Electrical and Computer Engineering

iLights

Matt Ryder

Nick Wittemen

Chris Merola

José Figueroa

Preliminary Design Review

2Electrical and Computer Engineering

Background

• People listen to music on iTunes, but the visualizer software limits effects to on screen– Light controllers

exist, but for a high price and with no easy-to-use interface

– A plug-in for iTunes would allow the user to adjust and control settings

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Our Design iTunes Plug In PC User Interface Phase Modulated Light

Control Controls multiple

incandescent lights Provides interactive

listening environment

*Accoring to the U.S. Census Bureau 2004

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Concept

There is a • People like light controllers, but they’re expensive• Light controllers do no exist with software controlled

behaviour

the iLights• Affordable entertainment add-on for iTunes• For use primarily at home; equally suited for bars,

lounges, or other entertainment venues• Allow people to have an easy-to-use, interactive

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Design Challenges

iTunes is not open-source• How to configure plug-in?

Working with AC power signals• Safety?• Solid-state switching challenges?

Simultaneous phase control of 4 channels Developing intuitive interface

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Design Alternatives

If iTunes SDk inadequate, alternative media players• Winamp open-source• VLC media player

Triac Alternative• Silicon-controlled

rectifier (SCR)

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System Block Diagram

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Hardware: Arduino

Open-source electronics prototyping platform• Programmable with C

or Arduino code• Supports serial

communication• Supports interrupts

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Hardware: Triac

Triacs allow switching of an AC signal

Able to handle power necessary for this application

Phase modulation possible (dimming)

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Proposed Deliverables

Plug In interfacing with iTunes• Documented source code

User selectable frequency ranges and sensitivity USB link to micro controller 4 independent phase-modulated 120V AC channels User manual

• Software installation guide• Safe operating instructions

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Proposed MDR Prototype Specifications

Prototype of one working Triac controller• Able to dim/switch AC power

Able to extract frequency data from iTunes• Able to determine feasibility of using iTunes

Able to communicate microcontroller through USB

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Summary

Comments / Questions?