PoE: Beginning Lab 2

We're Making a 3D Scanner!

I don't know how we jumped from flashing LEDs to this project, but I have managed to be both excited and scared. Lab 2 requires us to rely quite a bit on our mechanics knowledge to design and build a pan-tilt project with two servo motors and an infrared sensor. Together, the mechanical object will collect dimensions of a foam-based letter and, then, use MATLAB to draw the 3D representation of the object. I have never worked with servo motors before but I have worked with MATLAB and sensor data. Again, with my partner Ashley, we will ensure that we do not fall behind on this project like the last one. (Plus, I am eager to see what I can do!)

We already have a few ideas to pursue as well as a few concerns. Pan-tilt projects are relatively simple to design but building them is another story. I am not a MechE (mechanical engineer) and neither is my partner. However, we are both trained in the machine shop and can use our Wellesley resources to make it happen. We also need to develop a way to connect to the infrared sensor from the Arduino with 3 wires and a plastic connector, which is not too difficult.

Coding-wise, this project requires us to formulate a pathway through which the Arduino can send its sensor data to a graphing operation of the MATLAB software. Fortunately, I have found a video tutorial that explains how to go between both and do 3D visualization. (What would we do without YouTube...?) I have also found several Arduino tutorials for Sweep and Knob functions of the servo motors and will form the pan-tilt bracket. All in all, it looks like I am on to a great start for Lab 2 and we will get this done quickly!

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