July 18th- Mid-term reviews

 MF-G

The team presented their project, focusing on creating a levitating planet and holograms using various technologies. They faced challenges in design and coding, initially using a micro:bit before switching to an Arduino. The levitation system uses electrostatics and electromagnets, powered by a 12V 3A circuit. Possible need for slip rings, to get power to the levitation apparatus. The holograms, inspired by the Pepper's Ghost hologram apparatus, feature custom videos and a pyramid base. The team discussed potential improvements, such as adding lights and interactive elements. Feedback included emphasizing engagement, using photos effectively, and including technical details. They also suggested preparing a Plan B video in case of issues during the final presentation.

Action Items

• Integrate the levitation apparatus with the hologram and audio control.
• Explore the possibility of adding voice recognition and user interactivity to the project.
• Improve communication and collaboration within the team to ensure everyone's input is considered.
• Prepare a backup plan, such as a video demonstration, in case the live presentation does not go as expected.

Project: Table

The team presented their game table project, detailing a prototype built on July 13 using cardboard and a 23.8-inch touch screen monitor. They described two game modes: interactive and board, featuring games like Penguin, Ticket to Ride, Catan, DND, and chess, and material from Pygame, a python-based game repository. The monitor will be housed inside the table, lowered by an inch, and secured with a cage. They discussed challenges with adapters and the need for better research on joints and coding. Future plans include adding more games, LED lights, and improving the code's organization. Feedback emphasized minimizing slide text, using visuals, and optimizing the presentation flow.

Action Items

• Order the correct monitor adapter.
• Improve the code organization and readability for the game launcher.
• Explore adding LED lighting effects synchronized with the games.
• Investigate adding features like score tracking and game piece orientation detection.
• Prepare a video demonstration of the working table in case of technical issues during the final presentation.

Sketches of table:

Bright Wheels:

The team presented a POV display project for a bike, focusing on light perception and vision. Speaker 3 detailed the structural design, while Speaker 2 explained the coding and integration of digital and physical components. They discussed using a line detector or Hall Effect sensor linked to the bike to measure wheel rotation and adjust and trigger the POV display. Challenges included LED speed limitations(for neopixels) and wiring issues. The team plans to test the prototype on a bike and potentially a helicopter. Feedback suggested improving the presentation by introducing team members, detailing technical challenges, and including project stories. They also discussed creating or purchasing a more permanent bike stand for indoor testing.

Action Items

• Conduct tests to measure the maximum speed/refresh rate of the LED display.
• Investigate using a camera-based sensor to detect wheel speed and adjust the display.
• Explore building or purchasing a stationary bike setup to test the system.
• Consider adding a second LED sensor to increase the sampling rate and responsiveness to changes in wheel speed.
• Incorporate more details about the coding challenges and technical complexities in the final presentation.

The Lazy Team

The team, known as the "Lazy Team," presented their project aimed at automating laundry folding using a tool with three servos for different movements. They discussed the design, which includes a base for the folding board and an AI camera to identify clothing types. The servos need strong mounts to prevent failure, and it was suggested that they order servo brackets or 3D-print one if needed. Feedback included suggestions for better presentation style, such as avoiding direct slide reading and maintaining eye contact with the audience. Technical comments focused on the need for robust servo mounts and the potential use of metal brackets. Overall, the project was deemed promising, with only minor adjustments needed.

Action Items

• Explore options for mounting the servos securely, such as using metal mounting brackets.
• Sketch up ideas for the servo mounting and test them.
• Practice the presentation without reading directly from the slides.

Stark Industries

The team presented a prototype of smart glasses inspired by Marvel's Edith glasses and Meta's AI Ray-Bans. They initially created a cardboard prototype with yellow tape and later added electronics. The glasses use an ESP32 microcontroller, a microphone module, an amplifier module, and a button for recording. They faced issues with large data storage and plan to add an SD card using a micro SD Card adapter. The 3D-printed frames have adjustments for better fit and functionality. The team discussed integrating a display and using earbuds for better audio. Feedback included improving introductions, using prototypes for demonstrations, and ensuring clear technical explanations.

Action Items

• Order SD card module to address data size issue.
• Design a custom temple to attach the microphone and speaker.
• Integrate the display onto the glasses.
• Prepare a recording of the working prototype in case the live demo doesn't work.

The Chair Men

The team presented a motorized wheelchair project aimed at solving the issue of misplaced chairs in meetings. The chair uses a six-volt battery, two motor drivers, and Arduino Uno R4 WiFi, along with an ultrasonic sensor for obstacle detection and a compass for orientation. Future plans include using a LIDAR sensor for better distance measurement, stronger motors, and a lead-acid gel-cell battery. The team discussed the need for a mobile demo setup and suggested using a table for the final presentation. They were advised to split tasks among team members for better efficiency and to include a video of the project working as a backup.

Action Items

• Start the presentation with a brief introduction of the team members and their roles.
• Focus on using fewer words at the beginning of the presentation and gradually expanding the details as the presentation progresses.
• Explore a simpler version of the chair that can rotate and move forward without the camera system.
• Investigate options for setting up the camera, such as using a tripod or mounting it on the table.
• Consider the final presentation setup, including borrowing a table or using a video demonstration if the live demo is not feasible.
• Split the work on the CAD designs for the battery mount, camera mount, and wheels to reduce dependencies between team members.
• Incorporate the video showing the project's struggles to demonstrate the team's progress.
• Avoid looking at the slides while presenting and find ways to engage the audience without constantly referring to the visuals.

Up House- Balloonatics

The team presented a remote-controlled house inspired by the movie "Up," using fluid balloons and propellers for buoyancy and movement. They initially tested materials for the house model like papier-mâché and wire, finding cardboard most effective. The house uses helium for neutral buoyancy and three-volt batteries for control. They plan to switch to balsa wood for weight reduction and larger balloons to minimize helium leakage. Technical challenges discussed included propeller orientation and height control. The team also considered using a ballonet for height adjustment. Feedback included suggestions for improving presentation slides and introducing team members by name.

Action Items

• Test the propeller orientation and placement to ensure stability of the house.
• Explore using a ballonet or other method to control the height of the house by adjusting its mass.
• Experiment with different glue options, such as wood glue, to attach the balsa wood components.
• Shorten the text on the presentation slides to ensure the audience can focus on listening rather than reading.

The meeting discussed the progress and challenges of high school project groups, noting they have eight more workdays left. Design reviews highlighted potential in products but emphasized the need for written documentation and timely decisions. Chairman Bucha's absence on Monday was clarified. Presentations were praised, with specific commendation for the Lazy team. The urgency of ordering parts was stressed, as late orders might delay project completion. Health concerns were raised, with advice on sleep and vitamin C to prevent illness. The importance of technical feedback and preparation for upcoming deadlines was underscored.