University of California, Santa Cruz Senior Design Project Proposal By Jian Zhang, Software engineering manager, Texas Instruments January 2012

Smart Illuminating Cycling Garment & Helmets Computerized illuminating garment with dynamically generated illuminating patterns and characters with water-proof touch input control

The Concept

The Concept (Continued)  Improving rider’s safety with visibility after dark  Improving communications with other motorists showing clearer intensions  Help cycling awareness  Make cycling fashionable and cool  Advertising and sponsorship opportunities

The Challenges  Engineering a battery powered micro- controller based product from ground up  Creating a valuable consumer project with positive social and economical impacts  Learning in first hand how an electronics consumer product is created from A-Z  Unleash artistic, creativity, and engineering talents

Engineering  TI MSP430 LaunchPad based centrol controller  TI LP3528 (or equivalent) LED driver with optional ambient light sensing  TI capacitive touch BoosterPack for LaunchPad as input controller  High efficiency LED light source  Off-the-shield or student-made light conducting fabric and optical fibers

The Hardware

Project Report  Working prototypes and field tested  Report on efficiency comparisons between light patches versus characters  Visual impact comparison between blinking vs. solid illumination  Most efficient way to save battery power through duty cycles and current  End user experience  Fashion statements  Social impact

Engineering Details  TI MSP430 LaunchPad is a low cost ($4.30) yet powerful micro-controller platform with large online support community  TI LED driver IC devices are the most efficient and versatile ICs widely used in Apple and Android mobile devices  Learning microprocessor programing and both digital and analog circuit design

Target Design Specs  Micro-controller to LED driver IC communication via I2C bus  Powered by 2 or 3 standard AA cells  Fabric embedded LED light source for efficiency and cosmetics  Capacitive touch control covered fabric functional under elements

Prerequisites  Beginning level embedded programming in C  Intermediate level analog and digital circuit design  Beginning level of mechanical and garment fabrication  Engineering considerations for public road safety, product weatherproofing, consumer behaviors, etc.

Extra Credits  Downloadable display patterns and messages from host PC or from Android mobile devices  Replace AA cells with Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and charging circuit  Live streaming content via connected Android devices  Energy scavenging (instructor suggestion)

References  Book: Syuzi Pakhchyan, Fashioning Technology: A DIY Intro to Smart Crafting 2008  Google on “Light conducting fabric”  TI LaunchPad site and forums  Make magazine