Engineering

Window empowerment sign (1st Semester)

MiLes Davis

I picked Miles Davis because I love music. He is very important to the music world as a famous and talented black musician. This related to my window light projected because my hashtag is about how he revolutionized Jazz.

Materials for project

These are all the materials I need for my project. It includes some building materials as well as electronics so I can make my project look as good as possible.

This is the first step to a model version of my project. It has an LED connected to copper tape which then connects to a small battery.

This is the second step to building the model. I screwed on the side plates and the base and finally put the acrylic emblem on the light.

I have made an simple electronic circuit using an arduino nano. I have also made a diagram of it's components.

My video - 9-14-2020_10-53-58.webm

This is my Arduino with sequenced flashing LEDs. I have made a circuit diagram to represent how I wired my circuit. There is a video of how it works.

Here is my code:

int led0 = 2;int led1 = 3;int led2 = 4;int led3 = 12;int led4 = 11;int led5 = 10;
void setup() {
pinMode(led0, OUTPUT) ;pinMode(led1, OUTPUT) ;pinMode(led2, OUTPUT) ;pinMode(led3, OUTPUT) ;pinMode(led4, OUTPUT) ;pinMode(led5, OUTPUT) ;
}
void loop() { digitalWrite(led0, HIGH); delay(200); digitalWrite(led1, HIGH); delay(200); digitalWrite(led2, HIGH); delay(200); digitalWrite(led3, HIGH); delay(200); digitalWrite(led4, HIGH); delay(200); digitalWrite(led5, HIGH); digitalWrite(led0, LOW); delay(200); digitalWrite(led1, LOW); delay(200); digitalWrite(led2, LOW); delay(200); digitalWrite(led3, LOW); delay(200); digitalWrite(led4, LOW); delay(200); digitalWrite(led5, LOW); }

This is a single LED blinking. Here is the code and a video

int led0 = 2;
void setup() {
pinMode(led0, OUTPUT) ;}
void loop() { digitalWrite(led0, HIGH); delay(200); digitalWrite(led0, LOW); delay(200);}

My video - 9-29-2020_1-29-46.webm

20201217_150028.mp4

Neopixel Strip

This is my neopixel strip project. The neopixels are connected to an arduino which makes them flash in the colors of the rainbow.

code for neopixel strip

// A basic everyday NeoPixel strip test program.
// NEOPIXEL BEST PRACTICES for most reliable operation:// - Add 1000 uF CAPACITOR between NeoPixel strip's + and - connections.// - MINIMIZE WIRING LENGTH between microcontroller board and first pixel.// - NeoPixel strip's DATA-IN should pass through a 300-500 OHM RESISTOR.// - AVOID connecting NeoPixels on a LIVE CIRCUIT. If you must, ALWAYS// connect GROUND (-) first, then +, then data.// - When using a 3.3V microcontroller with a 5V-powered NeoPixel strip,// a LOGIC-LEVEL CONVERTER on the data line is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.// (Skipping these may work OK on your workbench but can fail in the field)
#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>#ifdef __AVR__ #include <avr/power.h> // Required for 16 MHz Adafruit Trinket#endif
// Which pin on the Arduino is connected to the NeoPixels?// On a Trinket or Gemma we suggest changing this to 1:#define LED_PIN 6
// How many NeoPixels are attached to the Arduino?#define LED_COUNT 17
// Declare our NeoPixel strip object:Adafruit_NeoPixel strip(LED_COUNT, LED_PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);// Argument 1 = Number of pixels in NeoPixel strip// Argument 2 = Arduino pin number (most are valid)// Argument 3 = Pixel type flags, add together as needed:// NEO_KHZ800 800 KHz bitstream (most NeoPixel products w/WS2812 LEDs)// NEO_KHZ400 400 KHz (classic 'v1' (not v2) FLORA pixels, WS2811 drivers)// NEO_GRB Pixels are wired for GRB bitstream (most NeoPixel products)// NEO_RGB Pixels are wired for RGB bitstream (v1 FLORA pixels, not v2)// NEO_RGBW Pixels are wired for RGBW bitstream (NeoPixel RGBW products)

// setup() function -- runs once at startup --------------------------------
void setup() {  // These lines are specifically to support the Adafruit Trinket 5V 16 MHz.  // Any other board, you can remove this part (but no harm leaving it):#if defined(__AVR_ATtiny85__) && (F_CPU == 16000000)  clock_prescale_set(clock_div_1);#endif  // END of Trinket-specific code.
  strip.begin(); // INITIALIZE NeoPixel strip object (REQUIRED)  strip.show(); // Turn OFF all pixels ASAP  strip.setBrightness(255); // Set BRIGHTNESS to about 1/5 (max = 255)}

