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Monday, March 19, 2012
DAY 4 LOG - Project 3.3.1 Design Problem
Friday, March 16, 2012
DAY 3 LOG - Project 3.3.1 Design Problem
(NOTE: we took a break from this project to work on programming for another one involving the Lego Mindstorm's NXT kit that Mr. Olsen ordered. Therefore, we did not get much done today.)
- Collected the sketches from each member of the project.
- Achieved full documentation of each sketch (should be posted soon).
- Made an online draft for the final program in relation to my design idea (using Word, not RoboPro).
Thursday, March 15, 2012
DAY 2 LOG - Project 3.3.1 Design Problem
1. Determined the weights of marbles - now we can build the weight system accordingly on the final design.
2. Finished 3 sketches - now we can put it through the decision matrix and make a composite of what the final design will look like before we complete it.
3. Determined other values - these are essential to the program and will come in handy during the final days of the project.
4. Finished Achievement Rubric - we also posted it on the Google Site that we are using as the main source for the track keeping of the project. (Click here to see it)
2. Finished 3 sketches - now we can put it through the decision matrix and make a composite of what the final design will look like before we complete it.
3. Determined other values - these are essential to the program and will come in handy during the final days of the project.
4. Finished Achievement Rubric - we also posted it on the Google Site that we are using as the main source for the track keeping of the project. (Click here to see it)
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
DAY 1 LOG - Project 3.3.1 Design Problem
1. Began work on the final blog post - the template is ready and now doesn't have to be completed at the last minute.
2. Started brainstorming ideas and taking measurements - now we have an idea of the project solution and what it will take in terms of design and programming.
3. Finished an achievement rubric - I can bring it to school when we start tracking them and when Mr. Olson is finished posting them to the class blog.
4. Started building an actual model - the pieces we are using to start the project are being used to begin the construction of the conveyor belt in the final solution. We also have sensors to begin taking readings on the things passing between them.
5. Began the program - and all the problems that came along early on (thank goodness). Also determined the appropriate wire setup for the light sensor and the photo transistor and disovered the clearness of the marble did not change the readings, giving us a way to sort the recyclables easier.
2. Started brainstorming ideas and taking measurements - now we have an idea of the project solution and what it will take in terms of design and programming.
3. Finished an achievement rubric - I can bring it to school when we start tracking them and when Mr. Olson is finished posting them to the class blog.
4. Started building an actual model - the pieces we are using to start the project are being used to begin the construction of the conveyor belt in the final solution. We also have sensors to begin taking readings on the things passing between them.
5. Began the program - and all the problems that came along early on (thank goodness). Also determined the appropriate wire setup for the light sensor and the photo transistor and disovered the clearness of the marble did not change the readings, giving us a way to sort the recyclables easier.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Money Ball Analysis
"Changing the game" is tough. Some of you will have the chance to attempt the equivalent at some point in your careers. Simulating this type of experience via Billy Beane's story is a chance to reflect on the blend of "art" and "science" required to solve the intractable challenges you may come up against.
Use Internet research and class discussion to answer the following questions.
1) What was the “Moneyball”approach that Billy Beane and Peter Brandt applied to the Oakland Athletics 2002 season? Was it an “art” or a “science”? What single statistic did they boil their value consideration down to? (In class research/discussion)
The "Moneyball" approach that Billy Beane and Peter Brandt used was an analytical process where they used a science to determine who would be a part of the winning team. The single statistic they boiled their value consideration down to was the On-Base-Percentage.
2) What is the equation used to calculate OBP? (In class research/discussion)
OBP (on base percentage)
H (hits)
BB (bases on balls/walks)
HBP (hits by a pitch)
AB (at bats)
SF (sacrifice flies)
3) What is design? (In class research/discussion)
Design is the process of working as a team, solving the original problem, collaborating, coming up with ideas, modifying the design, and then working toward the solution that best fits the needs and rules of the problem you are working to solve.
4) Describe 3 situations where movie characters (intentionally or not) applied a step from the Project Lead the Way 12 Step Design Process. Explain both the (a) situation as well as (b) how the step is relevant:
1 - (a) When the guys at the beginning of the movie were discussing their picks for scouting were missing what the problem was, Billy Beane had to remind them to ask what the problem was. (b) They were losing their focus and need to be put on the correct track once again so they could achieve what they needed and not lose sight of the goal.
2 - (a) At the point in time where Peter was sharing his ideas with Billy Beane, he was collaborating and trying to get the more ideas for the final product in the process. (b) By collaborating, better ideas can come out of a mush pot of random ones that can help the final product be better than it would be without this step.
