I Vergara Final project - Concept proposal

 Story board # 1 - Productivity Pal

 

 

 Story board # 2 - Email scraper display

  

 Story board # 3 - Meal prep randomizer

 

Abstract / Concept statement

 For this project I will develop a Productivity Companion with RFID Tokens. The device is a small desk tool that allows a user to quickly switch between productivity modes using physical tokens. Each token represents a category such as focus timers, reminders, or motivational quotes. When the user taps a token on the device, an RFID reader recognizes it and the screen changes to the corresponding mode. A rotary knob allows the user to navigate options and the button confirms actions such as starting a timer.

 

Hardware List

Main components 

• ESP32 microcontroller

• Small TFT LCD display

• RFID reader module

• RFID tags to place inside round tokens

• Rotary encoder with push button 

Extra components 

• Breadboard

• Jumper wires

• Connection cables

3D components 

• Enclosure for the device

• Round tokens containing RFID tags

• Printed dock to hold the tokens 

Software List

Development tools 

• Arduino IDE

Programming

• Component’s libraries

• AI tools to help generate and debug code when needed

Design Tools

• TinkerCAD for designing the enclosure and tokens

• 3D printing slicer software used by the campus printers 

 

Project plan

Phase 1: Research and planning

1. Review documentation for the ESP32, TFT display, and RFID reader.
2. Confirm how the RFID reader detects different tags.
3. Define the four tokens and their functions (Focus timer, Reminders, Quotes, Idle mode).

Phase 2: Basic hardware setup

1. Connect the ESP32 to the breadboard.
2. Connect the TFT display and test that it can show text.
3. Connect the RFID reader and test reading RFID tags.
4. Test the rotary encoder input.

Phase 3: Prototype interaction

1. Write basic code to detect which RFID token is scanned.
2. Display different text on the screen depending on the token.
3. Add rotary encoder functionality to scroll through options.
4. Add button functionality to confirm selections.

Phase 4: Productivity features

1. Implement a simple focus timer (5, 10, and 25 minute options).
2. Add simple reminders stored in the program.
3. Add a set of motivational or stoic quotes.

Phase 5: Physical design

1. Design the enclosure using TinkerCAD.
2. Design round token cases that hold the RFID tags.
3. Design a dock that holds the tokens next to the device.
4. Print the enclosure and tokens using campus 3D printers.

Phase 6: Assembly

1. Solder wires for permanent connections.
2. Install the screen, RFID reader, and rotary encoder inside the enclosure.
3. Assemble and mount all components in the case.

Phase 7: Testing and refinement

1. Test that tokens reliably trigger the correct modes.
2. Adjust the interface for readability on the small screen.
3. Fix any wiring or code issues.
4. Test the device in a desk environment.

Phase 8: Final presentation preparation

1. Clean up the enclosure and improve the appearance if needed.
2. Prepare demonstration scenarios showing how the tokens activate the system.
3. Document the final device and interaction.