PROTOTYPE I
For the first prototype, we kept the idea very low fidelity to test out the code as well as to work out the opening and closing of the circuit by connecting the pins to aluminium foil. We tested the ability of the fingertips to create sound on contact which ultimately worked out. We also wanted to test the accelerometer of the micro:bit, so we created a code in python to sound the word hello when the hand waves, and for the LEDs to show the word "HI" at the same time.
Reflection
After conferring with our TAs and our classmates, they liked the idea that we were going for a full glove in order to detect the full motion of the hand easier. Our TAs and professor also recommended that we focused on the use of the micro:bit for the final prototype since it had a combination of 23 pins and an expansion board that could be added with ease. They also advised us to expand the code and show 4-5 gestures for the final with ease. It was also suggested to strap the micro:bit to the wrist for easy movement of the hand as well.
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Moving forward, we decided to reject the idea of the micro:bit strapped to the wrist and we wanted to get closer to the design of the initial idea of the backhand sensors we initially researched since it proved most effective in terms of placement for attaching it to the fingers as well as in relation to the Humunculous Model. We will continue with a full-sleeve glove since it aligned with our vision. We also decided to incorporate conductive fabric fabricated with copper along with the wool for the glove, this makes it easier for a seamless design limiting the use of too many wires. It was also important to also figure out how we would place the conductive material, and figure out the main contact points on the hand.
PROTOTYPE II
For this prototype, we incorporated the wool glove we aim to use for the final and attached the copper-made conductive fabric previously mentioned. Using conductive tape, we created the contact points on the fingertips, wrapping them around the copper material. we then attached the crocodile clips to the conductive material and tucked the battery of the micro:bit in the glove to keep it in place. For the code, we wanted to test out how the glove would perform with an ASL gesture, so we picked the letter D by random and coded the program to say "D" when it was signed and to display the letter on the micro:bit. One slight issue we found was that the micro:bit picked up on the conductive material very easily and was very sensitive to the material.
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Moving forward, we liked the wool for the material of the main body of the glove. We wanted to keep the final design clean and aesthetic, so we decided to use wire that raps around each pin instead of crocodile clips, and we decided to layer the glove in order to prevent an oversensitive micro:bit. In terms of the battery, we decided to encase the micro:bit and the battery together in order to keep them in place for a solid and functional design.
Introducing SLCG
The main aim of this product is to have designed and produced a cross-sensory accessory and interface system that converts gesture and sign language to speech. This product is targeted towards hearing-impaired individuals and can ultimately be expanded to an audience of non-verbal individuals. The SLCG is proposed to break the barrier of communication between verbal and non-verbal people, allowing non-verbal individuals to communicate without the need for a translator.