Project development
APPLICATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
GLOWSENSE
Initial Idea
For my final project, I proposed an ultrasonic distance sensor lamp. The idea was to incorporate proximity sensing, not just to enhance the aesthetic appeal, but also to promote energy efficiency. I started with an initial sketch where the lamp’s shape was a dodecahedron, with snowflake patterns cut out on its faces to create interesting light patterns. The ultrasonic sensor would detect nearby objects, causing the lamp to glow when something is within a preset range and gradually increase to full brightness as the object gets closer.
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Features
- Proximity-Based Dimming
- Automatic Lamp Control
- Energy efficient
Why a lamp ?
I came up with the idea for this mood lamp because I’ve always wanted one—not just for how it looks, but because I used to be afraid of the dark. Instead of a regular lamp that just turns on or off, I wanted something more interactive and comforting. By adding a distance sensor, the lamp responds to people nearby. It can light up when someone approaches or dim when no one is around. That simple reaction makes it feel more alive and personal. It’s meant to be soothing, especially for people like me who feel uneasy in the dark, but it could also appeal to anyone who enjoys cozy, ambient lighting.
Final Idea
As the classes progressed, I kept thinking of new features to add to my lamp. During a peer review, I got suggestions from Akash and Namita about incorporating kinematics, which got me thinking about making the lamp’s movements more dynamic. Our instructor, Saheen, also pointed out the possibilities of adding wireless communication. Taking all of this into account, I came up with an updated version of my lamp that includes these ideas and makes it more interactive and responsive.
The final project consists of two blooming flower lamps that interact wirelessly. Each lamp features NeoPixels, allowing users to select custom colors through the GLOWSENSE app for a personalized lighting experience. Servo motors create a blooming effect, adding a lifelike, dynamic element to the design. A time-of-flight (ToF) sensor detects the distance of nearby objects, controlling the light intensity—glowing softly when the object is farther away and brightening as it gets closer. When someone approaches one lamp, the other responds wirelessly by blooming and glowing in sync. This interaction builds a sense of connection between the lamps, making them feel alive and emotionally engaging, even when placed apart.
Why a flower ?
I decided to shape my project based on the Sundrop Flower from Tangled. In the story, the flower releases its healing magic through music, which I found deeply enchanting. I wanted to capture that same sense of wonder in my own way, so I designed my flower to bloom when someone comes near, as if it senses and responds to their presence.
image
TESTING
ELECTRONICS
After input week, I planned to add a display to show time to my final project. In output week I tried working with display and 12 V led strip which varies intensity with the input from distance sensor.
I also noted the variation in power supply current with respect to proximity
I wanted to test servo to learn how it works. I refered Noel Saji's Output devices week. Then I understood that my current mechanism will not support the up and down motion for blooming of the lamp. So I needed to redesign the mechanism.
I tested the Kodular app in interface and application programming week.
MECHANISM
I needed to make petals for my final project. So I tried to make petals using vaccum forming in wild card week.
I lasercut the size of my cup and to visualize the petal arrangement
I tried to print the leafholder of my lamp and tested it
Creating Slide and Video
In application , Implication and project development week, I created a slide and video as a place holder for my final project.
Creating slide
To create the slide ,I used Canva. Signin to canva and choose a templete. I chose a templete with black background. I uploaded my image after removing its background.
I used text box tool to write. From the element option, I selected buttons to write the features.
The slide is shown below. The size was 1366 x 768 px
Presentation.png
Creating video
I used microsoft clipchamp to edit my video. I imported the media and drag and dropped the files to make the video. I used text option to add text. The video was exported and compressd to make the teaser video.
presentation.mp4
SCHEDULE
| TASKS | ESTIMATED DATE |
|---|---|
| BOM and schedule | April 26 |
| 3D model and render | April 31 |
| mechanism design | may 6 |
| electronics design | may 8 |
| PCB making | may 10 |
| 3D printing, wood cutting | may 15 |
| Assembling the parts | may 20 |
| Programming and testing | may 25 |
| Videos, photos and poster | may 30 |
| Final updations and completion of documentation | june 2 |
what tasks have been completed, and what tasks remain?
- Designed the lamp petals and fabricated them using vacuum forming.
- Completed the 3D design and test prints of the linkages and leaf holder.
- Successfully tested the sensor, app interface, servo motor, and wireless communication individually.
What tasks remain?
- 3D print cup and stem
- Create wooden base
- Finish the PCB design and manufacture the final board.
- Integrate all components (mechanical, electronic, and software) into the final assembly.
- Conduct full system testing with all components working together.
- Finalize documentation and presentation materials
What's Working?
| Component | Status |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Reads accurately |
| Servo | Responds correctly to input |
| Wireless Communication (ESP-NOW) | Functional |
| LED Brightness Control | Works as intended |
| App Interface | Responds to inputs |
What's Not Working?
- Full system integration has not been tested yet.
- PCB is still under design — potential issues may arise during fabrication or soldering.
- Unknowns in how the vacuum-formed petals will behave mechanically once fully assembled.
What Questions Need to Be Resolved?
- Will all components work together smoothly once integrated?
- Will the final PCB design fit properly and function as expected?
- Does the vacuum-formed petal material hold up structurally with the mounted components?
what will happen when?
what have you learned?
- Testing individual subsystems early saves time and simplifies debugging later.
- Iterative testing (e.g., with 3D printed holders and linkages) helps catch mechanical issues before final assembly.
- Time is a big constraint. So need to plan accordingly. There could be unexpected errors.