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MAUVIS

MAUVIS

MAUVIS

Master's Thesis Project

Master's Thesis Project

Master's Thesis Project

This thesis explores the development of a Mobile Automatic Under-Vehicle Inspection System (MAUVIS) to enhance security inspections, addressing the inefficiencies of traditional manual methods like handheld mirror UVIS which is widely used as it is cheap. By leveraging machine learning and remote control technologies, the research aims to improve the accuracy and speed of under-vehicle inspections in high-security environments.

The project seeks to provide a safer, more effective solution for identifying threats concealed in vehicle undercarriages, contributing to advancements in security technology and inspection processes.

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Redesigning and developing MAUVIS for enhancing effectiveness and efficiency by eliminating manual methods.

Deliverables

Deliverables

Deliverables

  • A working robot which can move around

  • A trained ML model which can detect foreign items under the chassis

  • An User Interface where user can control the robot and can see the results

Duration

Duration

Duration

  • July 2023- May 2024

  • Project Guide : Dr. Sougata Karmakar,

    IIT Guwahati, India.

  • Student : Swati Saini, MDes'2024

What is UVIS ?

What is UVIS ?

What is UVIS ?

Under Vehicle Inspection Systems (UVIS) are tools used to scan the underside of vehicles. They are important for security, especially at places like border crossings, checkpoints, airports, and other high-security areas. The main goal of UVIS is to find and stop dangerous or illegal items, such as weapons, explosives, or drugs, that might be hidden under vehicles.

Over a few years, vehicle inspections moved from basic manual handheld mirrors checks to more advanced Under Vehicle Inspection Systems (UVIS) due to rising threats like terrorism and illegal immigration. These systems use cameras and computers to quickly and accurately check the underside of vehicles.

As UVIS technology quickly expanded to meet security needs, it started having problems with reliability and couldn't keep up with the growing number of inspections. This led some companies to stick with cheaper options like handheld mirror UVIS. While the original system was good, it now needs upgrades to handle the increased demand and maintain strong security.

Over a few years, vehicle inspections moved from basic manual handheld mirrors checks to more advanced Under Vehicle Inspection Systems (UVIS) due to rising threats like terrorism and illegal immigration. These systems use cameras and computers to quickly and accurately check the underside of vehicles.

As UVIS technology quickly expanded to meet security needs, it started having problems with reliability and couldn't keep up with the growing number of inspections. This led some companies to stick with cheaper options like handheld mirror UVIS. While the original system was good, it now needs upgrades to handle the increased demand and maintain strong security.

The Challenge

Creating a Game changer in 12 months

Creating a Game changer in 12 months

The project set out to redefine vehicle inspections with a focus on designing a groundbreaking, low-cost Under-Vehicle Inspection System (UVIS). The idea was simple: create a system that is efficient, affordable, and user-friendly for security personnel. However, I wasn't just aiming to fix old problems; I wanted to build a strong, innovative foundation that could adapt to the evolving security needs. The main goals were to:

  • Improve user safety during inspections.

  • Offer a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.

  • Enhance operational efficiency and reliability.


The project set out to redefine vehicle inspections with a focus on designing a groundbreaking, low-cost Under-Vehicle Inspection System (UVIS).

The idea was simple : create a system that is efficient, affordable, and user-friendly for security personnel. However, I wasn't just aiming to fix old problems; I wanted to build a strong, innovative foundation that could adapt to the evolving security needs. The main goals were to:

  • Improve user safety during inspections.

  • Offer a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.

  • Enhance operational efficiency and reliability.

Kickoff

Picking up the pieces

Picking up the pieces

At the beginning of the project, I didn’t have a clear vision or set goals for what the new Under-Vehicle Inspection System (UVIS) should achieve. Lacking prior insights, I went for field visits and contextual inquiries to dig into how security personnel were conducting vehicle inspections and what challenges they faced.

  • Security Personnels didn't have clear idea how to use the device and what to look for.

  • Though they know how that works but only knew 1-2 things about how to operate.

  • The angle adjustment of the mirror is bit tricky that’s why they don’t even touch it.

  • It was heavy for them to carry device, takes more time, visibility is low and environment conditions make it harder to search.

  • The coverage given by mirror is partial and sometimes create congestion at the place.

How does it work?

  • As part of the vehicle screening process, security personnel conduct a preliminary inspection of random vehicles using handheld devices for Under Vehicle Inspection Systems (UVIS).

  • These devices consist of mirrors mounted on sticks, allowing security personnel to examine the undercarriage structure and components for anomalies or foreign objects.

  • If any irregularities are detected, the vehicle is directed to a secondary and more comprehensive inspection.

  • However, this practice puts security personnel near potential dangers.

  • Additionally, handheld devices offer only a limited view of the undercarriage, often missing key areas toward the middle of the vehicle.

  • As part of the vehicle screening process, security personnel conduct a preliminary inspection of random vehicles using handheld devices for Under Vehicle Inspection Systems (UVIS).

  • These devices consist of mirrors mounted on sticks, allowing security personnel to examine the undercarriage structure and components for anomalies or foreign objects.

  • If any irregularities are detected, the vehicle is directed to a secondary and more comprehensive inspection.

  • However, this practice puts security personnel near potential dangers.

  • Additionally, handheld devices offer only a limited view of the undercarriage, often missing key areas toward the middle of the vehicle.

The Discovery

Learning more about the use

Learning more about the use

When examining the issues I encountered during the observing the working of the Under Vehicle Inspection System (UVIS) in India, I was initially surprised. The challenges seemed like minor inconveniences that might be dismissed as context-specific to India, rather than serious flaws in the system’s design or operation. However, upon further reflection, it became clear that users expected the inspection process to be straightforward and efficient, without unnecessary complications. As the UVIS became a more integral part of security protocols in various regions, the expectations for its reliability and ease of use naturally increased.

This realization led to a crucial question:

When examining the issues I encountered during the observing the working of the Under Vehicle Inspection System (UVIS) in India, I was initially surprised. The challenges seemed like minor inconveniences that might be dismissed as context-specific to India, rather than serious flaws in the system’s design or operation. However, upon further reflection, it became clear that users expected the inspection process to be straightforward and efficient, without unnecessary complications. As the UVIS became a more integral part of security protocols in various regions, the expectations for its reliability and ease of use naturally increased.

This realization led to a crucial question:

If users in urban areas with better infrastructure struggled with the UVIS, it raised concerns about even greater challenges in remote regions with more difficult conditions.

If users in urban areas with better infrastructure struggled with the UVIS, it raised concerns about even greater challenges in remote regions with more difficult conditions.

This curiosity revealed a significant opportunity: the need to optimize the UVIS so that it functions effectively across all regions, regardless of the local conditions. This insight became the foundation for a new guiding principle—a "north star"—to perfect the under vehicle inspection process for every user, everywhere in India.

This curiosity revealed a significant opportunity: the need to optimize the UVIS so that it functions effectively across all regions, regardless of the local conditions. This insight became the foundation for a new guiding principle—a "north star"—to perfect the under vehicle inspection process for every user, everywhere in India.

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S.S.

© 2024 - All Rights Reserved.

With love Swati❣️

S.S.

© 2024 - All Rights Reserved.

With love Swati❣️