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EE472 Adv. Digital Design - Digital Electroluminescent Jacket (DEJ) 1 Digital Electroluminescent Jacket (DEJ) March 2011 Loren Karl Schwappach Supervising Professor: Pamela Hoffman Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs, CO Abstract: The objective of this project is to solve a problem and engineer a solution using appropriate requirements and specifications that satisfy the design problem. For this paper a Digital Electroluminescent Jacket was engineered and constructed to act as an attention gathering device for school events and activities. The Jacket was designed using electroluminescent wire, an LED display and an LED matrix. The complete design process from the development o requirement specifications to test plan, options selected, design alternatives approached, project milestones, and final evaluation of the solution are talked about in this paper. I. INTRODUCTION HIS capstone project is based on the design process used for engineering the solution to a problem. The problem this paper looks to solve is the attraction and recruitment of individuals both young and old into fields of science and engineering. Specifically focusing on a solution that can demonstrate the creativity and imagination involved in engineering and design. To this end a Digital Electroluminescent Jacket (code named DEJ) was developed to pull in crowds at school conferences and events. This paper will examine the reasoning, theory, and design process used in the engineering of this solution the DEJ! II. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Digital apparel is clothing enhanced with digital components IE. timers, clocks, light emitting diodes (LED), transistors, ICs, switches, etc. that allow the apparel to do things such as illumination, device controlling, etc. While researching Digital apparel on the World Wide Web I could find less than a handful of designers. One of the most noteworthy designers discovered was Janet Cooke Hansen [1]. Janet is the President and Chief Fashion Engineer of Enlighted Designs, Inc. (http://enlighted.com). Janet founded Enlightened Designs to fulfill a dream as a light-up clothing designer. Janet has a Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics and Engineering Sciences/Bioengineering from UC San Diego [2]. She has created digital apparel for performers like Superbus, N.A.S.A., Christina Aguilera, M.I.A., Bow Wow, Pink, Incubus, Daft Punk, and Korn, R Kelly [3]. Her designs have sold from hundreds to several thousands of dollars. Some of Janet’s designs to include a scarf and motorcycle jacket are shown in this report [4] and [5]. Digital apparel has also been showcased in events such as Super Bowl XLV, the 2008 Olympic Games, and the movie Tron Legacy. With only a limited number of designers and new breakthroughs in technology happening every day, digital apparel is becoming an attractive venture. [1] [4] T

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Transcript of Ee472 ieee report loren schwappach

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Digital Electroluminescent Jacket (DEJ) March 2011

Loren Karl Schwappach

Supervising Professor: Pamela Hoffman Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering

Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs, CO

Abstract: The objective of this project is to solve a problem and engineer a solution using appropriate requirements and specifications that satisfy the design problem. For this paper a Digital Electroluminescent Jacket was engineered and constructed to act as an attention gathering device for school events and activities. The Jacket was designed using electroluminescent wire, an LED display and an LED matrix. The complete design process from the development o requirement specifications to test plan, options selected, design alternatives approached, project milestones, and final evaluation of the solution are talked about in this paper.

I. INTRODUCTION

HIS capstone project is based on the design process used for engineering the solution to a problem. The problem

this paper looks to solve is the attraction and recruitment of individuals both young and old into fields of science and engineering. Specifically focusing on a solution that can demonstrate the creativity and imagination involved in engineering and design. To this end a Digital Electroluminescent Jacket (code named DEJ) was developed to pull in crowds at school conferences and events. This paper will examine the reasoning, theory, and design process used in the engineering of this solution the DEJ!

II. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Digital apparel is clothing enhanced with digital components IE. timers, clocks, light emitting diodes (LED), transistors, ICs, switches, etc. that allow the apparel to do things such as illumination, device controlling, etc. While researching Digital apparel on the World Wide Web I could find less than a handful of designers. One of the most noteworthy designers discovered was Janet Cooke Hansen [1].

Janet is the President and Chief Fashion Engineer of Enlighted Designs, Inc. (http://enlighted.com). Janet founded Enlightened Designs to fulfill a dream as a light-up clothing designer. Janet has a Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics and Engineering Sciences/Bioengineering from UC San Diego [2]. She has created digital apparel for performers like Superbus, N.A.S.A., Christina Aguilera, M.I.A., Bow Wow, Pink, Incubus, Daft Punk, and Korn, R Kelly [3]. Her designs have sold from hundreds to several thousands of dollars. Some of Janet’s designs to include a scarf and motorcycle jacket are shown in this report [4] and [5].

