Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Moving Alarm Clock |
Karthik Bagavathy Teja Nerella |
Rui Gong | design_document1.pdf proposal2.pdf proposal1.pdf |
|
| **Team Members:** Karthik Bagavathy (kb42), Teja Nerella (nerella2) **Problem:** Alarm clocks are essential for use in modern life, helping us wake up for important early morning commitments. However, due to issues with heavy sleeping, sleep deprivation, and more, many individuals struggle to wake up to traditional alarms. Rather, they would constantly press the snooze button, trying to get more sleep but missing important commitments in the process. Certain innovative alarm clocks with online tasks to wake up the user might not be effective for everyone as those can be easily gamified. Because of these issues, the need for another innovative and dynamic alarm clock solution is necessary. **Solution:** The solution being proposed is a moving alarm clock that will begin its movement around the room as soon as the alarm has been triggered, requiring the user to physically move in order to catch and disable the alarm. The movement of the clock can be achieved through a motorized base with omnidirectional wheels . The electronics of the alarm clock will involve a custom PCB that will be programmed to manage the alarm sound and movement. The alarm sound will be handled by a small speaker which will produce the noise once the time has been reached. The PCB will be programmed such that once the sound starts playing, the motors are activated. In order to deal with obstacles in a typical bedroom, ultrasonic sensors can be added as well for obstacle detection. An important aspect of this alarm clock is the unpredictability of movement, which can be achieved through the use of accelerometers to alter the clock's motion randomly. In addition to these features, an LED display will be included so that the user can set alarms for the day. In addition, the clock will be powered by rechargeable batteries to eliminate the need of a power outlet - this is necessary for free movement of the alarm clock. The body of the clock should also be designed to ensure no damage occurs to the internal electronics. The easiest solution would be to 3D print the housing, but more durable materials can be explored as well during the course of project development. **Solution Components:** Power Subsystem - The device will be powered by rechargeable batteries to enable untethered movement User Interface System - The use of a LED screen for the user to input time information will be the primary method for the user to interface with the system Mechanical Movement System: A motorized base with omnidirectional wheels and accelerometer to enable unpredictable movement around the room. Obstacle detection System: Utilizing ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles nearby and enable smoother movement Alarm Sound System: Speaker controlled by the PCB and microcontroller to produce the alarm sound at a given time Physical Housing system: 3d printed durable housing that will make sure that the internal electronics are shielded from damage Microcontroller System: Utilizing an ESP32 microcontroller to manage motor control, alarm activation, sensor input, and user interface interactions. **Criteria for Success:** The main criterion of this project is that the alarm clock should make a sound within 10 seconds of the time set by the user. This is the most important criterion as this is what convinces the user to wake up. The next criterion for success is the robot should be able to move while the alarm is sounding. The robot should also be able to avoid crashing into walls and other obstacles using ultrasonic sensors. Another criterion for success is the ability for the user to set an alarm at any time of the day and the robot to accurately tell what time it is. The alarm sound system should also be able to be turned off if the user manages to catch the robot. This gives the user an incentive to get up, waking them up in the process. |
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