This week I took the opportunity to improvise with diverse modelling software.
In terms of 2D modelling, I got to know and work with Inkscape. Inkscape is a good open-source alternative commercial vector-based design programs. Being familiar with similar programs, I consider Inkscape to be rather user-friendly and easy to work with.
The most interesting 3D software I was introduced to this week was OpenSCAD. OpenSCAD modelling is based on scripting. Its modelling process frees the designer from the automated design techniques of typical software where commands and tools are used to simulate "hand-drawing" a model. Also, the logic behind OpenSCAD modelling seems to me really compatible with generating 3D printable volumes.
Desinging for the Final Project
Faced by the challenge of modelling while still considering my final project more as a process rather than a device, I started designing what was in my mind already. The thought was that the model whould help me go further and focus on what is missing.
Designing the various sensors in Rhino:
(here: infrared)
Designing a conceptual system:
(hydrophone, infrared, light)
Destribution: The Network
Data collection:
The hole process helped me depict what I had in mind.
A more detailed description of my idea for a final project during this week of the Fab Academy can be found here.
The thing to work on is the device that will host the set of sensors, the shape of the structure in which the sensors would be plugged.
Having in mind nothing but the size of typical sensors of these kinds and vague idea of what the electronics assembly could look like, I came up with this lace-like form that can bend losely, grip or hang on the tree trunks, or crawl on the earth's surface.
