Sorter-Project

This is where we host our documentation and code for the Industrial Sorter Project.

Minutes 11/29/20

We started our meeting looking at the data sheet for the cameras we will be using - voti.nl/docs/OV7670.pdf We also discussed ways to reduce glare in the sorter cups - Using a cloth like felt to absorb light - Doing the filtering entirely with the image processing algorithm We talked about ways of getting camera data from the microcontroller to a visible photo - Exporting data through UART into a text file, and parsing with some programming language

Minutes 11/22/20

• We discussed the 3D printed figures from the TinkerCAD fiesta on Friday

  • The printing is going well, other than some more difficult organic shapes

• We discussed methods of holding hand sanitizer

  • Using some kind of sealant on the inside of a 3D printed enclosure
  • Designing parts to screw onto a standard bottle size
  • Using a bag on the inside of the enclosure
  • Partnering with the chemistry department for the solution
  • Solving the problem of viscosity to keep the dispensing speed reasonable
  • Nhat has a working prototype
  • Working on the software side of things

• We revisited the sorter machine design document

  • We accomplished a lot of what we set out to do
  • Some things we descoped, or determined weren't necessary

• We discussed Git and GitHub

  • Over winter break, we may do a workshop
  • Mathew has uploaded his code to GitHub

• We talked about cameras for the image processing

  • Here is a link to the camera we're considering: https://www.amazon.com/HiLetgo-OV7670-640x480-0-3Mega-Arduino/dp/B07S66Y3ZQ/ref=pd_sbs_328_3/139-5662391-1864915?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07S66Y3ZQ&pd_rd_r=02b49503-0e48-430b-b970-463fb46d19bc&pd_rd_w=8EE1m&pd_rd_wg=HRGGW&pf_rd_p=ed1e2146-ecfe-435e-b3b5-d79fa072fd58&pf_rd_r=08M03GN35VDEACAYYGNG&psc=1&refRID=08M03GN35VDEACAYYGNG

Minutes 11/8/2020

We started the meeting with discussing a presentable document for the image processing algorithm

• Mathew will be working on this

We had a demo by Cody of the Sorter (sort of) sorting

• There are still some bugs to work out, the machine is moving between extremes

We discussed getting the presentation prepared

• Things to show while talking
• Videos and Documents to discuss
• Start with a video
• Each team creates a slide
• Future developments
• Team organization
• Mechanical design
• PCB design
• Controls software

We set up the sorter project presentation event invitation through IEEE vTools

• Register here! https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/247537

Minutes 10/25/2020

We started our meeting this week with a presentation from Matt on the image processing

• He successfully coded a working algorithm in Matlab
• Next steps are to get some pictures of skittles that will reflect the final output to test the algorithm, and coding the algorithm in C
• We discussed how the camera interfaces with the Tm4C

Cody is working on the final touches for the mechanical design

• Depending on how complex importing 3D models from 360 to Blender will be, Jaidon will make an animation of the sorter

Minutes 10/18

Mechanical design - Cody has had software issues with Fusion 360, so he is considering buying some aluminum extrusion to finish up

User Interface - For the user interface, we are aiming for some status lights - Idle, run, pause, stop - And 3 buttons - Start, pause, and E-stop

Parts Distribution - Amy has the funds to send parts out if anyone needs any

Pictures for the Easterner - We spent a good amount of the meeting taking some in-meeting pictures for the Easterner to use in the story about our club

Member list - We came up with an exhaustive list of club members, and estimated class years for each member

Minutes from 10/4

We came up with a schedule to prepare for the sorter project presentation on November 18th at 5-6pm. The schedule was posted by Cody, here and on Discord.

We talked about a few ideas for the user interface:

• Using a mini industrial control panel
• Creating a PCB for it
• Attaching LEDs to some type of board

We discussed progress of the image processing:

• Possible use of a raspberry pi
• Issues with tm4c interfacing with camera

Upcoming Events:

• a capture the flag event on Tuesday with Gonzaga, time TBD.
• an educational cyber security event mentioned by Stu (talk to Amy for more info.)
• IEEE day on Tuesday October 6th 11-1pm: come see guest speakers, and participate in a competition of ideas.
• Career center meeting Thursday at 2pm
• A visitor from Easterner magazine is coming to talk during the meeting on Wednesday.

Special thanks to John for signing up to IEEE!

Minutes from 9/27

We discussed the following miscellaneous:

• Image processing projects, and some examples of OCR with Python were shown by yours truly (Jaidon)
• Possibility of changing meeting times: Friday, or later Tuesday?
• Marketing club meetings and IEEE in classes
• Possibility of PLC projects and remote collaboration on code
• Stu possibly talking about cyber security and iot

We talked a bit about parts distribution:

• Parts list surveys
• Prebuilt kits
• Tm4c and basic parts for all

And the following about the sorter specifically:

• PCB progress (completed and functional)
• Cody will try to benchtest this week
• Cody and Nhat will collaborate on agitator
• 3D printing logistics issues (shipping costs, time)
• Jaidon will package PCBs for shipping
• Ian possibly collaborating with Mathew

Below are upcoming club events:

• Soldering tutorial Wednesday at 6
• EWU IEEE story by Easterner magazine in progress
• SAIL meeting Wednesday

We discussed the following possible new projects:

• Weather station
• Music and sound
• Guitar pedals
• Cyber security
• Halloween project
• Lighting driver

Attendance:

• Jaidon
• Chris
• Cody
• Nhat
• Mathew

Ieee members:

• Jaidon
• Chris
• Cody
• Amy
• Nhat
• Michael