Electrical and Computer Engineering iLights Matt Ryder Nick Wittemen Chris Merola José Figueroa...
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Transcript of Electrical and Computer Engineering iLights Matt Ryder Nick Wittemen Chris Merola José Figueroa...
Electrical and Computer Engineering
iLights
Matt Ryder
Nick Wittemen
Chris Merola
José Figueroa
Preliminary Design Review
2Electrical and Computer Engineering
Background
• People listen to music on iTunes, but the visualizer software limits effects to on screen– Light controllers
exist, but for a high price and with no easy-to-use interface
– A plug-in for iTunes would allow the user to adjust and control settings
3Electrical and Computer Engineering
Our Design iTunes Plug In PC User Interface Phase Modulated Light
Control Controls multiple
incandescent lights Provides interactive
listening environment
*Accoring to the U.S. Census Bureau 2004
4Electrical and Computer Engineering
Concept
There is a • People like light controllers, but they’re expensive• Light controllers do no exist with software controlled
behaviour
the iLights• Affordable entertainment add-on for iTunes• For use primarily at home; equally suited for bars,
lounges, or other entertainment venues• Allow people to have an easy-to-use, interactive
5Electrical and Computer Engineering
Design Challenges
iTunes is not open-source• How to configure plug-in?
Working with AC power signals• Safety?• Solid-state switching challenges?
Simultaneous phase control of 4 channels Developing intuitive interface
6Electrical and Computer Engineering
Design Alternatives
If iTunes SDk inadequate, alternative media players• Winamp open-source• VLC media player
Triac Alternative• Silicon-controlled
rectifier (SCR)
8Electrical and Computer Engineering
Hardware: Arduino
Open-source electronics prototyping platform• Programmable with C
or Arduino code• Supports serial
communication• Supports interrupts
9Electrical and Computer Engineering
Hardware: Triac
Triacs allow switching of an AC signal
Able to handle power necessary for this application
Phase modulation possible (dimming)
10Electrical and Computer Engineering
Proposed Deliverables
Plug In interfacing with iTunes• Documented source code
User selectable frequency ranges and sensitivity USB link to micro controller 4 independent phase-modulated 120V AC channels User manual
• Software installation guide• Safe operating instructions
11Electrical and Computer Engineering
Proposed MDR Prototype Specifications
Prototype of one working Triac controller• Able to dim/switch AC power
Able to extract frequency data from iTunes• Able to determine feasibility of using iTunes
Able to communicate microcontroller through USB