// loop() function -- runs repeatedly as long as board is on ---------------
void loop() {  // Fill along the length of the strip in various colors...  colorWipe(strip.Color(255, 0, 0), 200); // Red  colorWipe(strip.Color(255, 0, 120), 200); // Pink  colorWipe(strip.Color(255, 0, 255), 200); // Purple  colorWipe(strip.Color(0, 0, 255), 200); // Blue  colorWipe(strip.Color(0, 120, 255), 200); // Blue Green  colorWipe(strip.Color(0, 255, 255), 200); // Teal  colorWipe(strip.Color(0, 255, 120), 200); // Green Blue    colorWipe(strip.Color(0, 255, 0), 200); // Green    colorWipe(strip.Color(120, 255, 0), 200); // Yellow    colorWipe(strip.Color(255, 255, 0), 200); // Orange
     colorWipe(strip.Color(255, 255, 255), 500); // Orange

  // Do a theater marquee effect in various colors... // theaterChase(strip.Color(127, 127, 127), 50); // White, half brightness // theaterChase(strip.Color(127, 0, 0), 50); // Red, half brightness // theaterChase(strip.Color( 0, 0, 127), 50); // Blue, half brightness
  rainbow(20); // Flowing rainbow cycle along the whole strip  //theaterChaseRainbow(50); // Rainbow-enhanced theaterChase variant}

// Some functions of our own for creating animated effects -----------------
// Fill strip pixels one after another with a color. Strip is NOT cleared// first; anything there will be covered pixel by pixel. Pass in color// (as a single 'packed' 32-bit value, which you can get by calling// strip.Color(red, green, blue) as shown in the loop() function above),// and a delay time (in milliseconds) between pixels.void colorWipe(uint32_t color, int wait) {  for(int i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) { // For each pixel in strip...    strip.setPixelColor(i, color); // Set pixel's color (in RAM)    strip.show(); // Update strip to match    delay(wait); // Pause for a moment  }}
// Theater-marquee-style chasing lights. Pass in a color (32-bit value,// a la strip.Color(r,g,b) as mentioned above), and a delay time (in ms)// between frames.void theaterChase(uint32_t color, int wait) {  for(int a=0; a<10; a++) { // Repeat 10 times...    for(int b=0; b<3; b++) { // 'b' counts from 0 to 2...      strip.clear(); // Set all pixels in RAM to 0 (off)      // 'c' counts up from 'b' to end of strip in steps of 3...      for(int c=b; c<strip.numPixels(); c += 3) {        strip.setPixelColor(c, color); // Set pixel 'c' to value 'color'      }      strip.show(); // Update strip with new contents      delay(wait); // Pause for a moment    }  }}
// Rainbow cycle along whole strip. Pass delay time (in ms) between frames.void rainbow(int wait) {  // Hue of first pixel runs 5 complete loops through the color wheel.  // Color wheel has a range of 65536 but it's OK if we roll over, so  // just count from 0 to 5*65536. Adding 256 to firstPixelHue each time  // means we'll make 5*65536/256 = 1280 passes through this outer loop:  for(long firstPixelHue = 0; firstPixelHue < 5*65536; firstPixelHue += 256) {    for(int i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) { // For each pixel in strip...      // Offset pixel hue by an amount to make one full revolution of the      // color wheel (range of 65536) along the length of the strip      // (strip.numPixels() steps):      int pixelHue = firstPixelHue + (i * 65536L / strip.numPixels());      // strip.ColorHSV() can take 1 or 3 arguments: a hue (0 to 65535) or      // optionally add saturation and value (brightness) (each 0 to 255).      // Here we're using just the single-argument hue variant. The result      // is passed through strip.gamma32() to provide 'truer' colors      // before assigning to each pixel:      strip.setPixelColor(i, strip.gamma32(strip.ColorHSV(pixelHue)));    }    strip.show(); // Update strip with new contents    delay(wait); // Pause for a moment  }}
// Rainbow-enhanced theater marquee. Pass delay time (in ms) between frames.void theaterChaseRainbow(int wait) {  int firstPixelHue = 0; // First pixel starts at red (hue 0)  for(int a=0; a<30; a++) { // Repeat 30 times...    for(int b=0; b<3; b++) { // 'b' counts from 0 to 2...      strip.clear(); // Set all pixels in RAM to 0 (off)      // 'c' counts up from 'b' to end of strip in increments of 3...      for(int c=b; c<strip.numPixels(); c += 3) {        // hue of pixel 'c' is offset by an amount to make one full        // revolution of the color wheel (range 65536) along the length        // of the strip (strip.numPixels() steps):        int hue = firstPixelHue + c * 65536L / strip.numPixels();        uint32_t color = strip.gamma32(strip.ColorHSV(hue)); // hue -> RGB        strip.setPixelColor(c, color); // Set pixel 'c' to value 'color'      }      strip.show(); // Update strip with new contents      delay(wait); // Pause for a moment      firstPixelHue += 65536 / 90; // One cycle of color wheel over 90 frames    }  }}

