Weekly Progress Report #8

Weekly Progress Report #8
Adnan Khan and Noah Borel
12/20/15


Progress:
- Calculations, adjustments, and measurements made for compound eye simulation. The cardboard frame will have holes to allow an external webcam to be installed into frame to capture images at the different angles. **Real model is to be twice the scale of the model diagram drawings.**
   - Width = 10 inches.
   - Height = 5 inches.
   - Octagon top:
      - Width = 4 inches.
      - Side length  = 1.657 inches.
      - Longest length from center to edge of octagon = 2.165 inches.

   - Trapezoid sides:
      - Width when angled = 3 inches.
      - Height when angled = 5 inches.
      - Length = 5.83 inches.
      - Trapezoid extended from triangle with vertex at center of octagon:

      - Angle between octagon and angled trapezoid = 121°:


- Materials acquired for construction of frame for compound eye simulation:
   - Cardboard pieces
   - Scissors
   - Tape


Problems:
- The angle between the trapezoids is still uncertain. The trapezoids on the 2D plane would not be able to touch, as then the fold downward would make the trapezoids overlap.

   - A comparison was made between if the trapezoids were touching or if the trapezoids were thinner. The thinner trapezoid is what is needed, so that when folded downward, the trapezoid sides will meet.

   - Horizontal angle is sought for. This angle was unable to be found through comparison with the larger trapezoid.

   - Instead, angle is approximated by looking at boundary angles. On one end, if a rectangle is used, the horizontal angle is 90°, thus the vertical angle after folding is also 90°. On the other end, if the largest trapezoid is used, the horizontal angle is 112.5°, thus the vertical angle after folding is 180° because the fold would not be able to happen.
   - Approximation made with assumption that horizontal to vertical angle increase is linear. Based on rates of increase, every 1° increase of the horizontal angle means a 4° increase of the vertical angle: At 98°, the vertical angle is 122° which is a good approximation for the 121° desired angle.

   - Unsure if 98° is able to be used, as linear relationship between angles is uncertain.
- The length of the end of the trapezoid is still unknown. End length of trapezoid to be found once angle measurement is verified.


Plan:
- Begin physical construction of compound eye simulation frame:
   - Use VEX Robotics parts to give further strength to the cardboard pieces. Metal pieces are also bendable and can be fixed to be at certain angles.
- Further investigate issue with trapezoid angles and end length.