LILY'S ATTENTION SIGNAL DEVICE

Key Concepts

The attention signal device functions as a technological system with inputs (button press), processes (code execution), outputs (servo movement and LED indication), and feedback (visual confirmation). When designing assistive technology, we must prioritize:

• Ease of use for the specific user
• Reliability and consistency
• Appropriate visual indicators
• Energy efficiency
• Durability

Activity: "Designing the Signal Device"

1. System Design Discussion:
   • Review the components of a technological system (input, process, output, feedback)
   • Discuss how these components apply to Lily's attention signal device
   • Analyze how different input methods might work better for someone with muscular weakness
2. Code Enhancement:
   • Guide students through modifying the toggle button code to add LED feedback
   • Demonstrate how to create a more visible signal using the Neopixel
   • Discuss why visual feedback is important in this application

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

# Setup button
button = DigitalInOut(board.D2)
button.direction = Direction.INPUT
button.pull = Pull.UP

# Setup NeoPixel
pixel = neopixel.NeoPixel(board.NEOPIXEL, 1, brightness=0.3)

# Setup servo
pwm = pwmio.PWMOut(board.A2, duty_cycle=2 ** 15, frequency=50)
servo = servo.Servo(pwm)

toggle = 0
while True:
    if button.value == 0 and toggle == 0:
        servo.angle = 150  # Raised position
        pixel.fill((0, 0, 255))  # Blue when active
        time.sleep(0.5)
        toggle = 1
    elif button.value == 0 and toggle == 1:
        servo.angle = 0  # Down position
        pixel.fill((0, 0, 0))  # Off when inactive
        time.sleep(0.5)
        toggle = 0

3. Prototype Planning:
   • Have students sketch their attention signal device ideas
   • Discuss mounting options using the LocLine flexible connectors
   • Introduce considerations for button placement for easy access

Extension Activity: "Building and Refining the Device"

1. Physical Prototyping:
   • Guide students in creating a physical mount for their servo using LocLine and framing pieces
   • Demonstrate how to securely attach the servo while ensuring it can be positioned appropriately
   • Have students test the range of motion and visibility of their device from various classroom positions
2. Button Customization:
   • Introduce students to different AT buttons and have them test which requires the least effort
   • Guide students in positioning the button for optimal accessibility
   • Help students integrate the button into their code, adjusting as needed for responsiveness
3. Visual Indicators:
   • Have students enhance their LED programming to create more distinctive signals
   • Challenge students to add different colors or patterns to indicate different states
   • Discuss how visual indicators can help both Lily and her teacher

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

# Setup button
button = DigitalInOut(board.D2)
button.direction = Direction.INPUT
button.pull = Pull.UP

# Setup NeoPixel
pixel = neopixel.NeoPixel(board.NEOPIXEL, 1, brightness=0.3)

# Setup servo
pwm = pwmio.PWMOut(board.A2, duty_cycle=2 ** 15, frequency=50)
servo = servo.Servo(pwm)

toggle = 0
last_button_state = button.value
current_time = 0
last_toggle_time = 0
debounce_time = 0.2

# Function for color fade
def color_fade(r1, g1, b1, r2, g2, b2, steps, wait):
    for i in range(steps):
        r = r1 + (r2 - r1) * i // steps
        g = g1 + (g2 - g1) * i // steps
        b = b1 + (b2 - b1) * i // steps
        pixel.fill((r, g, b))
        time.sleep(wait)

while True:
    current_time = time.monotonic()
    
    if (not button.value and last_button_state and 
        (current_time - last_toggle_time > debounce_time)):
        toggle = 1 - toggle  # Switch between 0 and 1
        last_toggle_time = current_time
        
        if toggle == 1:
            servo.angle = 150  # Raised position
            color_fade(0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 255, 10, 0.03)  # Fade to blue
        else:
            servo.angle = 0  # Down position
            color_fade(0, 0, 255, 0, 0, 0, 10, 0.03)  # Fade to off
    
    # Blinking effect when active
    if toggle == 1 and current_time % 2 > 1.8:
        pixel.fill((100, 100, 255))  # Lighter blue
    elif toggle == 1:
        pixel.fill((0, 0, 255))  # Blue
        
    last_button_state = button.value

Assessment Criteria

Students will demonstrate their understanding of assistive technology design by:

1. Presenting their working attention signal device
2. Explaining how their design addresses Lily's specific needs
3. Identifying the components of their technological system
4. Reflecting on the human-centered design process
5. Suggesting potential improvements based on testing and feedback

Activity: "Testing and Reflection"

1. User Testing Simulation:
   • Have students simulate Lily's experience using their devices
   • Assign one student to act as Lily (with limited arm mobility) and another as the teacher
   • Have teams rotate through testing each other's devices
2. Group Presentation:
   • Each team presents their device, explaining:
     • How they addressed Lily's specific needs
     • The technical components of their system
     • Challenges they encountered and how they solved them
     • Improvements they would make with more time
3. Reflection and Documentation:
   • Guide students in completing a design documentation sheet
   • Have students record the strengths and limitations of their design
   • Ask students to reflect on how their device might help Lily participate more fully in class

Assessment Rubric

Connections