Rapacious Sapphires: 2019

11 December 2019

Damian the Dreamkeeper

For my final project, I invited a little monster named Damian into existence. He wants to hear your dreams, and in exchange he'll share someone else's dream with you! The dreams he shares are randomized from those he's heard, and so there's a possibility someone else will hear your dream later. Share whatever dreams you want, even if they're a little weird - Damian's a monster so he's seen some... stuff. No judgement! Maybe you'll hear a dream from someone else that inspires you or at least helps you feel a little less alone.

As always,
CapriciousClockwinder2345620 + Toupe4
(no ledge)

PS I'd be delighted to know if you've found meaning in our names, and if you have any answers.

10 December 2019

Robo Arm Game

For my final project, I wanted to make a unique dungeon crawler like game that was played by two people on an LED matrix attached to a robotic arm.

Unfortunately that all didn't work out, but the result is a playable match the sequence game you can play with a friend and keep track of high scores. This isn't the end of Dungeon Arm Game quite yet! I will be working on a new version shortly that will be closer to my initial plans for this game.

I go over my reasons for making this game in the video and enjoy a clip of Cam and Lea playing it.

https://youtu.be/5cFgCl2A6fs

If you can't watch the video yet it will take a while to upload. I decided to make a 4K 60FPS video for this for some reason.

Maze Cube

For my final project I decided to create a maze cube to merge technology with mind puzzles and create an object that people can interact with while exercising their brains. The cube is made out of a 3D printed box, 5 RGB LED Flexible Neopixel Matrix, an Arduino Nano Every, a GY-521 with MPU6050 sensor module, and 3 C Alkaline batteries. Once the cube is turned on, the maze lights up and the user travels through it by moving the box in the direction they wish to go.

I have designed this cube to allow for future additions. I would like to expand the maze to be randomly generated each time the cube is turned on. Additionally, I included a button to provide the selection of different levels, adapting the game to the user’s skills and abilities so that everybody can play.

09 December 2019

Seasons of the Year

For this project, I used one PN 532 NFC to read all of the 19 RFIDs that are attached to either a character or an object. I also used the Adafruit Music shield, two speakers, one ELEGOO UNO, and on/off power switch. Glowforge lazier cutter was used to cut all the characters, objects, instruction board and top board.

Final Project: Enchanted Harp of the Fae

REQUIREMENTS:

Project must be interactive.
Project must use an microprocessor running code written by you.
Project must include a soldered circuit board or shield. You may use header pins and other connectors (JST, headphone jacks, barrel jacks, etc) to preserve your components. You cannot use a breadboard in your final project (though you can of course use it during the design process).
Project must be housed in an enclosure of some kind. The electronics should not be exposed (unless that is a meaningful part of your design, discuss with professor). The enclosure, or parts of it, may be 3D printed, but does not have to be.
Your project may use other shields and sensors that we have not covered in this course, but use your judgment. The professor may not be able to assist you with things he has never used before.
Your project may communicate back to a computer running other software, but doesn't have to.

MATERIALS USED:

1x 5v Power Source
1x Auxilary Cord
1x Arduino UNO
1x Adafruit WAV Trigger
1x RGB LED
2x metal keyrings
2x latch buttons
4x custom switches
1x custom built wooden enclosure
1x Incarcerated Fairy
A lot of aluminum wire
A lot of insulated wires
A lot of hot glue
A lot of soldering material
And a lot more...!

The Enchanted Harp of the Fae
(+2 charisma when in inventory)

I was debating cropping this, but if anything
I'm proud of the abducted cactus my friend painted for me

For my final project, I decided to dive in and dedicate all my energy to creating an interactive, audio-based prop. The result is as seen above: a wooden conglomeration of metal, electricity, blood, sweat, and tears that can be played by just about anyone.

The project itself includes an Adafruit Wav Trigger, an Arduino UNO, an RGB LED, 4 custom switches, two buttons, a ton of wires, and an accelerometer to expand functionality of the Arduino. There's also a lot of fire and brimstone soldering inside with two key rings acting as power/ground hubs. At the moment, there are four modes:

Default: Plays short bursts of music
Looped: Plays track, and then loops it
Effects: Plays short sound effects
Experimental: Plays random tracks*

* Random as in chosen by the fairy in the harp, of course
It's worth noting that while the experimental branch-- activated by pressing two latch mode buttons-- currently plays random tracks on the wav trigger, future plans would involve programming a better system that allows for active song creation via a music making program.

