18. Application and Implications¶
This week I proposed a final project masterpiece that integrates the range of units covered, answering several questions.
What will it do?¶
The pomo-desk is an interactive smart desk that incorporates a pomodoro timer, a weather station, a clock, and programmable neopixels underneath a translucent resin layer, which activate based on a user’s distance.
The pomodoro technique was invented to allocate specific time blocks to certain tasks to minimize distractions and maximize productivity and information retention throughout the day. Often involving 25 min. study blocks to 5 min. breaks or 50 min. study blocks to 10 min. breaks, this method has helped me efficiently study for countless tests and quizzes. Although there are a variety of pomodoro videos online, sometimes they can feel repetitive and even more distracting. My goal is to replicate the pomodoro experience, while allowing users to engage with a responsive and visually-appealing workspace.
Who’s done what beforehand?¶
Previously, there have been several projects that incorporate specific aspects of my project, though there hasn’t been a project that incorporates a timer, clock, and weather station within a wood structure. Some previous projects that sparked inspiration included Sands Fish’s aware desk, Baptiste Lardais’ weather forecast, Jacob Libby’s pomodoro timer, and Aida Gonzalez’s cartoonist desk.
What will you design?¶
I will design the following components for my final project:
Physical Components:
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I designed and milled a wooden desk frame that encases the electronics
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I 3D printed electronics cases, a back hook, and wire mounts for system integration
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I laser-cut an acrylic coaster for desk customization
Electrical Components:
- I designed and milled 1) an ESP32 Wroom 32 board to control the ILI9341 TFT LCD (SPI), and 2) an seeed xiao RP2040 to control the VL531LX Time of Flight sensor and the neopixels
What materials and components will be used?¶
The final project will require the following components:
Desk Frame:
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1/2” plywood
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4 satin brass hinges
Electronics:
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1 seeed xiao RP2040
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1 ESP32 Wroom 32
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1 VL531LX Time of Flight sensor
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~100 programmable neopixel strip
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ILI9341 TFT LCD
Customization:
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1/8” clear acrylic
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Latex primer
Where will these materials come from?¶
The majority of these components will come from the lab, though I purchased the TFT LCD, the latex primer, brass hinges, and the ESP32 Wroom 32 chips.
How much will they cost?¶
Bill of Materials:
| Component | Quantity | Source | Part Number | Cost | Available in lab? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2” plywood | 1 | Home Depot | $68.88 | Yes | |
| One-sided FR-1 board | 2 | Bantam | $0.96 | Yes | |
| Adafruit Neopixel strip roll | 1 | Amazon | $14.99 | Yes | |
| VL53L1X Time of Flight sensor | 1 | Adafruit | $14.95 | Yes | |
| Seeed xiao RP2040 | 1 | Seeed Studio | 102010428 | $5.40 | Yes |
| ESP32 Wroom 32 | 1 | Amazon | 1904-1020-2-ND | $24.99 | Yes |
| Satin brass hinges | 4 | Home Depot | $2.93 | No | |
| 2.8” TFT LCD with ILI9341 | 1 | Adafruit | $29.95 | No | |
| Totalboat tabletop clear epoxy | 1 | Amazon | $59.99 | Yes | |
| Pearl white resin pigment | 1 | Amazon | $14.95 | Yes | |
| Latex primer (panda white) | 1 | Sherwin-Williams | $27.49 | No | |
| 1/8” clear acrylic sheet | 1 | Amazon | $7.99 | Yes |
The total cost of the final project will be $273.47, including the expenses of existing materials in the lab.
What parts and systems will be made?¶
I will design the user interface for the TFT LCD, the entire desk frame, and the time-of-flight to neopixel system in my project. Additionally, I will design and 3D print all necessary components to hold my electronics in place within the desk.
What processes will be used?¶
Here are the processes I used:
| Process | Use in Project |
|---|---|
| CAD | Modeling and rendering the desk |
| Milling | PCB production |
| CNC | Creating the desk frame |
| 3D-printing | Electronics case, wire management |
| Laser cutting | Acrylic coaster |
| Molding and casting | Integrated resin |
| Embedded programming | Programming the TFT LCD and neopixels |
| Networking | Accessing OpenWeatherMap API with ESP32 |
| Inputs | TFT LCD and time-of-flight |
| Outputs | TFT LCD and neopixels |
What questions need to be answered?¶
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How will the desk transition from the main screen (displaying weather) to the timer screen?
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Will there be an option to change the amount of time the user studies?
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What is the range of the TOF; how far away should a user be to activate the desk?
How will it be evaluated?¶
The following contains the minimum criteria for a successful final project:
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Upon approaching the desk, the lights turn on sequentially; otherwise, they remain off
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The timer activates based on user input
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The weather (temp., humidity, wind speed), time, and icon are accurate and displayed regularly
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The desk is visually appealing and portable (can be used on top of a surface and/or on the floor); the electronics are properly integrated