1. Electrical and Computer Engineering iLights Matt Ryder Nick Wittemen Chris Merola José Figueroa Preliminary Design Review

2. 2 Electrical and Computer Engineering Background People listen to music on iTunes, but the visualizer software limits effects to on screen – Light controllers exist, but for a high price and with no easy-to-use interface – A plug-in for iTunes would allow the user to adjust and control settings

3. 3 Electrical and Computer Engineering Our Design  iTunes Plug In  PC User Interface  Phase Modulated Light Control  Controls multiple incandescent lights  Provides interactive listening environment *Accoring to the U.S. Census Bureau 2004

4. 4 Electrical and Computer Engineering Concept  There is a People like light controllers, but they’re expensive Light controllers do no exist with software controlled behaviour  the iLights Affordable entertainment add-on for iTunes For use primarily at home; equally suited for bars, lounges, or other entertainment venues Allow people to have an easy-to-use, interactive

5. 5 Electrical and Computer Engineering Design Challenges  iTunes is not open-source How to configure plug-in?  Working with AC power signals Safety? Solid-state switching challenges?  Simultaneous phase control of 4 channels  Developing intuitive interface

6. 6 Electrical and Computer Engineering Design Alternatives  If iTunes SDk inadequate, alternative media players Winamp open-source VLC media player  Triac Alternative Silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR)

7. 7 Electrical and Computer Engineering System Block Diagram iTunes iLights Plug in (C++) USB Link MicroController Triac Phase Control Lights 120V ACUser Input

8. 8 Electrical and Computer Engineering Hardware: Arduino  Open-source electronics prototyping platform Programmable with C or Arduino code Supports serial communication Supports interrupts

9. 9 Electrical and Computer Engineering Hardware: Triac  Triacs allow switching of an AC signal  Able to handle power necessary for this application  Phase modulation possible (dimming)

10. 10 Electrical and Computer Engineering Proposed Deliverables  Plug In interfacing with iTunes Documented source code  User selectable frequency ranges and sensitivity  USB link to micro controller  4 independent phase-modulated 120V AC channels  User manual Software installation guide Safe operating instructions

11. 11 Electrical and Computer Engineering Proposed MDR Prototype Specifications  Prototype of one working Triac controller Able to dim/switch AC power  Able to extract frequency data from iTunes Able to determine feasibility of using iTunes  Able to communicate microcontroller through USB

12. 12 Electrical and Computer Engineering Summary Comments / Questions?