Month 1

Automated Page Turner

Difficulty: Beginner

Time Required: 1-2 Hours

Application: Assistive Technology

1. Activity Overview

Learning Objectives

Understand basic servo motor principles and operation
Learn fundamental CircuitPython programming concepts
Develop skills in mechanical connection and mounting
Apply assistive technology principles to everyday challenges
Create a functional device that solves a real accessibility need

Real-World Application

Page turning can be challenging for individuals with limited hand mobility, strength, or dexterity. This project creates a simple yet effective assistive device that can help users independently turn pages in books, magazines, or documents, promoting reading independence and access to printed materials.

2. This Month's Box Contents

New Equipment

•

Basic Smart Servo

(1)

•

USB Programming Cable

(1)

•

AT Test Button

(1)

•

Phillips Screwdriver

(1)

•

Mounting Hardware Kit including:

Mounting Screws

(4)

Mounting Base Plate

(1)

Page Holder Attachment

(1)

Servo Horn Option

(3)

Digital Resources

•

Project Guide (this document)

•

Sample Code Files

•

Video Tutorial Link

•

Online Community Access Information

3. Prerequisites

Previous Knowledge

•

Basic computer skills (connecting USB devices, navigating folders)

•

No prior programming experience required

•

No prior electronics experience required

Household Items Needed

•

Computer with USB port (Windows, Mac, or Chromebook)

•

Book, magazine, notecards for testing

•

Small piece of craft foam or soft material (optional, for better page grip)

•

Desk or table for mounting

•

Tape or removable adhesive (optional)

4. Core Concepts

Technical Principles

•

Servo Motors: Servo motors are precise positioning devices that move to specific angles based on electrical signals. The Smart Servo contains a built-in controller that handles the positioning details.

•

Digital Input: The button provides a simple on/off (digital) input that triggers actions in your program.

•

Programming Logic: Your code will use conditional statements to respond to button presses and control the servo position.

•

Mechanical Leverage: The servo horn length affects the turning force and distance, demonstrating mechanical advantage principles.

Design Considerations

•

Universal Design: This project introduces the concept of creating technology that works for people with diverse abilities and needs.

•

User Control: The button placement should be accessible to the intended user, considering their specific mobility and reach.

•

Non-Destructive Operation: The page turner should move pages effectively without damaging the book or requiring permanent installation.

Accessibility Factors

•

Different books have different page thicknesses and stiffness

•

Users may have different positions relative to reading materials

•

Control placement needs to accommodate user mobility constraints

•

The system should be easily repositionable for different scenarios

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Unpack Your Components

Carefully remove all items from the box and identify each component using the contents list.

Set aside the mounting hardware and tools for later use.

Connect Your Smart Servo to Computer

Plug the USB Programming Cable into your Smart Servo.

Connect the other end to your computer's USB port.

You should see a new drive appear on your computer called "CIRCUITPY".

Prepare Your Programming Environment

Navigate to the CIRCUITPY drive.

You'll see a file called "code.py" – this is where your program will go.

Open this file with any text editor (Notepad, TextEdit, etc.).

Delete any existing code to start fresh.

Hardware Assembly

Prepare the Mounting Base

Identify the mounting base plate from your kit.

Choose a location on your desk or table where the page turner will be used.

If using temporary mounting, attach removable adhesive to the bottom of the base plate.

Attach the Smart Servo

Use the Phillips screwdriver to attach the Smart Servo to the mounting base using the provided screws.

Make sure the servo output shaft is positioned toward where the book will be placed.

Select and Attach Servo Horn

Choose the longest servo horn from your kit for maximum reach.

Attach it to the servo output shaft using the small screw provided with the servo.

Position the horn so it's pointing away from the book when the servo is at 0° (starting position).

Prepare Page Turner Attachment

Take the plastic page turner attachment from your kit.

If desired, add a small piece of craft foam to the tip for better grip.

Attach it to the end of the servo horn using the M5 screw and nut.

Tighten using the Allen wrench, but not so tight that it can't be adjusted later.

Connect the Button

Plug the AT Test Button into the 3.5mm AUX jack on the Smart Servo.

Position the button where it will be accessible to the user.

Programming

Basic Page Turner Program:

# Smart Servo Subscription - Month 1: Automated Page Turner
# Basic Program

import time
import board
import pwmio
import servo
from digitalio import DigitalInOut, Direction, Pull

# Set up the servo
pwm = pwmio.PWMOut(board.A2, duty_cycle=2 ** 15, frequency=50)
my_servo = servo.Servo(pwm)

# Set up the button on pin D2
button = DigitalInOut(board.D2)
button.direction = Direction.INPUT
button.pull = Pull.UP  # Uses internal pull-up resistor

# Starting position - ready position
my_servo.angle = 0

# Variables to track button state
previous_button_state = True  # Pull-up makes the default True
waiting_for_release = False

while True:
    current_button_state = button.value
    
    # Button is pressed (button.value becomes False when pressed)
    if current_button_state == False and previous_button_state == True:
        print("Button pressed - turning page")
        # Move servo to extended position (turns the page)
        my_servo.angle = 90
        waiting_for_release = True
        
    # Button is released
    if current_button_state == True and previous_button_state == False:
        if waiting_for_release:
            print("Button released - returning to start")
            # Wait a moment before returning
            time.sleep(1)
            # Return to starting position
            my_servo.angle = 0
            waiting_for_release = False
    
    # Update previous state for next loop
    previous_button_state = current_button_state
    
    # Small delay to prevent bounce
    time.sleep(0.01)

Save this code to the "code.py" file on your CIRCUITPY drive. The code will automatically run when saved.

