Introducing WALL-ED, a Portable Ed Automation & eNlightenment Tool (PEdANT), which is a device that semi-automates trash compacting, which is pretty useful in a motor home
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
For this project, we were asked to design and build a PEdANT (Portable Ed Automation & eNlightenment Tool) which is a device that semi-automates one key aspect of life in a motor home. Below we summarize the project requirements. Operation/Interaction Requirements:
PEdANT should power up into a welcoming mode and allow user to interact. It should indicate what action must be taken to commence the semi-automated task
It should interact 30-60seconds
Progress towards task completion should be indicated with a creative display for time elapsed
PEdANT must respond to at least three distinct inputs/interactions from the user and 3 distinct displays of feedback
PEdANT should display an error/timeout condition after 20 seconds after the last input from the user . After this, it should reset to the welcoming mode
Technical Requirements:
The PIC32 microcontroller must be used
At least one analog input and associated output must be implemented
One sensor input must involve non-contact sensing
One feedback action to the user needs to be tactile, haptic, or audio
Dimension constraints are 50 cm x 50 cm x 100 cm
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
WALL-ED is a trash compacting companion, great for motor homes when on your next adventure. It starts in welcome mode with a message on the LED display: "Hungry! Feed me trash" "Please select button". Allowing user to select between:
Dump some trash and Compact - Blue button
Taking Trash Out - Yellow button
Compacting - Green button
When you press the blue button, the display prompts you to select the desired compacting time by turning the dial to the right of the buttons. Once the time has been entered, WALL-ED opens his top for you to put your trash in. When trash is thrown in, the IR beam break sensor is activated and WALL-ED audibly tells you how tasty your waste is. Once you have put in all the trash you have, it's time to start compacting. Pull the rear lever up and start smashing! When the display blinks you know you have pressed hard enough. Lift the lever and smash again! Keep an eye on the red dial as it will show you how much time is left. When time expires, put the lever back in its stowed position and check out your score on the display. Press any button to close the lid.
When you press the yellow button, the solenoid keeping the front door closed will unlock, allowing you to open WALL-ED up and take a look inside your buddy. Grab the inner trash bin and dispose of the waste at an appropriate location while on the road. Replace the bag, put the trash can back inside WALL-ED, and shut the door to keep him happy. His front door will automatically lock when the door is closed.
When you press the green button, you get to skip right to compacting! Set the time on the dial like before and get to smashing! It's great for a quick workout.
Demo Video: Just compact without dumping any trash.
CHECK OUT HOW THE COMPACTOR WORKS!
Demo Video: Dump some trash and compact the trash
Demo Video: Open the door, allowing the user to take out trash