The objective of this project is to create a fully interactive exhibit that displays how a virus affects a neural network.
Sponsored By: Penn State Huck Institutes of Life Sciences
Team Members
Matthew Dailey | Jaira Wells | Louie D’Amico | Nishan Gandhi | Peter Delis | Sean Cavanaugh | | | | | |
Project Poster
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Project Summary
Overview
Penn State University’s Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences is conducting research to outline the various effects of HSV on neural activity. The virus can have adverse effects on neural activity based on various environmental components. Our goal was to create a hand-held free, interactive exhibit containing 3D printed neurons that produce light and sound when firing. The behavior of the neurons will programmatically change based on the presence of the virus in conjunction with several key variables.
Objectives
To create a fully interactive exhibit that displays extensive research demonstrating how the Herpes Simplex Virus type-1 (HSV-1) affects a network of neurons. This project required the creation of a scalable prototype that uses hardware and software to map sound, light, and visuals to create an immersive and intuitive user experience.
Approach
– Conduct weekly meetings with sponsors to gather customer needs, visions, and expectations
– Fabricated a proposal for the development of the control system operating system prototype, which included the following solution design: Raspberry Pi will handle sensor input, projection mapping and sending output commands to Arduino; Arduino will control LED output; GUI (graphical user interface) will be displayed via projection mapping technology, TouchDesigner
– Compile a list of necessary parts for initial prototypes and order as needed
– Initiate prototype construction based on a set timeline
– COVID 19 Pivot – Shift focus to compiling extensive technical overview of project
Outcomes
– Completion of a Raspberry Pi based prototype that can handle sensor input
– Completion of an Arduino based prototype that can fully control a sequence of LED lights positioned behind a neuron
– Successfully communicated data between Raspberry Pi and Arduino via a Bluetooth Connection, allowing for scalability in the future
– Compiled an extensive technical overview document to provide an extremely detailed look at the work done by the team prior to the COVID-19 pivot