Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
17 LED Persistence of Vision Globe
Gavi Campbell
Melvin Alpizar Arrieta
Owen Bowers
Gayatri Chandran design_document2.pdf
final_paper1.pdf
other2.txt
other1.pdf
other3.txt
photo1.pdf
presentation1.pdf
# Team: Globetrotters (WIP)

# Team Members:
- Owen Bowers (obowers2)
- Melvin Alpizar Arrieta (malpi2)
- Gavriel Campbell (gcampb7)

# Problem

LabEscape at UIUC is a popular attraction during events such as Engineering Open House and as such is constantly looking for ways to improve their exhibit. One such improvement they are looking to make is the implementation of a LED Globe capable of displaying messages and images via the utilization of something called persistence of vision. However, many issues can arise when trying to construct a functional system to utilize this phenomenon including mechanical, timing, and electrical restrictions. A couple examples of the problems that may be encountered are as follows: Difficulty in the creation of an electrical system that functions within a rapidly spinning environment. Difficulty acquiring proper live measurements of the systems spin rate. Difficulty translating spin rate into signals at proper time intervals for the entirety of the LED strip across the arch. Difficulty ensuring proper resolution for crisp imaging. Difficulty ensuring stability of the structure due to weights of parts. This problem is emphasized when applied to spinning objects. Additionally to all the above mentioned crucial issues to consider, there are a number of aesthetic issues that should be addressed. Namely, the noise of such a device should ideally be as little as possible and the color spectrum be as large as able.

# Solution

In order to address the many problems one could encounter when trying to build a system of this kind we plan to take the following measures. We will implement systems capable of acquiring the correct spin rate of the device, taking into account information from accelerometers, optical sensors, and the assumed spin rate of components. We will include a number of LED’s sufficient to provide clear and crisp images across the entirety of the spin radius. We will strive to manage external wiring and focus on keeping all relevant wiring components contained to the PCB board to ensure that wires will not tangle the device and result in catastrophic failure. To solve balancing issues we intend to create a tri-pylon approach where there will be three identical arches spaced around the structure to ensure that balance is maintained. Additionally we will ensure that PCB are spaced properly to distribute weight evenly. This design could be expanded to make use of an RGB coloring system to allow for multicolored display.

## Subsystem 1 - Power Unit

A 5 volt power unit will allow for the safe operation of our LED’s avoiding risk of burnout.
A wired power source system (DC 12V) and conversion to lower voltage for when it is desired for the device to run for extended periods of time.
A mobile battery pack that can be utilized when mobility is desired.

## Subsystem 2 - Motor

A DC motor capable of rotating at least 600 rpm should be more than satisfactory for the goal we wish to achieve in this project.
WIll be able to rotate the mass of our globe for extended periods of time without wearing out.


## Subsystem 3 - Microprocessor

Room for additional features should we wish to expand the scope of our project (such as perhaps the addition of a speaker).
Capability to route all our necessary components with ease and the ability to accommodate additional power if needed.
Our Microprocessor will allow for WIFI and bluetooth connectivity capabilities.


## Subsystem 4 - Accelerometer/Rotational Sensors

An accelerometer to gather experimental data of the current rotational speed of the LED globe
An optical sensor will be used with a reference point to verify the correct rotational speed of the globe.
Alternatively a hall-effect sensor can be used to magnetically detect rotations and adjust light timing accordingly.


## Subsystem 5 - Multi-Colored LED Band(s)

Balanced LED spacing around the PCB core to ensure the smooth rotation of our globe and avoiding turbulence.
Reliable and fast acting LED’s not prone to burnout when activated actively and continuously.
Bands of interconnected LED’s capable of a single or multiple colors.

## Subsystem 6 - Data Input

An SD card reader or item of a similar nature that can accept physical information and display in a sequential order.
Support for wireless data transfers to accomplish data displays without the necessity to stop and load the device.
Support for an approachable user interface in which displays can be freely edited and changed wirelessly.

## Subsystem 7 - Web Application

Will provide a user-friendly method to control the LED Globe
Will allow users to upload media files (images, videos, gifs) directly from their device to the globe
The web interface will connect to the globe via onboard WiFi/Bluetooth for seamless control.
Password protection or local hosting will restrict access so only authorized users can make changes.

# Criterion For Success

This project will be successful if we meet the following criteria:
High resolution displayable text and imaging.
Continuous correct functioning for 12 hours when on battery power.
Wireless Customizable Graphics.

Interactive Proximity Donor Wall Illumination

Sungmin Jang, Anita Jung, Zheng Liu

Interactive Proximity Donor Wall Illumination

Featured Project

Team Members:

Anita Jung (anitaj2)

Sungmin Jang (sjang27)

Zheng Liu (zliu93)

Link to the idea: https://courses.engr.illinois.edu/ece445/pace/view-topic.asp?id=27710

Problem:

The Donor Wall on the southwest side of first floor in ECEB is to celebrate and appreciate everyone who helped and donated for ECEB.

However, because of poor lighting and color contrast between the copper and the wall behind, donor names are not noticed as much as they should, especially after sunset.

Solution Overview:

Here is the image of the Donor Wall:

http://buildingcampaign.ece.illinois.edu/files/2014/10/touched-up-Donor-wall-by-kurt-bielema.jpg

We are going to design and implement a dynamic and interactive illuminating system for the Donor Wall by installing LEDs on the background. LEDs can be placed behind the names to softly illuminate each name. LEDs can also fill in the transparent gaps in the “circuit board” to allow for interaction and dynamic animation.

And our project’s system would contain 2 basic modes:

Default mode: When there is nobody near the Donor Wall, the names are softly illuminated from the back of each name block.

Moving mode: When sensors detect any stimulation such as a person walking nearby, the LEDs are controlled to animate “current” or “pulses” flowing through the “circuit board” into name boards.

Depending on the progress of our project, we have some additional modes:

Pressing mode: When someone is physically pressing on a name block, detected by pressure sensors, the LEDs are controlled to

animate scattering of outgoing light, just as if a wave or light is emitted from that name block.

Solution Components:

Sensor Subsystem:

IR sensors (PIR modules or IR LEDs with phototransistor) or ultrasonic sensors to detect presence and proximity of people in front of the Donor Wall.

Pressure sensors to detect if someone is pressing on a block.

Lighting Subsystem:

A lot of LEDs is needed to be installed on the PCBs to be our lighting subsystem. These are hidden as much as possible so that people focus on the names instead of the LEDs.

Controlling Subsystem:

The main part of the system is the controlling unit. We plan to use a microprocessor to process the signal from those sensors and send signal to LEDs. And because the system has different modes, switching between them correctly is also important for the project.

Power Subsystem:

AC (Wall outlet; 120V, 60Hz) to DC (acceptable DC voltage and current applicable for our circuit design) power adapter or possible AC-DC converter circuit

Criterion for success:

Whole system should work correctly in each mode and switch between different modes correctly. The names should be highlighted in a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing way. Our project is acceptable for senior design because it contains both hardware and software parts dealing with signal processing, power, control, and circuit design with sensors.

Project Videos