[ Video on Vimeo ]

/*************************************************
 * Pin / Library Setup
 *************************************************/

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
#include "Adafruit_Soundboard.h"
#include<Wire.h>


// Accelerometer / Gyro

const int MPU_addr=0x68;
int16_t AcX,AcY,AcZ,Tmp,GyX,GyY,GyZ;

// WAV TRIGGER

#define SFX_TX 11
#define SFX_RX 12
#define SFX_RST 10

SoftwareSerial ss = SoftwareSerial(SFX_TX, SFX_RX);
Adafruit_Soundboard sfx = Adafruit_Soundboard(&ss, NULL, SFX_RST);

// RGB LED

const int blueLED = 6;
const int greenLED = 5;
const int redLED = 3;

// MODE BUTTONS

const int bgModeButton = 8;
const int fxModeButton = 9;

// BUTTONS

const int b1 = A0;
const int b2 = A1;
const int b3 = A2;
const int b4 = A3;

// LOGIC VARIABLES

int stateOfBoard = 0;
int loopingTrack = 0;
int fairySongs[] = {6,4,2,9,3};
boolean fairyIsAwake = false;
boolean isLooping = false;
char oldMembraneKey;

/*************************************************
 * Initial Startup
 *************************************************/

void setup() {
  
  // COMMUNICATION
  // Serial, sfx, and accelerometer, respectively
  
  Serial.begin(9600);
  
  ss.begin(9600);
  
  Wire.begin();
  Wire.beginTransmission(MPU_addr);
  Wire.write(0x6B);
  Wire.write(0);
  Wire.endTransmission(true);
  
  // SET PIN MODES
  
  // leds
  pinMode(redLED, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(blueLED, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(greenLED, OUTPUT);
  
  // buttons
  pinMode(bgModeButton, INPUT);
  pinMode(fxModeButton, INPUT);
  pinMode(b1, INPUT);
  pinMode(b2, INPUT);
  pinMode(b3, INPUT);
  pinMode(b4, INPUT);
}

/*************************************************
 * Loop
 *************************************************/

void loop() {

  // Checks if harp is picked up
  moveThatFey();
  
  // Control Mode & Settings
  setMode();

  // Change LEDs and Sounds based on setMode() feedback
  modeHandling();
  ledHandling();

  // If in loop mode, enable looping
  loopThatBg();
  
  delay(5);
}

/*************************************************
 * My Functions
 *************************************************

+++ TABLE OF CONTENTS +++

1.0 // State Logic
2.0 // LEDs
3.0 // Looping
4.0 // Other

*/

// 1.0 STATE LOGIC

// change board mode or "state"
// Uses larger buttons located near base
void setMode() {
  int bgModeState = digitalRead(bgModeButton);
  int fxModeState = digitalRead(fxModeButton);
  
  // mode selection
  // EXPERIMENTAL MODE
  if (fxModeState == HIGH && bgModeState == HIGH) {
    stateOfBoard = 3;
    isLooping = false;
  // FX MODE
  } else if (fxModeState == HIGH) {
    stateOfBoard = 2;
    isLooping = false;
  // LOOP MODE
  } else if (bgModeState == HIGH) {
    stateOfBoard = 1;
    isLooping = true;
  // DEFAULT, NON LOOP MUSIC
  } else {
    stateOfBoard = 0;
    isLooping = false;
  }
}

