Flux, but IRL

Intention

I made this project with the intention of helping my roommates maintain a healthy sleep schedule. They often get lost in their work, wanting to add in one last detail! This device will help them notice when it's time to go to bed.

Context

I was inspired by the functionality that flux does. It's great that it turns on a certain time, helping people adjust to the night. I was also interested in the alarm clock mechanism, which many people refer to as their first projects. This is kind of a reverse alarm clock!

Process

In order to figure out what to do, I started with the blinking LED code. I tried to import a library for time and figure out the syntax for it, but couldn't figure it out. I also recruited a few people to help me figure out the syntax for converting the global time function into a localized time, but that didn't work well either. Next, I thought of ways to include a personalized user experience that would allow users to input a time, but it was impossible to be done with only a hardware piece with no speech/typing interface.

Product

I created a small light that goes next to a laptop so that when it's time to go to bed, it turns. It's right by the screen so the signal exists off a screen-based interface. The person can set the time by a countdown to how many more hours, seconds and minutes they want to be up before they want to go to bed the next morning. This way, instead of counting the amount of sleep, I want to encourage them to shift their thinking to be centered on rest, and count the amount of hours they want to be awake instead.

Reflection

I learned that libraries are difficult and C++ syntax is complicated. I also learned that there are a lot of ways to be creative with what I already know! Still want to learn how to use a library though.

int ledPin = D0;
int hour = 1;
int minute = 1;
int second = 1;

void setup() {
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
}


void loop(){
  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
  delay(hour*3600000+minute*60000+second*1000);
  digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
  delay(10000000000000000);
}

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Creative Project 1: Home Hack

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49313 Designing for the Internet of Things (Undergrad)

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A hands-on introductory course exploring the Internet of Things and connected product experiences.

About

My project is an IRL flux, notifying the person when it's time to go to bed by turning on!