3 - (a) When the time came for Giambi to be traded to another team and the original plan did not work out too well, the necessary modification from the first attempt was made. (b) This step was crucial because it made room for the better team that was needed for the on base percentage the team was trying to achieve from their players.
5) What is “Leadership”? List the three aspects of leadership that we come up with in class. (In class research/discussion)
1 - Direction
2 - Alignment
3 - Commitment
6) Describe 3 circumstances from the story where a character exercised effective leadership:
1 - When Billy Beane had to tell the scouts to focus on what the problem was, he was providing direction to his team by dialing them back to remain on the right track.
2 - By the time the A's had won so many games they beat the national record for baseball, the scouts were starting to agree with the methods of Billy Beane more since the team was having more success at this point in the season and had done the unthinkable with such a low budget.
3 - At the time where Billy Beane turned down the offer for millions of dollars to join the Boston Red Socks as the chief scout, he was remaining committed to his team to achieve success with his scouts rather than leaving them to fend for themselves.
7) According to the movie, what was the A’s record at the start of their winning streak?
76 : 51 (roughly 75 : 50)
8) What does this ratio simplify to (roughly)?
1.5 : 1
9) How long was the A’s record setting winning streak?
20 games won.
10) Given the A’s win/loss ratio at the start of the streak (listed two questions above), what are the odds of winning 20 games in a row? Run the numbers. (In class research/discussion)
75 wins : 125 games
0.000037
1=(x)0.000037
27,000/162
Approximately 166.7 years for this to occur naturally.
11) Based on your calculation, do you think the A’s got lucky or was there something to the Moneyball approach?
The A's did not get lucky, there was something to their approach when they focused on the On-Base-Percentage.
12) Did Billy Beane strictly apply the “science” of Moneyball to his management approach? Was there an “art” to his efforts as well? Describe a circumstance where he broke from the Moneyball approach to make a positive change for the team.
Billy Beane did not strictly apply the "science" of Moneyball to his management approach, there was an art in his approach as well. When he got rid of Giambi, he had to consider the human element (the morale) of the rest of the team (at the end of the day, it's about the people.
Bonus Question (look into this if you’ve finished ahead of the class):
Money Ball was originally a book. What author wrote the book? What other books has this author written? Is there a theme to his writing?
Michael Lewis originally wrote the book. The author has also written "The Blind Side" and "Coach: Lessons on the Game of Life." The theme to his writing goes beyond the obvious commonality of sports, but more about the aspect of leadership and the human element in terms of the titles of the books.
Use Internet research and class discussion to answer the following questions.
1) What was the “Moneyball”approach that Billy Beane and Peter Brandt applied to the Oakland Athletics 2002 season? Was it an “art” or a “science”? What single statistic did they boil their value consideration down to? (In class research/discussion)
The "Moneyball" approach that Billy Beane and Peter Brandt used was an analytical process where they used a science to determine who would be a part of the winning team. The single statistic they boiled their value consideration down to was the On-Base-Percentage.
2) What is the equation used to calculate OBP? (In class research/discussion)
OBP (on base percentage)
H (hits)
BB (bases on balls/walks)
HBP (hits by a pitch)
AB (at bats)
SF (sacrifice flies)
3) What is design? (In class research/discussion)
Design is the process of working as a team, solving the original problem, collaborating, coming up with ideas, modifying the design, and then working toward the solution that best fits the needs and rules of the problem you are working to solve.
4) Describe 3 situations where movie characters (intentionally or not) applied a step from the Project Lead the Way 12 Step Design Process. Explain both the (a) situation as well as (b) how the step is relevant:
1 - (a) When the guys at the beginning of the movie were discussing their picks for scouting were missing what the problem was, Billy Beane had to remind them to ask what the problem was. (b) They were losing their focus and need to be put on the correct track once again so they could achieve what they needed and not lose sight of the goal.
2 - (a) At the point in time where Peter was sharing his ideas with Billy Beane, he was collaborating and trying to get the more ideas for the final product in the process. (b) By collaborating, better ideas can come out of a mush pot of random ones that can help the final product be better than it would be without this step.
3 - (a) When the time came for Giambi to be traded to another team and the original plan did not work out too well, the necessary modification from the first attempt was made. (b) This step was crucial because it made room for the better team that was needed for the on base percentage the team was trying to achieve from their players.
