TinkerLab | Physical Computing Around Us

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Unseen but ever-present, Physical Computing has forever transformed our lives, merging technology with everyday experiences.

Smart Home Systems: Physical computing technologies enable us to control various aspects of our homes, such as lighting, temperature, security systems, and appliances, through interconnected devices and sensors.
Wearable Technology: From fitness trackers to smartwatches, wearable devices utilize physical computing to monitor and collect data on our health, activity levels, and provide us with real-time information.
Interactive Art Installations: Artists and designers use physical computing to create immersive and interactive art installations, combining traditional artistic elements with technology to engage and captivate audiences.
Environmental Monitoring: Physical computing helps monitor environmental factors such as air quality, water quality, temperature, and pollution levels, enabling us to gather data and make informed decisions for a sustainable future.
Assistive Technologies: Physical computing contributes to the development of assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities, enhancing their quality of life through devices like prosthetics, sensory aids, and communication systems.

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5/31/23

The Deeno board was showcased on campus, receiving positive feedback. Minor bugs were addressed for completion.

5/30/23

Finalized switch mode button, sanded board sides. Mounted forex sheet, glued board sides, labeled jumper wires. Resoldered power supply wire, added black vinyl sticker.

5/18/23

Interactive Tiles - Week 6

Connected wires, painted board, assembled acrylic sheets, sanded components, fixed button matrix issues for project.

5/11/23

Interactive Tiles - Week 5

After discovering the soldered button matrix didn't work, we remade it using hot glue, resulting in success within 2-3 days.

5/5/23

Interactive Tiles - Week 4

Completed frame design, wired remaining button matrix. Initial test failed, reconfigured LED tile mapping, but buttons still didn't light up corresponding tiles.

4/25/23

Interactive Tiles - Week 3

Completed soldering main button matrix, cut foam walls for LED tiles, painted outer frame.

4/18/23

Interactive Tiles - Week 2

Designed board frame, finalized name and concept. Programmed LED assignment, resolved row problem for Tic Tac Toe mode.

4/6/23

Interactive Tiles - Week 1

Explored interactive LED matrix with buttons, achieved single-button LED color change. Prepared matrix wiring for soldering.

3/28/23

Audiovisualiser - Week 3

Troubleshot and resoldered connections. Fixed code for horizontal LED output. Successful power supply experiment.

3/23/23

Audiovisualiser - Week 2

New equipment acquired, soldering progress made, RGB series partially functioning in LED circuit.

3/16/23

Audiovisualiser - Week 1

Tested connections and layout, soldering challenges, sought guidance, adjusted workflow.

3/2/23

Project Presentation

Our project was presented in class, taking in feedback from our tutor before proceeding.

2/21/23

LED Display Ideation

Reconsidered water display, focused on Interactive LED Display. Researched audio-controlled and button-controlled LED displays, documented parts and costs.

2/16/23

The very beginning of our primary project. The team brainstormed project concepts, and shortlisted ideas.

2/9/23

Arduino Experiments

Experiment 5: Potentiometer

In this experiment, we will demonstrate the precise color mixing capabilities achieved by making use of a potentiometer as an analog input.

2/9/23

Arduino Experiments

Experiment 4: Calculator

Let's create our own calculator using Arduino. By utilizing a 4x4 keypad, we can input values, and the results can be displayed without an LCD screen.

2/9/23

Arduino Experiments

Experiment 3: Motion Sensor

A motion sensor experiment involved the use of a PIR motion sensor and an LED to visualise the presence of motion.

2/9/23

Arduino Experiments

Experiment 2: LED Buzzer Chaser

In this experiment, the intended result is for the buzzer and a row of LED pins to light up in sequence.

3/9/23

Arduino Experiments

Experiment 1: SOS Signal

This experiment involves creating an SOS signal with an LED pin and simple morse code.

2/9/23

Physical Computing Around Us

Without us even realising it, Physical Computing takes form in almost every aspect of our everyday lives.

2/9/23

Get to know the team behind Deeno!

6/4/23

Arduino Experiments

Arduino Experiments: An Overview

An exploration of a diverse range of beginner level Arduino experiments, intended to lay the foundation for our Arduino journey.

4/14/23

Thematic Infographic: An Overview

An infographic with a 3D illustration, showcasing the transformative power of physical computing in the food industry.

6/4/23

Deeno: An Overview

An interactive LED display with four game modes - Audiovisualiser, Paint, Tic Tac Toe, and Memory Game.