Digital apparel has also been showcased in events such

as Super Bowl XLV, the 2008 Olympic Games, and the movie Tron Legacy. With only a limited number of designers and new breakthroughs in technology happening every day, digital apparel is becoming an attractive venture.

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T

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III. PURPOSE

The purpose of this project is to develop a jacket that can be used to demonstrate to people that the fields of electrical and computer engineering are not limited to computers and chip design. The jacket shall also demonstrate a design that shows how engineering can often require artistic and highly imaginative individuals and find wide application within numerous industries including the often overlooked fashion industry.

IV. PROPOSAL

The proposal for this project was to create a digital jacket that fulfills the project purpose by being capable of bright illumination using electroluminescent wiring and several hundred flashing LED lights in programmable patterns. The digital jacket shall also be capable of displaying customizable messages.

V. CUSTOMER

The digital jacket was designed with the intention to be used by companies, schools, and businesses as an attention gathering device used by schools, recruiters, sales personnel, and others to draw in students and customers.

VI. MILESTONES

The milestones for the development of the digital jacket included:

1. Requirement specifications document prepared by:

24 January 2011 2. Schedule and Budget document prepared by:

24 January 2011 3. Test Plan and Detailed Test Procedures prepared by:

24 January 2011 4. Tests completed by:

4 March 2011 5. Product finalized by:

9 March 2011

6. Presentation finalized: 14 March 2011

7. IEEE Report finalized: 18 March 2011

VII. SPECIFICATIONS

The design specifications for the digital jacket are covered in four categories:

Functional Requirements Interface Requirements Performance Requirements Qualification Requirements

A. Functional Requirements

In order to appropriately solve the problem of designing a jacket to draw attention that incorporates electroluminescence, messages, and LEDs the following functional requirements were selected for the design of the DEJ.

Table 1: Functional Requirements

B. Interface Requirements

Interface requirements specify the things needed to allow parts to intercommunicate. These requirements follow.

Table 2: Interface Requirements

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C. Performance Requirements

In order for the jacket to be mobile it will need to perform using mobile power source, therefore:

Table 3: Performance Requirements

D. Qualification Requirements

To qualify as a solution that can be worn and utilized in the most effective manner the following Qualifications:

Table 4: Qualification Requirements

VIII. DESIGN BENEFITS

The specifications for this project were designed to incorporate the following benefits:

1. Extra Large Leather Jacket

Using a XL leather Jacket allows the jacket maximum customizability and audience use and just looks cool.

2. Electroluminescent Wire

Electroluminescent wire (EL-Wire) is cheap, affordable, bright, uses little current (Highly Efficient) and is capable of 360 degree illumination.

3. LED Message Display

LED message displays look sharp, clean, and can be used for promoting various activities.

4. Large LED Matrix

The LED matrix shall allow the user to create large, bright, artistic images.

IX. DESIGN CONCEPTS

The following show some design Visio rendered concepts during the initial and late design process stages used in the creation of the digital electroluminescent jacket:

A. Stage 1: 1st Visio Draft

Below illustrates the first concept of the DEJ.

Figure 1: 1

st Draft of the Digital Jacket (Back)

Figure 2: 1st Draft of the Digital Jacket (Front)

B. Stage 2: 2nd Visio Draft enhance w/explanations

Below illustrates the second concept of the DEJ. Now adding a sound sensitive switch to the jacket.

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Figure 3: 2nd Draft of the Digital Jacket (Front)

Figure 4: 2nd Draft of the Digital Jacket (Back)

C. Stage 3: 3rd Visio Draft without LED Matrix

After the destruction of the first Peggy 2 le board the design had to be modified again. The concept was changed as illustrated here:

Figure 5: 3rd Draft of the Digital Jacket (Front)

Figure 6: 3rd Draft of the Digital Jacket (Back)

D. Stage 4: Final Visio Draft for Future Prototype

Below is a draft of the current prototyped DEJ V2 model expected to be completed by next quarter.

