Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Fabrication:
Final device is fabricated from Delrin sheets and mounted on staging platform
Design:
Design has been finalized, includes clamps to ensure the membrane ring stays in place during stretching process
Tests:
Team 3's original Petri dishes were severely damaged during the autoclaving process, effort is being made to replace them with materials that can withstand 200+ degree Celsius temperatures
Camera and microphotography:
Work is being done to ensure the camera that will mount to the microscope is compatible with all parts of the system. Integration with MATLAB image processing has succeeded. It is very sensitive to light changes.
Working to implement light threshold adjustment into the GUI front.
Software and GUI
GUI is fully functional, including rotation elements, working to ensure all drivers and device features work with Windows 8 and as a standalone program.
Based off of results from our Device Presentation during 10th week, minor modifications and features are being added and rearranged.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Completed fabrication of final design
Made the following changes to the software:
Status section informs user of current operation
Buttons greyed out when not available
Draft of the poster complete and submitted.
Software now includes a fully functional rotation portion which increases the functionality to all primary and secondary objectives.
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Finalize all aspects and deliver.
Need to source and deliver the final box for storage and delivery of the system.
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
The final presentation to the sponsor and his research team will take place on 6/5/2012 at 10:00 AM.
The research group was impressed with the hardware and software and system integration of the team's efforts.
Concerns included the following:
Light thresholding across various environments.
Ability for the system to duplicate a performed stretching function.
Most recent updates concerned growth of neurons on Petri Dish
Petri dishes were destroyed during autoclaving process
They require 10 new dishes which can withstand the process
New ones constructed out of more durable materials.
No longer expect us to stretch visible neurons. Instead, visible dots. (we'll try something smaller)
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
ND, 5/20: Need to make sure we're playing with plenty of images for the image analysis process
We are no longer looking at neurons due to Petri dish failure.
ND, 5/20 Implement a safe-mode or easy-mode for the device, make sure its operation is transparent for researchers
Device now has a number of user-friendly features
LED on indicator for control box
Buttons that are currently unavailable are not selectable
Status update section describes to user the current function of the device.
ND 5/20: resolve the camera issue with a deadline and/or proposal
We agreed on a camera and quickly obtained it.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
Silicone distributor?
Schedule
Describe upcoming milestone
Update Gantt chart.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Our budget has been changed due to the deadlines of our project. Our budget has been increased to an as-need basis, as long as approval is given.
Progress on Report and Webpage