5) What is “Leadership”? List the three aspects of leadership that we come up with in class. (In class research/discussion)
1 - Direction
2 - Alignment
3 - Commitment
6) Describe 3 circumstances from the story where a character exercised effective leadership:
1 - When Billy Beane had to tell the scouts to focus on what the problem was, he was providing direction to his team by dialing them back to remain on the right track.
2 - By the time the A's had won so many games they beat the national record for baseball, the scouts were starting to agree with the methods of Billy Beane more since the team was having more success at this point in the season and had done the unthinkable with such a low budget.
3 - At the time where Billy Beane turned down the offer for millions of dollars to join the Boston Red Socks as the chief scout, he was remaining committed to his team to achieve success with his scouts rather than leaving them to fend for themselves.
7) According to the movie, what was the A’s record at the start of their winning streak?
76 : 51 (roughly 75 : 50)
8) What does this ratio simplify to (roughly)?
1.5 : 1
9) How long was the A’s record setting winning streak?
20 games won.
10) Given the A’s win/loss ratio at the start of the streak (listed two questions above), what are the odds of winning 20 games in a row? Run the numbers. (In class research/discussion)
75 wins : 125 games
0.000037
1=(x)0.000037
27,000/162
Approximately 166.7 years for this to occur naturally.
11) Based on your calculation, do you think the A’s got lucky or was there something to the Moneyball approach?
The A's did not get lucky, there was something to their approach when they focused on the On-Base-Percentage.
12) Did Billy Beane strictly apply the “science” of Moneyball to his management approach? Was there an “art” to his efforts as well? Describe a circumstance where he broke from the Moneyball approach to make a positive change for the team.
Billy Beane did not strictly apply the "science" of Moneyball to his management approach, there was an art in his approach as well. When he got rid of Giambi, he had to consider the human element (the morale) of the rest of the team (at the end of the day, it's about the people.
Bonus Question (look into this if you’ve finished ahead of the class):
Money Ball was originally a book. What author wrote the book? What other books has this author written? Is there a theme to his writing?
Michael Lewis originally wrote the book. The author has also written "The Blind Side" and "Coach: Lessons on the Game of Life." The theme to his writing goes beyond the obvious commonality of sports, but more about the aspect of leadership and the human element in terms of the titles of the books.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Project 3.1.7 Machine Control Design
Team Members: Isabel, Daniel, Carley
Problem 1: Start / Finish Line (Hardware Level 1 | Software Level 4)
The Olympic committee would like your team to invent a control system for use with track and field running events. They want this device to automatically record the time and beep when the first runner crosses the start / finish line.
[INSERT IMAGE OF FINAL PROGRAM SKETCH]
CONCLUSION QUESTIONS
1. What was the most difficult part of the problem?
The most difficult part of the problem was wiring the switches to coincide perfectly and properly with the program already set in place - the mix up and the innumerable pieces of wire were really hard to operate around as well, and figuring out and keeping track of the inputs and outputs made things even more difficult. We also had to change the values manually because the sun was affected the reading from the photocells, and the changes between a couple of minutes were significant enough the change the program as a whole and cause it to function badly.
2. List and describe two features that were not part of the design problem that could be added to improve your design.
Better sensors would have been nice - perhaps color sensors pre-programmed to sense the colors of the contestants in the Olympics to differentiate and provide proper statistics for the record. When we went to record the time on the program, it would have also been more convenient to have it continue going, but stop as each person crossed the line. However, given the time limit, such a feat could not be achieved. Sheilding the photocells from the sun somehow would have been good since we had to manually change the values based on readings, and if the runners take too long, then we would have to modify it just before they reach the finish line. That, or we could set the program to automatically change the values based upon the readings taken from the sun's light.
Problem 2: Soccer Goal Light (Hardware Level 2 | Software Level 3)
Your team has been asked to design a control system for teh local soccer field that can detect when the ball has entered the goal. A light must blink for 10 seconds after a goal is scored. Remember, the goalie and others will also be crossing the goal frequently. You may need to modify the ball so that your device can differentiate between the soccer ball and other objects.
[INSERT IMAGE OF TWO POTENTIAL PHYSICAL SKETCHES]
[INSERT IMAGE OF TWO POTENTIAL PROGRAM SKETCHES]
[INSERT IMAGE OF FINAL PHYSICAL SKETCH]
[INSERT IMAGE OF FINAL PROGRAM SKETCH]
CONCLUSION QUESTIONS
1. What was the most difficult part of the problem?
The most difficult part of the problem was getting the magnetic piece worked out correctly. Plus, it seemed a little unrealistic to use a high powered magnet because of safety issues, but that was the decision, and we stuck with it to get to the end.