Testing & Calibration

Initial Testing

After saving the code, the servo should move to its initial position (0°).

Press and release the button to test the page turning motion.

The servo should move to 90° when the button is pressed and return to 0° when released.

Position Calibration

If the servo doesn't extend far enough to turn the page, modify the code to increase the angle value (try 100° or 110°).

If the servo extends too far, decrease the angle value.

Example adjustment in the code:

# Change this line:
my_servo.angle = 90
# To something like:
my_servo.angle = 110  # For more extension

Timing Adjustment

If the servo returns too quickly after turning the page, increase the delay time.

Modify the time.sleep(1) value to adjust how long the servo stays extended.

Example:

# Change this line:
time.sleep(1)
# To something like:
time.sleep(2)  # Stay extended for 2 seconds

Implementation

Position Your Book

Place your book or magazine on a table with the spine away from the servo.

Open to the first page you want to read.

Position the page turner so the servo horn can reach the corner of the page.

Adjust Physical Setup

Fine-tune the position of the servo base and angle of the horn attachment.

The page turner attachment should lightly rest against or hover just above the page.

For thicker books, you may need to adjust the height of the page turner.

User Positioning

Place the button in a comfortable, accessible position for the user.

Ensure the book and page turner are visible and within reach for page adjustment if needed.

Practical Usage

Press the button when ready to turn to the next page.

The servo will extend, catch the page, and turn it.

After the button is released, the servo returns to its starting position.

Make minor adjustments to position as you progress through the book.

6. Extensions & Variations

Customization Options:

1. Two-Button Control

Modify your setup to use two buttons: one for turning pages forward and one for turning them backward.

This requires adding a second button and modifying the code to recognize different inputs.

2. LED Feedback

Add code to control the built-in LED on the Smart Servo to provide visual feedback.

Make the LED change color when the button is pressed or when the page is turning.

Advanced Features:

Advanced Page Turner with LED Feedback

# Advanced Page Turner with LED Feedback
# Add this code to the basic program to add LED control

import neopixel

# Set up the NeoPixel LED
pixel = neopixel.NeoPixel(board.NEOPIXEL, 1)
pixel.brightness = 0.3  # Set brightness (0.0 to 1.0)

# Add these lines inside the button press section:
if current_button_state == False and previous_button_state == True:
    print("Button pressed - turning page")
    # Turn LED blue while turning page
    pixel.fill((0, 0, 255))  # Blue color
    my_servo.angle = 90
    waiting_for_release = True

# Add these lines inside the button release section:
if current_button_state == True and previous_button_state == False:
    if waiting_for_release:
        print("Button released - returning to start")
        # Turn LED green when returning to start
        pixel.fill((0, 255, 0))  # Green color
        time.sleep(1)
        my_servo.angle = 0
        waiting_for_release = False
        # Turn LED off after returning
        time.sleep(0.5)
        pixel.fill((0, 0, 0))  # LED off

Alternative Applications:

1. Remote Control Activation

Use the page turner to press buttons on a remote control, light switch, or other device.

Mount the servo facing a different direction to press buttons on various devices.

2. Automated Card Dealer

Reposition the servo to deal playing cards one at a time.

Useful for individuals who have difficulty handling cards.

3. Document Scanner Assistant

Position above a scanner to help turn pages for digitizing documents.

Particularly helpful for batch scanning multi-page documents.

7. Troubleshooting Guide

Common Issues:

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Servo Doesn't Move	USB Connection issues Code not properly uploaded Power issues	Check USB cable is properly connected to both servo and computer Verify the code.py file was properly saved to the CIRCUITPY drive If using battery power, check batteries or try connecting to USB power Reconnect USB cable, save code again, or try resetting the servo
Page Turner Doesn't Catch Pages	Incorrect position of page turner attachment Insufficient grip	Adjust the angle and position of the page turner attachment Add a small piece of foam or rubber to increase friction
Button Doesn't Trigger Action	Connection issues Code configuration problems	Ensure the button is fully plugged into the 3.5mm AUX jack Verify button input is correctly configured in your code Try a different button if available
Unpredictable Servo Movement	Code errors Conflicting signals	Restart the servo by unplugging and reconnecting Check for code errors, particularly in angle values or condition logic
LED Not Working	Incorrect LED code implementation	Verify the neopixel library is correctly imported Check that LED commands are properly formatted

Support Resources:

Online Community Forum: smartservo.community/help
Video Tutorials: smartservo.learning/month1
Email Support: support@smartservo.subscription.com

8. Reflection & Next Steps

Skill Check:

Can you explain how a servo motor differs from a regular motor?
Do you understand how the button input triggers actions in your code?
Can you identify at least three ways to improve or customize your page turner?
How might this device help someone with limited hand mobility?

Documentation:

Take photos of your completed page turner in action
Note any modifications you made to the basic design
Record observations about what worked well and what could be improved
Consider who might benefit from this device and how it could be adapted to their specific needs

Community Sharing:

Upload photos of your project to our community platform
Share any code modifications that improved functionality
Ask questions and provide help to other subscribers
Consider the accessibility needs in your community and how this technology might help

Coming Next Month:

In Month 2, you'll receive a Jelly Bean Button - a larger, more accessible button designed specifically for assistive technology. You'll build on your servo control skills to create a custom input device that can control electronic devices. The project will introduce you to:

Working with specialized assistive technology buttons
Creating custom mounting solutions
Advanced button-triggered programming
Visual feedback through LED programming

Start thinking about everyday tasks that require button pressing that might be difficult for some individuals, and how your growing skills could help address these challenges!