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Figure 7: 4th Draft of the Digital Jacket – Next P-type (Front)

Figure 8: 4th Draft of the Digital Jacket – Next P-type (Back)

X. TESTING PROCEDURES

The following show the testing considerations used in the design of the digital jacket:

A. Scope of Testing

In-Scope testing of the Jacket would involve testing of the DEJ’s illumination (whether or not it illuminates) to include every incorporated LED and electroluminescent wire, testing of the programmable LED display panel, testing of the programmable LED controller board, testing of the sound activated portable battery unit, and testing of the additional portable battery units.

Out-of-scope level testing would include testing of the DEJ material durability, and testing of the LED controller board circuit components. The LED controller board components will be obtained from outside sources and had to be assumed functional.

B. Items Tested

Items tested included: 1. Item A (Portable Power Supplies):

All portable power supplies tested to ensure that they are safe and are generating the correct output power.

2. Item B (Electroluminescent Wire):

All DEJ electroluminescent wires tested to see if they can illuminate (power on/off).

3. Item C (Programmable LED Message Display):

The programmable LED message board tested to ensure it can be programmed with at least four personalized messages.

4. Item D (Programmable LED Matrix):

The programmable LED control board tested to ensure it could control a matrix of LED lights.

5. Item E (Wear & Safety):

The DEJ interior tested to ensure the device is safe to wear for periods of up to 60 minutes.

The results of this testing are covered later in this report.

XI. DESIGN CONSTRAINTS

The design constraints that limited this project included: Limited Budget: This project was designed and built

on a budget of $500.

Limited Time: This project had to be completed within four to five weeks after ordering parts in order to be ready for presentation.

Limited Knowledge: When this project was started there was a limited amount of knowledge available about how to use/combine electroluminescent wire with leather apparel. However, Enlighted Designs Inc was incredibly helpful and aided in providing tons of helpful information about wiring digital apparel and electroluminescent wire. It also took quite a while to get the process/technique of soldering mastered.

XII. BEGINNING RESEARCH

Before the decision to use electroluminescent wire I had to do research on how it worked and how I could utilize it on a mobile battery powered jacket. This section introduces that research.

A. Electroluminescent Wire:

Electroluminescent wire is made by taking a thin copper wire (core) and coating it in phosphor. A fine copper spiral wire thread is then wound around the phosphor coating. An example of the actual wire is shown below.

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The wire contains a resistance and capacitance (about 1nF per foot) and draws approximately 1A for every 800 ft. of wire (about 1.25mA per foot) [7]. Electroluminescent wire requires an alternating current voltage of 90 – 120 Volts at approximately 600-2000Hz [7]. The wire experiences peak efficiency at 100 VAC at about 1000 Hertz. Figure 9 below is an actual strand of the 2.2mm electroluminescent wire used in the design of the digital jacket.

Figure 9: Red 2.2mm Electroluminescent Wire used in DEJ.

B. Inverters:

Electroluminescent wires require high voltage high frequency power. Since the DEJ would have to run on batteries the jacket would require use of an inverter. Inverters input Direct Current (DC) voltage (generally 12 VDC) and convert it to an Alternating Current (AC) voltage (generally 110 VAC or 220 VAC at 50/60 Hertz). An example of an inverter device is an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS). A UPS uses batteries and an inverter to supply AC power if/when the commercial grid becomes unavailable. The main elements of an inverter include an Oscillator and a Transformer. The Oscillator coverts input Direct Current (DC) into an oscillating current. This current is then fed to a power

transformers secondary winding. The Transformer steps up the voltage by the ratio of transformer windings. [8]

[9]

XIII. POWER SCHEMATIC

Below (Figure 10) is a power diagram showing how each component of the digital jacket would be connected for appropriate power.

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Figure 10: Power Diagram for planning DEJ component

connections.

XIV. COMPONENTS USED

A. Electroluminescent Wire:

To construct the Digital Electroluminescent Jacket (DEJ) the project would require approximately 22 feet of wire. After comparing many sources and reading several posts about the issue I found the cheapest seller of electroluminescent wire at www.elwireonline.com. At $0.99 per foot of 2.2mm wire the price was unbeatable. The main decision made was whether to purchase the 2.2mm EL-Wire versus the 5mm wire. In the end the 2.2mm wire was chosen due to its price and because several sites recommended it for its improved elasticity versus the stiff 5mm wire. The following are some of the many sources reviewed in the decision making process.

