Sponsored By
Efika 5200B Project
Volumetric Display using LEDsin category Hardware
proposed by volumetric_display on 15th November 2006 (accepted on 15th November 2006)
Project Summary
Project BackgroundVolex is the code name given for UCSI\'s Volumetric Display Using Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), a research project conducted by UCSI\'s Centre for Research Excellence (CRE). The project will design and produce a 3-dimensional display apparatus that evolves from existing 2-dimensional products (e.g. iBall+). Volex uses the \'persistence of vision\' effect to trick observer\'s eyes into seeing a full, 3D object.
The volume is a graphical and visual representation of an object in spatial dimension (e.g. physical volume). Such display is opposed to the planar image of traditional screens that may simulate depth through a number of different visual effects. However, most 3-dimensional volumetric products in the market have limited exposure due to their high cost of development. Hence, amongst the challenges in CRE\'s research and development of Volex is to design a competent physical design that will be the first consumer electronic 3-dimensional display product in the market.
With these findings at hand, the designing and building of Volex prototypes is currently underway. As such, Volex is built with multiple layers of batons moving rapidly at high-speed in a constant trajectory to eliminate some weaknesses found in other products. The baton configurations allow us to populate with a set of LEDs that are switched on and off depending on the LEDs respective coordinates. The coordinates depend on any 3-dimensional object that is displayed in a \'pseudo-holographic\' form.
Proposed usage of Efika 5200B
Efika 5200B will be the \"brain\" of the Volumetric Control Unit (VCU) in Volex. The architecture of VCU consists of 3 logical layers. The top most layer would be the Efika 5200B. Efika 5200B has two main functioning roles: to receive and process commands from client via WIFI connection; to command and receive feedback from the intermediate layer consisting of a cluster of microcontrollers. The microcontroller cluster is a set of \'operating limbs\' to Efika 5200B. These \'operating limbs\' are to control a large population of LEDs. While the third layer of VCU is the driving circuit for LEDs. This driving circuit for the LEDs matrix also bolsters the upper layers of VCU from high voltage used in powering the LEDs.
Efika 5200B will be powered by Linux/GNU OS.
References
Project Blog Entries
Ok, I know this is side tracking from Volumetric Display using LEDs, but am having a little fun to celebrate the beginning of my 3 weeks vacation.
This a common WordPress blog served on Efika
Though I am on vacation, it also marks the time I can get some serious testing and "work" done on Efika for Volex. :)
We got Debian GNU/Linux installed successfully. We were trying out installation on different storage devices (i.e. flash drive, 3.5" harddisk attached to USB-ATA converter, CF card attached to card reader) but it refused to boot. Linux kernel was complaining of VFS kernel panic.
As for now, we are using a notebook harddisk attached to the ATA interface. Apache2 is installed and serving via http://orca.homeunix.org:83 for the next few days.
It will be taken down and come with me on the long journey to US. I will be in US for 3 weeks.
A lot of work in Volumetric Display goes into hardware. We are in the process of sorting out fabricator's blunders to our prototype version 1.2.
At the same time, revising the prototype 2 design.
Its very late (almost 3am). BUT debian is being installed into a 1GB flash drive!
The damage to ACPN2 (caused by earthquake in Taiwan) has caused lots of fast mirror in US and Europe to be unusable. Right now retrieving from opus at a slow rate.
Am heading off to bed. Hopefully the downloads will be done by dawn.
And also, all our boards have arrived safely. :)
The first of two Efika 5200B boards has arrived in Malaysia (7 December 2006). Prof. Eason has not yet seen his board, as he was on duty away from office.
We will be powering up the board tomorrow as we need to scavenge for an ATX power supply.
We are set to get Linux running on Efika!
Genesi has generously provided us with 3 boards for our Volumetric Display using LEDs project.
2 boards were sent to Malaysia, while 1 board to Maine, US.
The recipients of the boards are:
1. Dr. Richard Eason - University of Maine - United States
2. Mr. Andres M. Trianon - University College Sedaya International - Malaysia
3. Mr. Goh Kheng Teong - University College Sedaya International - Malaysia
Thanks Genesi! We will update everyone on the prompt developments!