Midterm Project Report

Hello Alien!

By: Ariel and Sienna

Instructor: Viola

Entire Building Process in Photos

Here is a slideshow of our entire building process, from making the code to using our ardunio kits, to making the physical phone, then changing our idea for it to become an alien detector.

Context + Significance

We explored a range of sensor technologies and programming methods for our midterm project. For example, we were able to carefully combine technology into the alien detection process by understanding how distance sensors work and how to interpret their data. We were able to implement and improve our present project design because to the knowledge that we gathered fixing other projects. We first developed a "telephone" to communicate with aliens, but soon realized that we could use the distance sensor to recognize the individual as alien when the lights went off. Real-time data input, such as alarm systems for our LED lights, was the main emphasis of our research, which highlighted the importance that quick and open interaction is in device-based interactions.

Conception + Design

While the idea of an alien detector may not be entirely new, what makes our project special is the way we used the distance sensor and the originality of the idea. We used a distance sensor, several LED lights to indicate whether a person was an alien or not, various sounds, and a button that you could click to communicate with the aliens using Morse code. Our project is important as a fun device and an interesting teaching tool because of its amusing nature, which can appeal to a variety of audiences.

A key on one side shows the meaning of the various lights flashing.

Green: not alien.

Yellow = Suspicious?

Red indicates an alien threat!

Alien Telephone

Alien Detector

Fabrication + Production

In our project to create an alien detector using an Arduino kit, cardboard, and paint, we embarked on a journey that began with a more fun idea of creating an alien telephone. However, as we developed our concept, we recognized that a detector would convey the theme more effectively and engage users in a more dynamic way.

Significant Steps in the Production Process

Concept Development: Our first idea was an alien phone that would let people "communicate" with the aliens. But following the initial user testing session and some enlightening comments, we decided that an alien detector would be a more engaging and eye-catching product. This change gave us the opportunity to concentrate on interactive elements that might pique interest and inspire creativity.

Design and Prototyping: I worked closely with my partner throughout the design process. We drew a number of concepts while thinking about how to combine electronics with the cardboard framework. In order to develop a basic circuit that would flash and emit sounds when "aliens" were spotted, we used the Arduino kit. Both the detector's visual design and the component arrangement were depicted in our sketches. In order to properly synchronize the lights and noises, Ariel and I built the Arduino code that controlled how the detector reacted to input from the sensors. My partner made significant improvements by emphasizing the creative components, which were essential to the project's visual appeal. Both of us stayed after class to ask our instructor for more help, which was essential for troubleshooting. This collaboration fostered a strong team dynamic, allowing us to share ideas and problem-solve together, ultimately leading to a successful project.

Page updated

Report abuse