Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | Retrofitting an iMac G3 Mouse to be Bluetooth-Enabled for Use in the 21st Century |
Saif Kazmi Savannah Moon Pagan Sebastian Carrera |
Jialiang Zhang | final_paper1.pdf other1.pdf presentation1.pdf proposal1.pdf proposal2.pdf |
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| # Retrofitting an iMac G3 Mouse to be Bluetooth-Enabled for Use in the 21st Century Team Members: - Savannah Pagan (spagan6) - Saif Kazmi (skazmi21) - Sebastian Carrera (carrera9) # Problem Describe the problem you want to solve and motivate the need. Disposal of outdated technology contributes to approximately 50 million tons of e-waste annually, leading to environmental concerns. Our project aims to demonstrate a sustainable approach to repurposing technology from the past, diverting it from landfills and back into the consumers’ hands. Specifically, by modernizing old devices, like updating the original iMac G3 to modern computing standards, as well as its original peripherals, such as the mouse included with the device, we not only extend the lifespan of these devices but also preserve their original creative style and design intent. This initiative will align vintage technology with modern computing needs, ultimately fostering a more eco-friendly and innovative technological landscape. # Solution Our project aims to replace legacy hardware within the 1998 iMac G3 by utilizing the internal components of a newer Mac Mini computer. The new components will be mounted inside the original iMac shell to give new life to this outdated machine. The original CRT screen will be replaced with a newer LCD screen. The original speakers and disc drive of the iMac will be re-utilized as well, and the ports will be upgraded to the relevant modern port types. We also aim to update the original Apple USB mouse included with the device by using modern optical sensors and bluetooth to replace the legacy hardware. A modern switch of higher quality and durability will replace the original switch used for the mouse button and rather than physical rollers interacting with a rubberized ball on the bottom of the mouse, we will use an optical sensor to detect mouse movement. The user can customize the sensitivity of the mouse, a feature unavailable on the original hardware. The USB connection will be replaced with bluetooth to communicate with a computer. Due to its wireless nature, the mouse will be battery powered. The mouse can detect when it is not being used and automatically shut off as a battery saving measure, similar to modern bluetooth mice. # Solution Components 2014 Mac Mini - 8GB RAM, 1 TB of storage The Mac Mini will be utilized to update the iMac G3 to modern computing standards. Mouse button An Omron D2LS-21 switch will be used for the mouse button. It will be placed strategically on our PCB to avoid or minimize modification of the original mouse housing. https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Omron-Electronics/D2LS-2110M?qs=OcgtsXO%252B3gvFuywVVfHEYw%3D%3D Optical sensor A PixArt PMW-3389 or PMW-3360 optical sensor will be used to detect mouse movement. These sensors are commonly used in modern mice. They can be purchased separately, or salvaged from an extremely wide variety of mice. https://www.tindie.com/products/citizenjoe/pmw3389-motion-sensor/ Bluetooth connectivity/Microcontroller An ESP32 microcontroller will be used to communicate with the computer over Bluetooth. Additionally, it can process sensor inputs and determine whether the mouse is idle. Battery/Charging Our goal is to use a rechargeable lithium ion battery. If space permits, we will use a USB-C connector for charging due to its ubiquity. If this proves to be impractical due to space constraints, we will use a barrel jack, though this is a last resort. # Criterion For Success The iMac powers on The iMac LCD display turns on The iMac can connect to WiFi The iMac can function as well as a modern laptop, meaning that it can run multiple applications at once, as well as perform actions within these applications The iMac ports function The iMac has Bluetooth connectivity functionality The mouse can connect to a modern computer with bluetooth The mouse can provide clicking functions to a modern computer The mouse can accurately move a cursor on a modern computer Disregarding the missing USB cable, the mouse must be visually unchanged from the original product The mouse must last for ??? hours of use (to be determined depending on type of batteries chosen to work with, at least a few hours of charge) |
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