Electroluminescent Wire & EL Inverter Suppliers:

1. http://www.elwireonline.com/

Offers 2.2mm $0.99/ft

2. thatscoolwire.com

2.2mm wire at $1.20/ft

3. http://elbestbuy.com/

2.3 mm wire at $1.75/ft

4. http://fiberopticproducts.com/El_wire.htm

2.2mm wire at $1.75/ft

5. www.elwirepros.com/

2.2mm wire at $0.98/ft

6. www.coolight.com/Default.asp?Redirected=Y

2.3mm wire at $1.25/ft

B. Inverter / Battery Packs:

Since electroluminescent wire requires an alternating current power source the DEJ would require an inverter to convert the DC into AC. Furthermore, electroluminescent wire works most efficiently at a high voltage, high frequency of 100 VAC at 1000 Hertz. Standard inverters usually are designed to produce power at 120 or 240 VAC at 50 or 60 Hertz. Either an inverter would have to be developed or I would need to find a mass manufactured inverter that produced the required output and could be easily purchased. Luckily most of the sites that sell electroluminescent wire also sell inverters designed to work optimally with the electroluminescent wire. Once again the cheapest seller was www.elwireonline.com. A four channel constant light and flash battery powered inverter capable of powering 19 to 27 feet of electroluminescent wire and a three channel sound activated battery powered inverter capable of powering 7 ft. of electroluminescent wire was chosen, The sound activated battery pack looked like a perfect solution for adding a cool effect that would draw additional awe of the DEJ’s target audience,

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C. Peggy 2 le Display Board:

Several LED drivers and LED display boards were reviewed in order to solve the problem of adding an LED matrix display to the electroluminescent jacket. The final choose came down to number of LEDs that could be driven and programmability of the board. The best solution seemed to be a board developed by www.evilmadscientist.com. They offered two great boards the Peggy 2 and the Peggy 2 le (little edition). Both the Peggy 2 and Peggy 2 le feature a matrix of 25 by 25 (625 total) light emitting diodes (LEDs), support Arduino like programming via USB or serial cable, and house an ATmega328P pre-programmed microcontroller. Both boards require a 5 VDC power source. In the end I decided to go with the Peggy 2 le board since it cost less than the Peggy 2 and because it was a forth of the Peggy 2 board’s size. I picture of the board purchased along with the instructions and a soldering iron used are shown in Figure 11.

Figure 11: Peggy 2 LE board.

Besides choosing the board for its great technical

support, instruction and user’s manual and ATmega328P microcontroller the board also had a large user group with several open source code site available for code experimentation. One of the coolest open source programs I found for the board was PeggyDraw2 open source processing application for developing simple 1 bit LED animations on the Peggy 2 le matrix.

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Image [13] is a snapshot of the Peggy 2 le found on the second page of the Peggy 2 le construction guide.

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Image [14] is a snapshot of the Peggy 2 le parts list found on the fifth page of the Peggy 2 le construction guide.

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Image [15] is a snapshot of the Peggy 2 le detailed lower

left corner of the board.

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Image [16] is a snapshot of the Peggy 2 le detailed lower right corner of the board.

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Image [17] is a snapshot of the Peggy 2 le circuit schematic, however it is nearly impossible to read on this report. The referenced link provides a large crisp resolution of the schematic.

[17]

D. LED Display Board:

Several LED display boards were reviewed before finally settling for a large programmable red model B1248U mini LED display capable of storing six 125 character messages and 2 384x12 pixel BMP images for $33 USD. Figure 12 below.

Figure 12: DEJ LED message board.

To program the board I had to install a VM ware machine

and Windows XP (I have Windows 7 installed), and mess with the programs dev ice drivers. Luckily my experience in CS 340 and IT 200 were able to assist and I had the antique Badge Writing Software up and running. I used the software to program six messages and two custom pictures I drew using the 384x12 pixel limitation.

The software and messages/images programmed are shown by Figure 13. I decided to use Velcro all over the front of the jacket to allow as much versatility as possible and allow the LED board to be attached on either side of the front.

Figure 13: DEJ LED message board Badge Software.