// depending on mode, play certain sound list
// case 3 is special, activates looping
void modeHandling() {
 int b1State = digitalRead(b1);
 int b2State = digitalRead(b2);
 int b3State = digitalRead(b3);
 int b4State = digitalRead(b4);
 
 switch (stateOfBoard) {
  // NON LOOP: WHITE
  case 0:
    if (b1State == HIGH) {
      sfx.playTrack(4); // project k ish
    } else if (b2State == HIGH) {
      sfx.playTrack(2); // medieval entry
    } else if (b3State == HIGH) {
      sfx.playTrack(6); // happy tune
    } else if (b4State == HIGH) {
      sfx.playTrack(3); // march
    }
    break;
  // LOOP MODE: BLUE
  case 1:
    if (b1State == HIGH) {
      sfx.playTrack(4); // project k ish
      loopingTrack = 4;
    } else if (b2State == HIGH) {
      sfx.playTrack(2); // medieval entry
      loopingTrack = 2;
    } else if (b3State == HIGH) {
      sfx.playTrack(6); // happy tune
      loopingTrack = 6;
    } else if (b4State == HIGH) {
      sfx.playTrack(9); // medieval entry
      loopingTrack = 9;
    }
    break;
  // FX MODE: RED
  case 2:
    if (b1State == HIGH) {
      sfx.playTrack(1); // magic fx
    } else if (b2State == HIGH) {
      sfx.playTrack(9); // harpsichord
    } else if (b3State == HIGH) {
      sfx.playTrack(5); // monster
    } else if (b4State == HIGH) {
      sfx.playTrack(3); // march
    }
    break;
  // EXPERIMENTAL MODE, PURPLE (RANDOM)
  case 3:
    int fairyChoice = random(0,4);
    sfx.playTrack(fairySongs[fairyChoice]);
    break;
  default:
    break;
 }
}

// 2.0 LEDS

// depending on state of board, change LED
// Fade in over short time
void ledHandling() {
  turnOffLEDs();
  switch (stateOfBoard) {
  case 0:
    digitalWrite(greenLED, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(redLED, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(blueLED, HIGH);
    break;
  case 1:
    digitalWrite(blueLED, HIGH);
    break;
  case 2:
    digitalWrite(redLED, HIGH);
    break;
  case 3:
    digitalWrite(redLED, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(blueLED, HIGH);
    break;
  default:
    break;
  }
}

// turn off LEDs on state change
void turnOffLEDs() {
  digitalWrite(redLED, LOW);
  digitalWrite(greenLED, LOW);
  digitalWrite(blueLED, LOW);
}

// 3.0 LOOPING

// stop loop if mode is changed
// disables loop for 1st and 3rd mode
void pauseAndStopLoop() {
  isLooping = false;
  loopingTrack = 0;
  sfx.stop();
}

// loop sound if mode 2
void loopThatBg() {
  if (isLooping == true && loopingTrack != 0) {
    sfx.playTrack(loopingTrack);
  }
}

// 4.0 OTHER

void moveThatFey() {
  // Get Data from Accelerometer
  Wire.beginTransmission(MPU_addr);
  Wire.write(0x3B);  
  Wire.endTransmission(false);
  Wire.requestFrom(MPU_addr,14,true);  
  AcX=Wire.read()<<8|Wire.read();      
  AcY=Wire.read()<<8|Wire.read();  
  AcZ=Wire.read()<<8|Wire.read();  
  Tmp=Wire.read()<<8|Wire.read();  
  GyX=Wire.read()<<8|Wire.read();  
  GyY=Wire.read()<<8|Wire.read();  
  GyZ=Wire.read()<<8|Wire.read();  
  int mapMovement = (map(AcZ, -10000, 10000, 0, 100));
  mapMovement = -mapMovement;
  Serial.println(mapMovement);
  
  if (-1 * mapMovement > 20) {
    if (fairyIsAwake == false) {
      fairyIsAwake = true;
      sfx.playTrack(1);
    }
  }
}

/* For testing only
void variableTest() {
  Serial.println("state of board is:"+stateOfBoard);
  Serial.println("fx button is:"+fxModeState);
  Serial.println("bg button is:"+bgModeState);
  Serial.println("b1 is:"+b1State);
  Serial.println("b2 is:"+b2State);
  Serial.println("b3 is:"+b3State);
  Serial.println("b4 is:"+b4State);
  Serial.println("b5 is:"+b5State);
}

And with that, I go to sleep, like many of my fallen finals comrades before me.

Final Project: SafePhone

There are, on average, more distracted driving accidents that occur that lead to death in the United States than any other type of accident occurrences. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), nine people are killed and 1,000 are injured in distracted driving related accidents every day in the United States.

