Weston Middle School

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Challenge 1: Embedded System

Embedded Systems Challenge:

Build a platform-based robotic system that mimics the operation of a programmable microwave oven.

Part I: Mount the NxT brick securely to a base panel.

• Mounting Motors to Baseplate

Part II: Construct a gear or belt-driven motorized horizontal turntable which can rotate at between 5 and 10 rotations per minute, and a lamp which simulates a magnetron. Attach a door which must be closed to operate the unit.

• Turntable Mechanism

• Using Gears

Part III: NxT buttons are used to control system.

• Displaying Text

Part IV: Program the operation of the system.

• Counting using variables

Design Requirements:

Once "program run" button is pressed, operation must be user-friendly, with both visual and audio feedback- instructions, "cooking", "done", etc.

Programming: Microwave should have user-selectable variable cook time( knob or push-button), plus be able to "read" cook times coded on "food".

Microwave Oven Simulation: Algorithms

Write program title, partner names
Declare ports for motors and sensors
Write algorithm as separate comments
Lay out icons and configure
Test each section using "Run selected"
Print out and demonstrate for credit

Algorithm 1:

Loop:

Display: " Push the button
To start"
wait for button push
Run turntable at 3 different speeds
Say "hooray"

EC: Add door open and close to sequence

go back to beginning of loop

Algorithm 2(parallel sequence beams):

Loop 1:

if button is pushed, microwave turntable and light run for 10 seconds,
if button is not pushed, microwave is stopped

Loop 2:
if button is pushed, display reads " Power On"
if button is not pushed, display reads " Push to start"

Loop 3:
if button is pushed, sound effect such as blips keeps repeating
if button is not pushed, no sounds

Algorithm 3 ( Complete Palette):

Loop 1: Select time in 10 second increments using left and right arrow keys to increase or decrease time; display time on screen

EC: Add 1 second increments

Pushing "Enter" key or pushbutton switch starts microwave.

Loop 2 and Loop 3 as before.

Algorithm 4 and 5( Complete Palette):

Sensor Cook: Time is determined by 'brown-ness' of 'food' ( color-coded plate).

Smart Food: Bar-code on bottom of food sets cooking time and triggers information on display.

Links

How a microwave works

History of Microwave Ovens

Biotechnology Robot