4/27

Before class today I felt there was endless work to be done in order to finish our project, but Robert and I were able to accomplish so much during class (we stayed an extra hour) that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! We started by continuing our efforts with installing the line follower from last week. We were having trouble with our far right sensor. It sensed black, even when we put it on a completely white paper. It was really frustrating! After switching out the sensor and the  corresponding wire, Robert and I decided to look for an option to use only 3 sensors for the line follower. We found a video of a line follower using only 3 sensors so we knew it was possible. Then we found a website that had the exact instructions and diagrams for what we wanted to do and it included the related programming. After reconstructing the whole line follower system and entering the programming, we tested each of the sensors and they worked! It was really exciting! We moved on to programming the Boe-Bot so that it would "follow" the line by moving along a black line on a white surface; however, when we tested the programming our Boe-Bot wouldn't move at all. We went back to the basics and tested the servos (wheels) and they didn't work. That was super frustrating, but we checked all of our connections and found out that our VIN, VDD switch was broken. The switch had chipped earlier in the project and now it wasn't functioning at all. Robert and I scrounged around the room for extra parts and we found an unused Boe-Bot so we switched the switches. We tested the line follower programming again and our Boe-Bot moved the distance of the electrical tape. It was so amazing to see our hard work....well working! We spent the last minutes of class planning out the obstacle course. Robert had brought in foam core and lego buildings to help us visualize the course. We searched online for the actual NC driving test route on Google Maps as remembered from experience and we started marking roads on the posterboard. We're nearing the end of the project and I'm really excited to present our final prototype! On Wednesday, Robert and I are going to construct and test the obstacle course and delegate report responsibilities.

4/22

Today, Robert and I installed the line follower mechanism on our Boe-Bot. We also programmed and tested the line follower as seen in Figure 1; we are still in the process of troubleshooting it. The line follower mechanism allows the Boe-Bot to distinguish between light and dark areas. This quality is perfect for an obstacle course because we can lay down black electrical tape on a white background and program the Boe-Bot to "follow" the black electrical tape lines.

Figure 1 Adding the line follower to the standard Boe-Bot.

Robert and I also discussed the required objectives our Boe-Bot will perform to match those of the North Carolina road test that teenagers complete in order to receive a state driver's license. Below, Figure 2 explains our list of objectives in order from start to finish. These objectives were researched online and recalled from personal experience taking the road test.

Figure 2 The list of tasks performed during a NC road test to be performed by the Boe-Bot.

The last thing we did during class was plan out the obstacle course for the road test. The obstacle course is based on the actual route used for the NC road test. Figure 3 is the rough sketch we will use to create the obstacle course for the Boe-Bot to navigate. We've decided to use foam board as the foundation for the obstacle course and electrical tape as the lines for the Boe-Bot to follow. The obstacle course will be explained in detail next week when we start to construct it.

Figure 3 The rough sketch of the obstacle course that the Boe-Bot will navigate based on the actual route taken by students during the NC road test.

4/20/15

Today, Robert and I met for the first time in 2 weeks. Robert explained to me the construction of the Boe-Bot (which he finished quite fast) and the basic programming tools. We downloaded the Parallax programming software and centered the servos (motors that turn the wheels). We proceeded to practice basic programming objectives out of the microcontroller handbook. Robert showed me the line follower and the obstacle course construction pieces he brought from home. They're perfect! For the rest of the week, we will continue to work on programming the Boe-Bot and designing the obstacle course!

4/15

I was not in class today, but Robert informed me he is going to take the Boe-Bot home and work on programming as well as finishing up constructing the device so that we can stay on schedule. Last week, I completed most of the paperwork so he could begin construction this week. During the planning phase, I informed Robert of my absences and we agreed this would be a good way to ensure everyone remained involved in the project even though we wouldn't be able to meet for two weeks.

4/13

I was absent on 4/13. However, Robert worked to stay on schedule by beginning to construct the Boe-Bot. On Monday, we hit our first obstacle. We didn't realize that the Boe-Bot had to be programmed before it was constructed and so Robert is working on integrating this new information into our WBS schedule. This new info may require additional work outside of the classroom.

4/1

In class Robert and I started working on our Work Breakdown Structure (WBS); it still needs some finishing touches. We looked at previous groups' final reports. After viewing the different options for the final report, we decided that we're going to try using MindView software to standardize our report documents and presentation. Over spring break, we decided to finish our initial WBS and Gantt Chart and then start building the week after. Robert and I can't believe how fast this project is moving. We're worried and excited, but mostly we just hope we can remember everything we need to work on! It's just a bit overwhelming, but we can do it if we give it our best effort. I'm really grateful Robert is my partner because we compliment each other really well in our work ethic and engineering strengths and weaknesses.