THE DESIGN PROCESS

Brief

Guidelines that lead to a final results

Question that needs an answer/solution

Research

Looking up information that is relevant to your brief or answers your questions

This can include published papers, images that could be used for design inspiration, and other solutions to the problem that you may have found

Asking other questions to get to a final wanted result are welcome during this step

Idea and Brainstorming

Using your research, come up with ideas that lead to a solution to your original brief/driving question

This includes designs for the items, solutions to research questions, and other additional items that may be needed for answering your questions.

Prototype

Taking your ideas from the previous step, come up with a physical object that you can you use in the next step of the process

If you are working on a questions or research based project, this is when you will come up with a finalized version of your big question or hypothesis that will be used in the next step of the process

Testing

Taking what you have done in the Prototype step, begin to run some form of testing in order to collect data that can be used to help prove what was done either a 100% success or a 70% still needs some modifications

This step usually have a form of procedure that goes with it, whether it be a series of physical test done by yourself or a large data collection to prove a theory

Evaluation

Looking back over the data from the test, this step allows you to look over the data from your test and figure out if you need to rework something

This step is unique because it can happen at any point in the process, once you are very comfortable in using it, and it can also take you back to any step. For instance, you are building a prototype but it fell apart before you even had a chance to test, which means you have to go back to ideas and brainstorming a way to fix it. You inadvertently pushed yourself through the rest of the design process and back to coming up with an idea

This is my window light laser cutout. It says the new jazz because my person is Miles Davis who is a famous jazz musician. This relates to my window light project because he is a famous black jazz artist who changed the music industry.

Reflection

What was most challenging is that i did not have the right materials most of the time. I overcame this challenge by picking up most of the things from the school. I am most proud of the window light because it looks cool.

DESKTOP ORGANIZER PROJECT (2nd Semester)

This is my Desktop Organizer project. I will have to follow steps and complete goals as stated in the second picture. There are constraints and rules listed on the 3rd page.

Craftmanship: 2" x 2" Cube Exercise

I measured the length, width, and even the thickness of each side to put together the cube. I then folded the paper into a neat cube.

Desk Organizer Research

This desk organizer is very simplistic and nicely shaped, that's why I like it.

This desk organizers is innovative in the way it hangs off of the table.

This desk organizer can hold many things, and it has a modern, blocky look to it.

Idea and Brainstorming

Designing with Elements and Principles of Design

My first design consists of 2 levels, and then some compartments on the top. The first level id for flat things like sticky notes, and the second for pens, pencils, or scissors. The elements of design I used are balance and form.

First Draft Idea

I wanted an otherworldly looking design. I did not get any inspiration from other desk organizers, this came straight from my mind.

Final Idea Drawing

This is the Final Idea with dimensions. Each base will be 1" tall, with a 1" space between them. Each cup will be 2.5" tall and 1.5" wide. and the base width will be 8"

Final Idea Drawing

This is my final idea. I have opted for square parts because they are easier to make.

Prototyping

First Draft

first Draft w/ items

This is my first draft model. I used paper for all of my design. I built it smaller than it's supposed to be. As in the picture, there are 2 levels, one on the bottom as a base, and 6 small compartments on the top for various items.

The feedback I received tells me to make it bigger. Also instead of putting the support column in the middle, I should put them on the sides, so items can fit.

Final Draft

In my Final Draft, I changed a lot of things. First of all, I changed the base back to a circle. The compartments are also now connected. I now have pillars instead of one, and the space in between levels is larger.

