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Dianne’s Status Report for 02/11/2023

Focused on fleshing out the design of the project and looked into how we will be designing the APIs, specifically the light area of effect algorithm. I created the following Git repository for the code we will be writing in the next week or so: https://github.com/djge/18500_GroupC1

I worked on a few diagrams to illustrate how the calculation in the Area of Effect of the Sun API works. Our group was not sure how the angle from north for the position of the sun might effect the reach of the area of effect from the window, so we conducted a few experiments using a paper bag with cutout windows and a flashlight. The following images clarify our vision for this function:

The results of the experiment seemed to show that the azimuth angle does not affect the distance from the window that is affected by light. We decided to go with this result and change the algorithm accordingly if it results in problems during testing.

So far, we are on schedule. Next week, I hope to get a working Sun Position calculating API with Elizabeth, start implementation on the area of effect API,  and focus on the design review/report with fully fleshed out diagrams of the schematics with our whole team on both the software and hardware end of the project.

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Team Status Report for 2/11

Risks and Risk Management

The most significant risks of our project is if we are unable to set up or obtain the LIDAR/Camera device in time, as not many other steps can be performed in parallel. This risk is being managed by trying to reserve this device as soon as possible, so that the rest of the project can continue smoothly. If we don’t manage to get the reservation, we are ready to order the device as it is still within our budget.

System Design Changes

We more precisely defined the scope of the project. We decided that for our MVP, we won’t account for weather (cloudy/rainy days), reflected/artificial light, and objects blocking the window. We want our project to work in a 300 ft^2 room, but that room must be rectangular, and the length of the room is not over 30 feet. We want our design to more specifically block light from the person’s face. Our project is targeting a room on a second floor (at a height of roughly 10 ft. above ground). It will work with at most three people in the room (as it would be difficult to test otherwise). Our design will work as long as nothing in the room moves but people (as such, our project will also not work with pets). It assumes the window is closed, since windy weather could interfere with the blinds’ function. These changes were necessary to better fit the scope in our minds. Although this makes our project less flexible, it makes it more feasible. The schedule that was made previously will stay the same.

Ethical Considerations

Our project includes considerations for personal health. It will improve people’s eyes, as it will block harmful sunrays. It will also help people’s mental health, as research suggests natural light improves mood. 

Experiment

The bag experiment listed in Jeff and Dianne’s status reports. Fun group meeting that helped us better determine where the area of light hits.