basis. The whole Development of the project will be distributed in three parts:

1. Transmitting section: In this phase a GUI for operating the software has to be made attached with the transmitting hardware.

2. Receiving section: In this phase, An LCD will be attached to a small system which will receive data from transmitting section and display one by one on the screen at a time.

3. Integrating section: In this phase, we will synchronize the transmitting section and receiving section respectively.

Ojective and Scope of the project:

1. To digitalize the present system of notice boards.

2. To make a convenient and easy to use system with increased efficiency.

3. To make a eco friendly system.

4. To prevent the disadvantages present in the current system such as delay in notices etc.

5. To make a centralized operator for all the notice boards.

6. Enhancement of the department in the technical means.

Methodology:

1. Transmitting section:

In our project, there will be an LCD in place of notice board and operating software in place from where it has to be operated. The user simply has to type the message in the textbox given in the GUI and simply click on the send button. The GUI is programmed in such a way that it sends one by one character at a time to the notice board through Tran receiver

2. Receiving Section:

The whole system of notice board is such that it will eventually receive the character and start displaying it on the LCD screen.

Hardware and Software Used:

Hardware Used:

1. Microcontroller(8051 family based P89V51RD2):

A microcontroller (sometimes abbreviated µC, uC or MCU) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. Program memory in the form of NOR flash or OTP ROM is also often included on chip, as well as a typically small amount of RAM. Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers or other general purpose applications.

2. CC2500 Tran receiver:

The CC2500 radios are transceivers designed for very low-power wireless applications. The CC1100/CC1101 radios can operate at frequency bands 315, 433, 868, and 915 MHz. The CC2500 radio operates at 2.4 GHz.

3. 16x2 LCD:

A 16x2 liquid crystal display (LCD) is a thin, flat electronic visual display that uses the light modulating properties of liquid crystals (LCs) Which can display up to 32 Characters at a time.

Software Used:

1. Matlab: Matlab or Matrix Labortory is a software which is widely used for image processing and GUI development. We are using Matlab for the GUI purpose and also because it provides a very convenient method for serial communication.

2. Keil Cross Compiler: Keil Cross Compiler is a compiler that is mainly used for converting Embedded C language into Assembly language program.

3. Flash Magic: Flash Magic is a software that will be used to program the microcontroller.

Conclusion:

Now a days it is really important for digitizing all possible means. Since we are living in 21^st century an era where there is technological boom all over the world. Its has widely grown in many sectors including education sectors also. So Education sector must not be untouched through this. Through our project we are taking a small step towards digitalization of the class rooms and preventing the old and hectic methods of education. It will be fast, effective and user friendly. This project is also playing a role in saving environment by saving the papers used for notice board along with its modernization.