For my final project, I made a game that will encourage drivers to leave their phones in the cell phone holder while they drive. (Note: My original idea included an LCD Display but while working with it, it decided to stop working.)

If the driver stays at least 21 cm away from the device, they will receive 1 point every 10 seconds but if they get within 19 cm of the phone, the program will deduct 10 points from their total point value.

The hall effect sensor detects if there is a magnet present and the Sharp IR sensor detects if the driver gets close to the cell phone.

The idea is for the driver to be able to claim social media credit with their friends and help them become aware of their role in safe driving.

Materials: Programs:

Car Phone Holder Tinkercad

Arduino Mega 2560 Arduino

Arduino Mega 2560 Case Ultimaker Cura 4.4

3-D Printed Cable Box

3-D Printed Hall Effect Sensor Box

Apple Barrel Black Paint

Hot Glue

Jumper Wires

Hall Effect Sensor

Sharp IR Sensor

28 October 2019

Project Proposal

Some ideas...

Whispers

Caretakers

Storyboard

The idea I'm currently choosing to pursue is the last, a "storyboard" where users can choose from "artifacts", an array of items to pair together, and then contribute to the story that involves those items. I want to give participants an opportunity to be creative, and contribute to an inherently collaborative narrative. The final result will be a viewable story publicly available online.

Hardware list:

Container (looking like a book or sketchpad)
Artifacts (at least 6)
RFID readers (at least 3)
LCD display
microphone
speaker
ISD1700 module (for recording)
Arduino Uno
Wi-fi co-processor (possibly - to upload the audio files while the storyboard is still being used, there may be some other way to do this)
jumper wires

Software list:

Arduino IDE
Google Docs (or other software with voice-to-text options)

Project plan:

Prepare!

after feedback, finalize lists
order items

Phase 1: Artifacts

set up RFID so three readers can register or reject six unique cards
assign artifacts to readers/categories (this may be able to happen later)
set up LCD with instructions before and after objects are placed

Phase 2: Record/play

set up ISD1700, microphone, and speaker
code for audio playback - test first with prerecording
code so that recordings can be added to existing recordings
(stretch goal) allow option to rerecord before "submitting" contribution
pair with LCD so UI facilitates an easy understanding of how and when to record

Phase 3: constructing the container/assembly

construct box to hold all components
solder and secure all hardware

Phase 4: voice-to-text (possibly a stretch goal)

set up wi-fi co-processor to upload audio files
pair with Google Doc or other software that will convert to text
create simple website where users can view the story as it unfolds
create QR code to place next to storyboard to give users access to stories immediately after they contribute*

*need to decide if all stories are viewable to all participants, and if so, how will they be organized so they can easily find the one they contributed to?

Final Project Proposal: DM

Option 1

Concept Statement

Based on my Studio project of an interactive falling shape installation. The idea is to integrate additional users to have control over the input of the falling shapes, while a different user is interacting with it. Through a controller, the audience is able to put to test the skills of the person playing and challenge their ability to keep up with their inputs.

Hardware List

-Circuit board (Arduino UNO?)	-Electric Tape
-Buttons	-Scissors
-Potentiometers	-Cutters
-LED's	-Wire Stripper
-Wires	-Tweezers
-Hot Glue and Gun	-3D printer
-Solder and Iron	-3D printing material
-Cardboard for prototype	-Paint

Software List

- Arduino IDE

- Unity or Processing

- Tinkercad

Option 2

Concept Statement

Puzzle games are fun, but they usually have an end. What if there was a puzzle that was different each time you played it? The idea is to merge together technology and mind puzzles. With this cube maze, there will be infinite amounts of puzzles to solve so the user will never get bored. Each time the game resets, a new puzzle will begin. The puzzles never end!

Hardware List

-Circuit board (Arduino UNO?)	-Electric Tape
-LED Matrix (6?)	-Scissors
-Accelerometer	-Cutters
-LED's (power and restart)	-Wire Stripper
-Batteries and clip	-Tweezers
-Buttons	-Laser Cutter
-Wires	-Acrylic
-Hot Glue and Gun	-3D printer
-Solder and Iron	-3D printing material
-Cardboard for prototype	-Paint

Software List

- Arduino IDE

- Illustrator

- Tinkercad

Option 3

Project Plan

1.- Confirm project, hardware, and software needed.

