Process

• Since I was given proximity and relay, I initially felt really restricted so I started out getting those components working and coming up with ideas. The proximity sensor was quite easy to wire and read from, but I struggled a little more with the relay, since I accidentally cut the whole code from the lamp. After Cody helped me remember some circuitry basics, I soldered the ground of the cord back together and got the relay working successfully. 

• I then decided on my "Focus Flower" idea and honed in the concept of the hidden blade. Creating the flower housing was definitely one of the biggest challenges. I designed the flower housing using the dimensions of the lamp and accounting for wiring needing to exit  but because it was too large, I had to break it up into components to print. However, the print was not very good and the supports messed with the attachment surfaces of the different pieces, but after a lot of random drilling and sawing and super glues, I got things to attach pretty securely. Then to cover up the machining marks, I went a little crazy with spray paint and the flower was complete!

• I finally wrote the code to actually use proximity to control the relay and follow the Pomodoro method, where the lamp would be on for 25 minutes to allow the user to work (flickering obnoxiously when the user gets up to leave) and then off for 5 minutes to not only encourage the user to take a break, but actually get up and leave their desk for a little while. However, the code was not working so I scheduled time with Zhenfang and realized two issues to fix. For some reason, OFF and ON were opposite to the relay and code so I switched every statement to the relay and secondly, I always needed to use an if statement checking if I can access the proximity before getting the proximity. Finally, I assembled the lamp to the flower housing, tested, and it worked!