E. Final Components:

The final components to the Digital Electroluminescent Jacket (DEJ) were a small MP3 player (donated but worth approximately $20). Since it was a clip on MP3 player (Figure 14) and already used a small USB rechargeable battery pack it fit perfectly into the design and allowed a component to ensure demonstration of the sound reactive electroluminescent wire.

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Figure 14: Small MP3 Player

Since the Jacket was intended to be utilized for CTU

events and activities I used a freeware program known as Audacity Sound Editor to program several CTU specific messages playable via the MP3 player.

Figure 15: Audacity Sound Editing Software.

Lastly I was able to purchase a small portable speaker for

5$ (which I attached to the jacket using Velcro).

Figure 16: Small portable MP3 player from Phillips.

To add some final touch-ups to the jacket a small

multimeter was purchased from Home Depot for $5 USD. A small weather thermometer/compass/clock combo was purchased from Wal-Mart for $3 USD, and small mailbox letter cutouts were purchased from Wal-Mart for $2 USD.

XV. DESIGN TRADEOFFS

When looking at the components and design considerations for the electroluminescent jacket the following design tradeoffs were considered:

1. Leather Jackets are expensive and usually contain a

large layer of insulation which is problematic and

must be removed.

2. Numerous LED displays are available however few

were large enough to meet design objectives and

the easy USB programmability of the LED Display

made it my #1 Option. I found the best LED

display/price at Centrix-Intl.com.

3. Numerous suppliers of EL-Wire & Inverters were

reviewed; (elwireonline.com) had the lowest prices.

Other methods of illumination, EL-panels, LEDs, etc.

were looked into as well. Phillips has developed an

amazing product (search Lumalive) which shall have

a drastic change on fashion industry but the product

was unavailable for individual purchase and is still in

R&D.

4. There are several large LED matrix designs that could

have been used and for this project. In the end the

Peggy2LE was chosen.

XVI. CONSTRUCTION

The construction phase of the Digital Electroluminescent Jacket (DEJ) was extremely involved. The majority of time was spent trying to sew/work with a reflective metallic material. This was abandoned and replaced by aluminum tape from Home Depot after spending an entire weekend trying to sew with the horrible material. Preparation also included removing the insulating material from the leather (leather can get very cold).

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Figure 17: Thin tinsel like reflective fabric originally intended to be sewn upon the Electroluminescent jacket.

A taped mock-up of the jacket was completed a week prior to the sewing to aid in the design and conceptualization of the DEJ. The mock-up is shown by Figure 18 below.

Figure 18: Taped mock-up of DEJ.

By the eighth week of the project the electroluminescent

wire was ready to be glued (via a hot glue gun) to the jacket. The electroluminescent wire was sized for each section (with four extra inches on each side left in anticipation of sire stripping problems (the thin thread like wire surrounding the phosphor core tended to get cut about one in three tries while working with the wire). The wire is then soldered to common 22 gauge speaker wire (one wire to the two thin copper strands and on wire to the phosphor coated copper core). The connection point was then covered with heat shrink and heated to avoid having exposed terminals.

A picture of the beginning of this process is shown by Figure 19.

Figure 19: Wiring EL-Wire to Jacket.

The sizes of electroluminescent wire used can be seen in

the power schematic (Figure 10) of this report. The lower left and right arm using red EL-wire (each 10” sections) and the middle left and right L-sections using white EL-wire wire connected to the sound activated battery pack / inverter. The left/right upper arm red EL-wire (each 2’ sections), back centered red EL-wire swirl (7’ section), and front red EL-wire

(each 3’ sections) were connected to the primary battery pack/inverter which could support up to 19-27 ft. of EL-wire.

The construction was completed by week 10 and is

shown by Figures 20 and 21.

Figure 20: Wiring EL-Wire to Jacket.

XVII. TESTING

All components were tested in accordance with the test plan as will be shown. Additionally current readings of the EL-Wire were obtained and surprisingly the EL-Wire draws very little current (<1A).

The Pattern tested failed however, due to soldering problems during setup of the Peggy2 LE board. A replacement was ordered but the board could not be completed in time for this presentation. So the Peggy2LE was left from the final design, and 7ft. Of red EL-Wire was reallocated to be used at the back of the Jacket.

A. Entrance Testing:

Test A: Power Test This test used a multi-meter and batteries to test the

output and safety of each portable power unit. Test B: Illumination Test This test used a dark room and all portable power units

to verify appropriate illumination of the LEDs and electroluminescent wire.

