. What Can the System Do?
Detect and track a specific ball using computer vision.
Follow the ball dynamically by adjusting speed and direction.
Avoid obstacles in its path using additional sensors or vision-based
detection.
Process real-time video using the ESP32-S3 for object detection and
movement decisions.
Provide feedback on the car’s status via serial output or a connected
display.
Operate wirelessly and autonomously once initialized.
2. What Can't the System Do?
Recognize and differentiate between multiple objects of similar color or
shape unless explicitly programmed.
Operate in poor lighting conditions unless the camera and algorithm
are optimized for low-light environments.
Function at high speeds due to processing limitations of the ESP32-S3
and response time constraints.
Handle rough terrains or extreme environmental conditions (e.g.,
water, high-impact collisions).
Make complex AI-driven decisions beyond simple object tracking and
obstacle avoidance.
Necessary Components
To build this autonomous RC car, the following components are required:
1. ESP32-S3 Microcontroller – The core processing unit responsible for
running the object detection and control algorithms.
2. Camera Module (e.g., OV2640) – Captures real-time video for ball
detection and tracking.
3. RC Car Chassis – A sturdy base with wheels, capable of carrying the
electronics and motors.
4. Motor Driver (e.g., L298N or TB6612FNG) – Interfaces between
the ESP32-S3 and the motors, allowing speed and direction control.
5. DC Motors (with Encoders if Needed) – Drives the car forward,
backward, and turns based on control inputs.
6. Battery Pack (e.g., LiPo or 18650 Cells) – Provides power to the
ESP32-S3 and motors.
7. Voltage Regulator (e.g., 5V and 3.3V Step-down) – Ensures
proper voltage levels for different components.
8. Ultrasonic or Infrared Sensors (Optional) – Helps with obstacle
detection and avoidance.
9. Wi-Fi Module (Built-in ESP32-S3 Feature) – Enables wireless
monitoring or control if necessary.
10. Software (Arduino IDE, MicroPython, or ESP-IDF) – Used for
programming and deploying the control algorithms.
Use Case Diagram
The use case diagram for this system illustrates the interactions between the
User, ESP32-S3, and the RC Car System:
Actors:
User – Initiates tracking, stops tracking, and monitors status.
ESP32-S3 System – Processes camera data, detects objects, and
controls the RC car.
Use Cases:
1. Start Tracking – User enables the tracking system.
2. Stop Tracking – User disables tracking.
3. Detect Object – The ESP32-S3 identifies the ball using the camera.
4. Follow Object – The car moves toward the ball based on position
tracking.
5. Avoid Obstacles – The system detects and navigates around
obstacles.
6. Monitor Status – The user receives updates on system performance.
Wiring Diagram
The wiring diagram should illustrate the connections between:
ESP32-S3 and Camera Module for image processing.
ESP32-S3 and Motor Driver (L298N or TB6612FNG) for motor
control.
ESP32-S3 and Battery Pack for power supply.
Ultrasonic Sensors (if used) connected to ESP32-S3 for obstacle
detection.
This diagram should use standard electrical symbols and include labels for all
major components.
Activity Diagram
The activity diagram represents the sequence of operations in the RC car’s
tracking process:
1. Start System – The user powers on the ESP32-S3 and initializes the
tracking program.
2. Capture Frame – The camera module continuously captures video
frames.
3. Process Image – The ESP32-S3 analyzes the frame to detect the ball.
o If the ball is detected, proceed to Step 4.
o If not, continue scanning.
4. Determine Ball Position – The system calculates the ball's position
relative to the car.
5. Adjust Car Movement – The ESP32-S3 sends commands to the motor
driver to steer the car toward the ball.
6. Check for Obstacles:
o If an obstacle is detected, navigate around it.
o If no obstacle, continue following the ball.
7. Repeat Process – The system continuously updates ball position and
car movement.
8. Stop System – The user manually stops the tracking process or the
system shuts down due to low power.
