National Instruments Confidential 1

Proposed Implementation of Arduino LabVIEW Toolkit

By Andy Coulson

3/5/2011

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Introduction

Proposal: Mobile, mesh-networked, Christmas light devices sychronized via LabVIEW driving Arduino

• Stretch goal: synchronized to music via using frequency analysis

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Agenda

• Relevant Experience• Concept Background and Evolution• Proposal Details

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Experience

• Legacy of Christmas Light Enthusiasm

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Concept Evolution

2005• Began with running Trail of Lights fun run

• Originally a couple strings of incandescent mini lights• Pinned to black sweats• Powered by a UPS lead-acid battery and inverter• (no photographic evidence exists)

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Concept Evolution

2006• Gradual technical Improvements

• LED light strings (much improved battery life)

• More strings

• Addition of sidekick (name withheld)

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Concept Evolution

2007

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Concept Evolution

2008• Cannibalized the controller from

a string of sequenced lights• 8 simple patterns

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Concept Evolution

2009• Switched to NiMH (packs of 8 AA’a)

• Lighter• Swappable• More power charging options (car

charger, can use akalines in a pinch)

• Dedicated Jumpsuit

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Concept Evolution

20092009• Added Autonomous Cape

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Concept Evolution

2009

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Concept Evolution

2010• Added Light Staffs (Staves?)

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Proposal Details

• Mesh-networked, Synchronized via LabVIEW driving Arduino connected to Xbee (Zigbee 802.15.4) modules

Conceptual Schematic

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Proposal Details

• LabVIEW , running on a laptop, will be connected to Arduino• Will control Arduino Digital Out pins

• 4 pins will drive locally-connected 4-channel Triac board• Remaining pins will be connected to Xbee module (master node)

• Xbee will configured in “virtual wiring” mode – pins values are passed transparently to slave nodes

• Multiple remote Xbees • 4 channels for Sidekick’s light suit• 2 channels for Autonomous Cape• 2 channels shared by staffs

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Proposal Details

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Proposal Details

• Stretch Goal: Synchronized to Christmas Music• Utilize LabVIEW Sound and Vibration toolkit• Associate Arduino pins with distinct frequency ranges from music input• Bluetooth speakers embedded in one staff could provide audible music

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Conclusion

• My depth and breadth of experience results in high probability of success

• Demonstrates applicability of LabVIEW in growing field of Christmas Light automation

• Engages whole new audience of potential future engineers (1-8 year olds)

• Enhances Christmas Cheer