For my second prototype, I constructed a row of my spice rack out of cardboard and paper. I’ve noticed that I’ve been having a difficult time getting others to picture my project, so I decided to build a simple visual aid. I plan to present this at AIMM After Dark as well. My cardboard rack includes my intent to implement a tracking device that will know where every spice is on the rack. I will also explain the alternative QR-esque tracker that I discussed in class with Professor Ault.
Presenting this prototype was not my original idea. I had planned to work with Arduino and LEDs this week, but decided I really needed this visual aid for presenting purposes. I am still challenged with researching sensors and finding a way to work this into my project. This has by far been the biggest obstacle in my path. I hope to at least discover a solution to this before my third prototype.
I learned a lot from talking to Professor Ault about sensors. Instead of something involving RF, I could look into QR codes with a camera constantly tracking the position of all the codes above the spice rack. For this, I’d need some sort of tiered design instead of a stacked rack. This prototype has opened the floor for more questions and understanding from people I present this to, which has also led to more in depth discussion and contemplation on my part.