Weekly Update (Week 2)

Week 2

We are making a decision to not draw a circle on the bottom of the dish. We feel like the circle could be much more easily added in software so that it would not add an extra step of image processing. This allows us to apply a harsh binary filter to the image so we only get the magnet itself. It also removes the distraction of the dark circle so that the blob detection will work more efficiently.

We also were given an added challenge of stopping the ball's motion after the path has been traced. This will require us to move the magnet after we detect a full circle has been traced. We came up with two solutions to this issue:

1. Move the magnet away from the dish with a linear extension device and a DC motor.
2. Turn the dish quickly away from the magnet to the furthest point.

The second solution would be ideal as it would keep our costs down, but it may be hard to implement. We would need to perfectly place the external magnet to the point where when the ball is at the top of the dish (with the magnet resting near the bottom) the ball will not move, while when it is in line with the magnet it will move.

We designed a part fitted for the stepper motor. This will go on the motor and if it fits well, it will be glued to a platform for the dish.

Fitted part to be printed for the stepper motor