Test C: Message Test This test verified the operation of the LED message board

by outputting four personalized messages. Test D: Pattern Test This test verified the proper function and programming

of the LED programmable control board by displaying a series of aesthetically pleasing images.

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B. Functional Testing:

Functional testing of the DEJ repeated the Entrance Tests while the DEJ was worn by the user. Functional testing also included safety testing of the DEJ through the inspection of wiring.

C. Task Oriented Testing:

Task A (Passed) Test Case Title: Power Test Prerequisite Test Conditions: N/A Associated Requirements: 8 Test Method: Multi-meter Verification Test Scenario: The DEJ power units will be

tested with a multi-meter for correct output power using new batteries by turning the power units on.

Test Passing Criteria: The DEJ power units were able to create an expected voltage/current level.

Test Failure Criteria: The DEJ power units were unable to create an expected voltage/current level.’

Task B (Passed)

Test Case Title: Illumination Test Prerequisite Test Conditions: Pass the Power

Test Associated Requirements: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 Test Method: Visual Inspection Test Scenario: The DEJ LEDs and

Electroluminescent wires will be illuminated (turned on).

Test Passing Criteria: All DEJ LEDs and Electroluminescent wires illuminate.

Test Failure Criteria: All DEJ LEDs and Electroluminescent wires do not illuminate.

Task C (Passed) Test Case Title: Message Test Prerequisite Test Conditions: Pass the

Illumination Test Associated Requirements: 3, 6, 8 Test Method: Visual Inspection Test Scenario: The DEJ LED display will be tested

by programming and powering on the display and verifying that four independent messages are displayed.

Test Passing Criteria: The DEJ displays the programmed messages.

Test Failure Criteria: The DEJ does not display one or more of the programmed messages.

Task D (Failed) Test Case Title: Pattern Test

Prerequisite Test Conditions: Pass the Illumination Test

Associated Requirements: 1, 2, 7, 8 Test Method: Visual Inspection Test Scenario: This DEJ programmable LED

control board will be programmed to display a series of aesthetically pleasing images.

Test Passing Criteria: The DEJ displays the programmed images.

Test Failure Criteria: The DEJ does not display the programmed images.

XVIII. TROUBLESHOOTING

After completing all tests and successfully wearing the DEJ for more than an hour the Jacket the main battery pack would not power on / illuminate primary EL-Wire.

Battery packs were tested first without EL-Wire quick connects connected (They were fine). Next each quick connect was powered separately (This isolate the problem to the main front right EL-Wire which was shorting out due to two touching metal contacts.

The metal contacts were re-soldered and connecting 22 gauge speaker wire was lengthened to reduce stress. All other connections were then rechecked for strength and stress relief and optimized where appropriate.

XIX. LESSONS LEARNED

1. EL-Wire is hard to work with but works excellent for digital apparel design.

2. The design needed a much thicker 5mm or larger EL-Wire for more effective light dispersion.

3. Al-tape was ineffective at enhancing luminescence, may pursue a more light absorbing material in next prototype or dismiss this approach altogether.

4. You need to be extremely careful when soldering equipment.

XX. EVALUATION AND APPROVAL

A. Test Method

A evaluation test was completed by putting on the DEJ and taking a late night walk with a co-engineering student down a neighborhood street.

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B. Results

Received positive feedback results within first two minutes, first by a group of high school teenagers who asked where the DEJ was obtained and said it was the coolest thing they had ever seen and second by numerous cars which stopped to tell me of their amazement.

C. Additional Remarks

Also received great praise from engineering peers and my daughters 2nd grade class at CSCS whom several vowed to become an engineer.

D. Was the Peggy 2Le Really Needed?

With all the positive feedback I received I’m not positive that the Peggy2 le was really required to meet my objective. The Jacket worked great as a versatile attention gathering device without it.

