Controller Mechanical Design

With several electromechanical components needing to be controlled on the boat, we had the opportunity to create several unique user interfaces spanning a broad spectrum of sensing modalities.  We also set out to make the user look funny as he/she tried to control the boat.  The user must use his/her feet, mouth, and hands in an attempt to control the aim of the cannons, power of the gun, and steering.  Is is quite challenging!

Main Module

The E128, batteries, and electronics are housed in the main module, which is simply a red tool box.  The box was cheap and perfectly fits all the electronic components.  Two servo dial indicators show the last crab pot visited by an member of the fleet and the rate at which crab was accumulating in that pot.  Three independent LEDs are used to indicate when the system is ON, when the cipher has been received by the HC, and when Neptune declares Game On.  

Joystick

A computer joystick with 2 degrees of freedom and 2 momentary push buttons is used to drive the boat and fire the water gun.  The front button must be pushed in order for the fun to be fired.  The joystick plugs into the main module and can be removed easily if needed.  

Blow Tube for Cannon Power Control

To control the power of the water gun, the user must blow into the 1/8'' plastic tube.  A pressure sensor is attached at the end of the tube in the main module to sense how hard the user is blowing.  The harder the user blows, the farther the gun will shoot.  Interchangeable, personal straws were fit over the end of the tube to make this interface more sanitary.  

Water Gun Aim Pedals

The pedals are constructed from two pieces of wood hinged together.  The force sensor is place under a plastic nub on the face of the other piece of wood.  So, only the plastic nub contacts the force sensor; thus, all the weight the user applies to the pedals is transferred directly to the sensor. 

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