Testing

Final Model Image w/ Items

I thought about how items would fit in and built it accordingly. I thought about how not all items would fit in the top compartments, so that is what the bottom space is for.

Evaluation

For research, I searched pictures of common desk organizers for inspiration. I wanted to make a simple, yet creative design. For brainstorming, I considered all of my requirements, and thought about how I could make my design innovative, while also making it easy to look at and simplistic. I made a 3d model of it to visualize what it would look like. For prototyping, I created a miniature version of what I was going to build out of paper. This helped me figure out the flaws of the design as well as how big I would make it. I tested it by putting small pencils and pieces of paper into it. It held up surprisingly well for it being made of paper. I received feedback from my peers in order to help me optimize my design even further, like putting more pillars for extra support or changing the size. For my elements and principles of design, I used form and variety; form as the way the pieces come together to form a unique shape, and variety, as I used rubber bands in contrast to the wood. What I enjoyed about my design is how much it changed from when I first started brainstorming to my final draft. It changed drastically through the entire process. The biggest challenge I faced making this project was getting materials. I struggled with finding the right size wood for it, So instead of making the compartments out of wood, I changed them to rubber bands. I think my project is very good, so I wouldn't changed anything.

Controller project (2nd semester)

project title

This is what we will be doing for our 3rd project.

project goals

I will make a functioning game controller by the end of the year using these steps.

project constraints

These are the restraints we have to follow in our project.

Research

Reference Images

I want my controller to have a similar shape and feel to VR controllers. I want it to be simple and easy to build.

Idea Development and Brainstorming

Four Controller Ideas

I have made 4 different controllers. I have kept in mind comfortability and ease of use for each one. These will give me an idea of what I want to do with my final model

First Draft Model (Bottom)

This is the form I will be using for at least my fist draft.

First Draft model (Top)

It has one button on the top, and four on the bottom. You hold it as you would hold a cookie.

final model

This is my final controller model. The buttons are now in a radial pattern and they are only on the top.

Prototyping

First Prototype controller (1)

First prototype controller (2)

This is my first controller prototype. Right now it is colorless and lopsided. In the next iteration, I will make it neater and add a design to it.

Final model controller (1)

final model controller (2)

For my final model, I made the structure neater, and I added a cool looking design to further it's appearance.

20210520_094922.mp4

Video of controller working

This is a video of me using my controller to play a simple DDR-like game. It emulates the 4 arrow keys on the keyboard.

Testing

self assesment

Q: Does your design use unity or pattern? How is this shown in your design?

Yes, my design uses pattern. This is shown through the art on the top of the controller.

Q: What is your plan for incorporating color/texture into your design?

I wanted to incorporate color by making cool designs on the top of my controller.

Q: What did you do to make your design more comfortable to use? Did it work? If not, how can you modify your design for comfort?

A: To make my design more comfortable,I changed the initial shape from a circle to an oval. This allowed for my fingers to reach the buttons more comfortably.

Q: What is your unique feature of your controller?

A: One unique feature of my controller is that the electronic components are standing up over the controller itself.

Q: Would you consider your design unique? If not, how would you add/subtract from your design to make it more unique?

A: I would consider my design unique because of the way you are supposed to play it.

Q: Now at the end of the project, what is one change you would make to your entire project that would make it better? This could be a change to your design or in the way that it is wired.

A: I would definitely change the way my electronics are wired, some of the wires touch each other and that is not good. I would also like to have my electronics in the controller rather than outside of it.

Q: Is there any feedback that you received that stood out to you and helped you make some of the decisions on your final model?

A: There was a lot of feedback questioning the comfortability of my design. This made my final model an oval shape instead of a circle.

Q: What are some changes to this project that you think would make it more important? Adding features such as joysticks, less buttons, more time, etc.

A: I would have a bigger Arduino so It is easier to connect wires to it.

Evaluation

final model self assesment

I liked doing this project. It was stressful and difficult at some parts, but I like doing this type of stuff. I learned a lot of stuff like how to connect open ended wires to an Arduino, and how to emulate keyboard buttons through code. The biggest change I made throughout this project is the change of buttons on both sides to just one. It would have been cooler, but due to time constraints and the difficulty, I had to reduce my ambitions. My biggest success was having the electronics work for the first time. I had to do a lot of fiddling in order to make it work. If I could redo this project, I would do a better job at arranging the buttons and wires, because they are all tangled and weird. In the end I was blown away by how well it actually worked with a game I enjoy. I enjoyed this project and I really enjoyed the end result.

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