2.- Sketch design of the final product and possible schematics.

3.- Purchase hardware.

4.- Start wiring breadboard and code simple on/off, push/release, etc.

5.- Code triggers on serial monitor to say what they should do.

6.- Code triggers to work as input within the falling shape interface.

7.- Prototype enclosure with wiring and components.

8.- Design final enclosure that will be used. Measure components.

9.- 3D print/laser cut the enclosure.

10.- Paint enclosure components.

11.-Organize wiring and components to fit inside the enclosure.

12.- Test and troubleshoot.

13.- If it’s working: Soldering.

14.- Test and troubleshoot. Final touch-ups.

15.- Present!

Final Project Proposal

Cell Phone (Demonstration)

Arduino Mega/ Power Supply

Hardware Materials:

Motion Sensor

Circuit Playground

Soldering Iron

3D Printed Cup Holder

Red/White LED Lights (2 of each)

Jumper Wires

Fingerprint Scanner

Software List:

Arduino

Concept:

Texting is one of the most dangerous things that is done while driving. According to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), nearly 20,000 people died in accidents between 2012 and 2017. Teens, aged 15 to 19, are more likely to cause an accident involving their cellphones.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving related accidents killed 3,166 people in 2017. “Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds” (NHTSA).

The focus of my project will be to stop the horrible accidents that texting causes from happening. I plan to take an idea that I started in my Design for New Media class last spring (video below). I want to create a system that makes sure texting and driving isn’t the reason for so many deaths in the United States.

The first phase of this system will be an automatic locking device that will be installed in the cup holder of every vehicle on the road. In order to start the car, the driver will have to put their phone in the cup holder and scan their fingerprint. If they decide to remove the phone while driving, the sensor will set off the front and back lights. This will send a warning to others around the driver to stay away from them. The system can only be reset if the driver turns the car off and repeats the process.

The second phase (which will have to be designed at a later time) will have to be coordinated with the USDOT. Once partnered with the USDOT, the flashing lights on the car will cause a photo to be taken of the license plate at every intersection. The third phase will send the most recent location of the car to the closest responding officers. The officers can then give a ticket to the offender.

Project Plan:

•Research

•Experiment with the biometric scanner

•Figure out how to code and program it to a specific print

•Experiment with the motion sensor

•Figure out how to code and program it to a specific print

•Experiment with the circuit playground (if I go this route)

• How does this work?
•Experiment with locking the phone in place
•How?

•Design

•Prototype

•Use the 3D printer to print the cup holder and car

•Install the LED lights into the car

•Solder Circuit Playground as needed

•Install the motion sensor and the biometric scanner

•Coding

•Code the LED lights

•Code the Biometric Scanner

•Code the Motion Sensor

•Test the coding

•Presentation

•Make Video

•Present to Class!

Other Ideas:

Concept:

The focus of this project will be to stop crooks from entering into the home through animals doors. The fingerprint scanner (or in this case, the paw print scanner) will activate the opening and closing of the door. This will be an easy way for the animal to get in and out of the house without letting in unwanted people/animals. The paw print scanner will easily program the animal(s) of the house so they are able to go in and out as they please.

The materials used for this project would include: Arduino, Fingerprint Scanner, hinges, R3 board, door and jumper wires.

Concept:

The focus of this project will make it easier to clean the pool. With the use of an app to control the pool cleaning, you don't have to be home to flip a switch, you can turn RoboVac on from the convenience of your office, while on vacation or simply watching TV in your living room. There is also a start button if you want to manually start it when you are swimming.

The materials used for this project would include: Arudino, R3 board, jumper wires, app, phone, water proof material, motion sensor, cleaning brushes and a cleaning vacuum.

References:

Andrew.currin.ctr@dot.gov. “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” NHTSA, 8 May 2019, www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving.

Luis.colon@dot.gov. “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” Luis.colon@Dot.gov, 15 Apr. 2019, www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/distracted-driving/u-drive-u-text-u-pay.