XXI. ECONOMICS

A. Project Cost Roll Up

22 feet of Red EL-Wire ($22USD @ http://elwireonline.com/)

6 feet of White EL-Wire ($6USD @ http://elwireonline.com/)

Primary Battery Pack / Inverter ($9USD @ http://elwireonline.com/)

Leather Jacket (Donated but estimated, 100-150$USD) Large USB Programmable LED Display (30$USD @

http://www.chinadist.com/led-sign-badge-card-micro-display-card-strap.html)

Peggy 2 LE LED Display Board Kit w/ 625 LEDs ($166USD @http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/peggy2le)

MP 3 Player (Donated but estimated $10-$20USD) Portable Speaker ($5USD - Wal-Mart) Misc. Construction Materials (Hot-Glue, Al-Tape, 22

Gauge Wire), ($20USD - Wal-Mart) Total $258 USD, $92 USD (Without Peggy 2le boards)

XXII. SAFETY CONCERNS

Although electroluminescent wire draws only a small amount of current (1.25 mA/ft of wire) it can still become dangerous to work with and safety should always be the #1 concern. Possible heart fibrillation and death can occur when exposed to 100 mA of 60 Hz AC. [18] Severe pain and difficulty breathing can occur when exposed to more than 23 mA of current at 60 Hz or 94mA at 10 kHz (The higher the frequency the more current it takes). [18] Electroluminescent

wire is working at high frequencies of 600 to 2000 Hertz (1kHz is standard) so careful consideration of the amount of wire used, battery placement, and connections is critical. The largest current draw for the DEJ was at the back and drew approximately 6mA of current. Even at 1000 Hz, this would be slightly painful (Although voluntary muscle control should be maintained). Image [19] below is a good chart that shows the bodily effects as a result of current exposure at various frequencies.

[19]

XXIII. CONCLUSIONS

While I was unable to meet all of my original product specifications (due to the soldering mishap on the first Peggy 2 le board purchased), the Digital Electroluminescent Jacket (DEJ) succeeded in accomplishing my top objective (acting as a cool attention gathering device). The design process was complicated and several lessons were learned about time and resource management/economics during the length of this course. Lots of knowledge was gained throughout the design process including things like effectively using a soldering iron, working with complicated materials (like devilish fabric) and electroluminescent wiring. Plans for a second design are already ongoing and an expected prototype version 2 will hopefully be ready for display by the end of next quarter at CTU.

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REFERENCES

[1] Janet Cooke Hansen. [Online image] Available http://www.enlighted.com/media/polkabeach/janetsqx600.jpg, March 17, 2011.

[2] http://www.enlighted.com/pages/techbio.shtml [3] http://www.enlighted.com/pages/gallerypeople.shtml [4] LED Biker Jacket. [Online image] Available

http://enlighted.com/media/biker2/frontx600.jpg, March 17, 2011.

[5] EL-Wire Neck. [Online image] http://enlighted.com/media/pinkparty08/bgsleevedress/neckdarkx600.jpg, March 17, 2011.

[6] EL-Wire Neck. [Online image] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:EL_wire.svg, March 17, 2011.

[7] http://www.elwire.com/faq/faq.html [8] http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/electrical/article

s/63708.aspx [9] Image of Simple Inverter without Charge, Circuit

Diagram. [Online image] http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/electrical/articles/63708.aspx?image=137897, 2011.

[10] 4 Channel Constant light & Flash 19-27 ft. [Online image] http://www.elwireonline.com/inc/sdetail/157, 2011.

[11] Sound Activated Battery Pack. [Online image] http://www.elwireonline.com/inc/sdetail/155, 2011.

[12] PeggyDraw2. [Online image] http://www.flickr.com/photos/oskay/5491916726/, 2011.

[13] PeggyDraw2 le [Online Image] http://s3.amazonaws.com/evilmadscience/KitInstrux/peggy2LE_232.pdf, 2011.

[14] PeggyDraw2 le parts list [Online Image] http://s3.amazonaws.com/evilmadscience/KitInstrux/peggy2LE_232.pdf, 2011.

[15] PeggyDraw2 le lower left of board [Online Image] http://s3.amazonaws.com/evilmadscience/KitInstrux/peggy2LE_232.pdf, 2011.

[16] PeggyDraw2 le lower right of board [Online Image] http://s3.amazonaws.com/evilmadscience/KitInstrux/peggy2LE_232.pdf, 2011.

[17] PeggyDraw2 le schematic [Online Image] http://s3.amazonaws.com/evilmadscientist/source/p2leschem.pdf, 2011.

[18] http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_3/4.html [19] Bodily Effects to current at various frequencies [Online

Image] http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_3/4.html, 2011.