2. List and describe two features that were not part of the design problem that could be added to improve your design.
Different and more advanced sensors like the ultrasonic sensor could have been utilized to measure distances and get more specific readings such as rate of travel and size (good for distinguishing between player and ball). The pieces we used could have been smaller and easier to distinguish from a square with an empty space in the middle to an actual goal in a soccer game. The magnet we used was unrealistic for the situation at hand, and there could have been better solutions.
Problem 1: Start / Finish Line (Hardware Level 1 | Software Level 4)
The Olympic committee would like your team to invent a control system for use with track and field running events. They want this device to automatically record the time and beep when the first runner crosses the start / finish line.
 |
| FINAL PHYSICAL SOLUTION The final structural design for the timer at the Olympics. Includes the two photo- cells, two lamps, ten wire connections and wires, one interface, one power supply, one USB cord, eleven 30 mm blocks, and nine 15 mm blocks, and one buzzer. The track is symbolized as being the square and the space for people to run between the photo-cells and lamps to set off the buzzer for the run. |
[INSERT IMAGE OF TWO POTENTIAL PHYSICAL SKETCHES]
[INSERT IMAGE OF TWO POTENTIAL PROGRAM SKETCHES]
[INSERT IMAGE OF FINAL PHYSICAL SKETCH][INSERT IMAGE OF FINAL PROGRAM SKETCH]
) |
| FINAL PROGRAM SOLUTION The final program design for the functions of the physical solution shown above. Included are loops, start, end, variables, motor outputs (modified), photoresistor decision blocks, and analog blocks. (NOTE: we had to modify the values as the photocell was also affected by the sunlight values, which change as the day goes on. |
1. What was the most difficult part of the problem?
The most difficult part of the problem was wiring the switches to coincide perfectly and properly with the program already set in place - the mix up and the innumerable pieces of wire were really hard to operate around as well, and figuring out and keeping track of the inputs and outputs made things even more difficult. We also had to change the values manually because the sun was affected the reading from the photocells, and the changes between a couple of minutes were significant enough the change the program as a whole and cause it to function badly.
2. List and describe two features that were not part of the design problem that could be added to improve your design.
Better sensors would have been nice - perhaps color sensors pre-programmed to sense the colors of the contestants in the Olympics to differentiate and provide proper statistics for the record. When we went to record the time on the program, it would have also been more convenient to have it continue going, but stop as each person crossed the line. However, given the time limit, such a feat could not be achieved. Sheilding the photocells from the sun somehow would have been good since we had to manually change the values based on readings, and if the runners take too long, then we would have to modify it just before they reach the finish line. That, or we could set the program to automatically change the values based upon the readings taken from the sun's light.
Problem 2: Soccer Goal Light (Hardware Level 2 | Software Level 3)
Your team has been asked to design a control system for teh local soccer field that can detect when the ball has entered the goal. A light must blink for 10 seconds after a goal is scored. Remember, the goalie and others will also be crossing the goal frequently. You may need to modify the ball so that your device can differentiate between the soccer ball and other objects.
[INSERT IMAGE OF TWO POTENTIAL PHYSICAL SKETCHES]
[INSERT IMAGE OF TWO POTENTIAL PROGRAM SKETCHES]
[INSERT IMAGE OF FINAL PHYSICAL SKETCH]
[INSERT IMAGE OF FINAL PROGRAM SKETCH]
CONCLUSION QUESTIONS
1. What was the most difficult part of the problem?
The most difficult part of the problem was getting the magnetic piece worked out correctly. Plus, it seemed a little unrealistic to use a high powered magnet because of safety issues, but that was the decision, and we stuck with it to get to the end.
2. List and describe two features that were not part of the design problem that could be added to improve your design.
Different and more advanced sensors like the ultrasonic sensor could have been utilized to measure distances and get more specific readings such as rate of travel and size (good for distinguishing between player and ball). The pieces we used could have been smaller and easier to distinguish from a square with an empty space in the middle to an actual goal in a soccer game. The magnet we used was unrealistic for the situation at hand, and there could have been better solutions.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Activity 3.1.6 Open and Closed Loop Systems
INTRODUCTION
Many devices function without ever knowing whether they are doing the job that they were programmed to do.
