Dana Sy-Ching | BBMS

(We were both very indecisive)

We started out by determining input: Movement (muscle sensor, flex sensor), Force, Temp, Switches (Magnets), Light, Orientation

Then we hypothesized on various outputs. We agreed that utilizing the flex sensor would be our main interest and utilizing magnets would be the next. 

We then identified outputs: light (LEDs), movement (DC motor/step motor), or sound

The picture above is inspired by those wearable keyboards.

In the photo above, we were thinking about a piano concept bu using a piezo to produce tones at different frequencies. We drafted a body for it where the top, inspired by the aurora borealis, is translucent (resin print?) and has various flowy lines to present a combination of lights. The other idea for light output would be done through walls that are incrementally higher that have their own color of LEDs (similar to current world trade station–oculus building?–but with color).

Upon the mention of superpowers, Telekinesis came to mind, which provided us with another use of the flex sensor to move an object via a motor.

The latter half is more cryptographic where a sequence of notes is heard and one must correctly play them via flex sensors to open something or make a message appear.

 

The circular thing above is a circle of photosensors and LEDs underneath a translucent surface where you can slide your finger around and the appropriate LEDs light up. (an example of a function could be a volume control mechanism – photosensors activated goes from low to high = raise and vice versa OR it could just be pretty lights) 

The bottom one is a fake identification machine where the presence of an id card 9or business card or etc) will block light and therefore cause something to happen (like allow access/open door – think NYU ID Card. . .but fake)

Above is a similar concept but with coins. Where the machine reacts by either making a smiley face protrude or light up or both upon addition of a coin.

I attempted to use a photosensor to feign a sense of compatibility by assessing the input from the sensor when the ‘machine’ is pressed (makes it darker, changes input) and comparing it to a second input. I then applied a numeric condition that will determine compatibility, which will then activate the appropriate LED.

Sample from Serial Monitor (any difference < a certain number will result in a match):

Initial code to test the concept (before building around it):

Final code:

Random ideas for implementation:

Demo:

Final:

I wanted to make a light blink urgently (red + blinking fast) to let the user know when they aren’t wearing their glasses.

Another idea I wanted to add was to count the number of times this occurred (possibly to warn the user that they’ve taken their glasses on and off a certain number of times — which I fall victim to when reading — I take my glasses off and bring the book closer, which apparently isn’t ideal. . .).

I decided to focus on the basic function of utilizing two lights to determine whether one is wearing his/her glasses. I started to identify the appropriate pins: one input (pin 2), two outputs (pins 3, 4), and no counter (yet).

I then noticed the lights blinking quickly back and forth (seen in the video below) whenever the connection is not as solid, so I attempted to figure out the debounce concept in order to avoid switching back and forth too fast due to a connection issue.

After implementing that, I attempted and failed at using loops for a counter. The first problem I encountered was that my counter wouldn’t work. I replaced the counter with a fixed int to test and figure things out. The next problem was that when the counter would blink, it wouldn’t stop. I figured out that this was because of the if statement repeating itself. I mitigated this by using the int called “counter” in my code (I used reps for the count of how many times the switch has been closed ~ confusing).

After a lot of other problems, figuring things out, and checking for errors, I was finally able to make the counter work. Some current issues remain like how once the counter is activated, opening the switch won’t make it stop. Additionally, I think I would like to try putting in a different colored light (maybe orange) that lights up when the switch has been closed and opened more than 5 times. (to say: hey stop taking me on and off too much)

Below are the final circuit, the final code, and a video of the switch + microcontroller working.

I had the initial idea of using my glasses to build a switch.

Upon starting, I bought aluminum foil and compiled other conductive elements I had around such as binder clips, water bottles, pen holders, and paperclips to see what else could be done. (Making more switches out of these is something I’d wanna keep doing. Hopefully more so when I hone my 3d printing and laser-cutting knowledge.)

I’m hoping to eventually be able to play around with weight and air and find more practical uses.

Some random sketches:

For now, I’m sticking to using my glasses.

Process (02/12/2020)

*The hardest part was barely being able to see when attaching things onto the glasses

I attempted to zigzag the foil to create a spring of sorts. This required a lot of cutting to get the shape narrow enough but not too narrow. This didn’t work too well though.

In the end, the piece of foil that moves ended up resembling more of an L shape. When I wore my glasses, the L shape would move up to touch the other piece of foil attached to the nose bridge, effectively closing the circuit. However, it stayed up.

I realized I needed weight to pull it back down, so I attached a paperclip.

I used floss to hold the zigzag ( slash L ) foil on the nosepads. This served as a fulcrum from which the foil could pivot.

I then used tape to fasten the wires onto the contraption.

(I had to disassemble the contraption so I could use my glasses. *facepalm* and will reassemble it before class. Fingers crossed.)

Process: Update (02/12/2020)

This one ended up sturdier. I wanted to reinforce the foil with something and ended up doing so with the paper clip itself. 

The primary foundation of the moving part of the switch relies on balance which in a simple form would look like:

I wanted to increase the surface area of the paperclip which I did with foil.

The paperclip has a plastic sheathing that I had to take out to reveal the conductive inner layer (just in case I need it to be conductive — like if I connect my wires to it).

After doing so, I tied the string around it to balance between the nose pads and taped everything together.

I then attached longer wires so that I could move it further away from the breadboard.