17.07.15

Thesis

I have now nearly finished all the IBDM data stuff bar about 7 years so its not too far to go. It has actually been a very interesting part of the project once I got over the initial drought. I now have to start thinking about how I will display this data within my thesis and I want it to be quite eye catching as it is very important in grounding some of my theories and questionnaire outcomes in authenticated data.

Project

The eye lid mechanisms turned out to be a little trickier than I had first imagined, The problem I had was with limited space, I did not want to go outside the parameters of the head so all the mechanism had to fit within the small space on the side and front of the head that I had left for these elements to operate within. I found that bending the steering rods with a pair of pliers to actually make the space issue a little easier as it meant that I need not need to accommodate the full length of the drive rods. I think this is one of them instances where it was better to overcome this problem on the model itself rather than using CAD software as I dont think I would have bent the rods in a virtual space... I think I would have either changed the lay out all together which would have meant an e-elongated head or had to use a different approach all together. I am actually really pleased with how this element functions on the model.  I have also been experimenting with arduino placement within the model, its hard to picture how it will sit at the moment. That said, laying it flat seems to be a pretty nice fit providing that I do not need that space for any other mechanisms later on. 

Arduino rig for automatised eye functions. 

Feelings

I am quite happy with the progression made of the past week or so, I feel like I am heading in the right direction so fingers crossed that this continues on into the next session. I am also happy with how the thesis is coming along at the moment, its becoming a real joy to work on at the moment. 

Evaluation

I am now starting to think about automating certain parts of the face, I am certainly going to include the mouth, lips and cheeks in this loop. However, I am still undecided about the rest of the features, I need to see how they respond under arduino control because sometimes I feel that things can be achieved using r.c remote or good old fashioned puppetry. I think in similar instances it is easy to over use arduino and it can actually take away some of the more natural elements of the character. That said the last project was totally augmented via arduino and processing control and it worked pretty well.     

Analysis

I understand the current position of the project in terms of how both elements interlink. I would however like to start exploring autonomous control in my thesis as although I have touched upon this in my embodiment chapter I still think there is more to be said for it. 

Conclusion

In conclusion this has been a very interesting session, the work that has been produced I believe has been some of the most interesting to date.

Action Plan

Action plant is to start thinking about making an external structure to support and protect some of the internal elements and mechanisms of the model as I am starting to find that some of the more delicate parts of the robot that are currently exposed may at some point become very vulnerable especially when transporting the head 95 miles to Huddersfield in the luggage rack on the train.