EQUIPMENT
- RoboPro software
- fishertechnik components:
- Interface, power supply, USB cable
- 5 wires
- Motor
- 2 lamps
- Photocell
- Phototransistor
- 2 mini switches
- 9 building blocks (30 mm)
- 8 building blocks (15 mm) (1 pin)
- 3 rack and pinion (60 mm)
- Motor rack gearbox
PROCEDURE
In this activity
1. Buld the support system pictured below.
2. Add the motor and gearbox as shown below, and then wire the motor to M1 on the interface. Slightly loosen the gearbox from the motor so that you can feely adjust the motor. beofe
3.
4.
5. Is this an open loop or a closed loop system?
This is an open loop system because there is no feedback from the device.
6. Where do you think the gearbox would have come to rest had you set the program to cycle 120 times?
The gearbox would have probably come to rest at the farther end of the track (relative to the starting end).
7. What problems and inefficiencies might this process cause if it were used in an assembly mechanism designed to run 24 hours per day for several days?
The device would have to "calibrate" it's starting point in a sense. That would take at least one other sensor and a little bit more time that would add to the overall time it would take without this extra step for days and days, making the process of building the days quota take a little longer than normal.
.JPG)
9. Is this an open loop or closed loop system?
This is an open loop system because the system is using the feedback to direct the programming from there.
10. How precise would this device be if it were designed to cycle 500 times?
This device would be very precise, because the feedback doesn't change and neither does the programming to shuttle it back and forth between the two switches.
CONCLUSION
1. Describe an open loop system that has not already been given as an example. Could the system benefit from feedback? Justify your answer.
A conveyor belt that just runs and runs on and on until the cows come home is an open loop system. This system could benefit from feedback if there were sensors placed around a room and there was a malfunction on the track, it could stop and proceed with the necessary reaction to fix the problem. That way humans would not have to manually fix the problem and the system would be more efficient in general.
2. Describe a closed loop system that has not already been given as an example. Describe the feedback utilized, and describe why that type of feedback is utilized.
A closed loop system that has not already been given as an example would be something like a light switch. The feedback comes from the flip of the switch indicated to the light to turn on or off. That type of feedback is utilized because it makes the use of the appliance easier for humans in general. Clapping and sound sensors in a room also sometimes generate light from lamps and other bulbs and things in a room (in some very rare cases)
Many devices function without ever knowing whether they are doing the job that they were programmed to do.
EQUIPMENT
- RoboPro software
- fishertechnik components:
- Interface, power supply, USB cable
- 5 wires
- Motor
- 2 lamps
- Photocell
- Phototransistor
- 2 mini switches
- 9 building blocks (30 mm)
- 8 building blocks (15 mm) (1 pin)
- 3 rack and pinion (60 mm)
- Motor rack gearbox
PROCEDURE
In this activity
1. Buld the support system pictured below.
2. Add the motor and gearbox as shown below, and then wire the motor to M1 on the interface. Slightly loosen the gearbox from the motor so that you can feely adjust the motor. beofe
3.
4.
5. Is this an open loop or a closed loop system?
This is an open loop system because there is no feedback from the device.
6. Where do you think the gearbox would have come to rest had you set the program to cycle 120 times?
The gearbox would have probably come to rest at the farther end of the track (relative to the starting end).
7. What problems and inefficiencies might this process cause if it were used in an assembly mechanism designed to run 24 hours per day for several days?
The device would have to "calibrate" it's starting point in a sense. That would take at least one other sensor and a little bit more time that would add to the overall time it would take without this extra step for days and days, making the process of building the days quota take a little longer than normal.
.JPG)
9. Is this an open loop or closed loop system?
This is an open loop system because the system is using the feedback to direct the programming from there.
10. How precise would this device be if it were designed to cycle 500 times?
This device would be very precise, because the feedback doesn't change and neither does the programming to shuttle it back and forth between the two switches.
CONCLUSION
1. Describe an open loop system that has not already been given as an example. Could the system benefit from feedback? Justify your answer.
A conveyor belt that just runs and runs on and on until the cows come home is an open loop system. This system could benefit from feedback if there were sensors placed around a room and there was a malfunction on the track, it could stop and proceed with the necessary reaction to fix the problem. That way humans would not have to manually fix the problem and the system would be more efficient in general.
2. Describe a closed loop system that has not already been given as an example. Describe the feedback utilized, and describe why that type of feedback is utilized.
A closed loop system that has not already been given as an example would be something like a light switch. The feedback comes from the flip of the switch indicated to the light to turn on or off. That type of feedback is utilized because it makes the use of the appliance easier for humans in general. Clapping and sound sensors in a room also sometimes generate light from lamps and other bulbs and things in a room (in some very rare cases)
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