Manufactured Prototype

Pictures

After manufacturing and assembling all the parts of the prototype, the actual prototype looked like the pictures below. There are a few differences between the CAD model and the actual prototype. These modifications are minor, but essential for the overall effectiveness of the prototype. The electronic board was secured between the four-bar supports and the slider board. It can easily be accessed by removing the three screws that hold the slider board to the structure. Additionally, the wiring was secured so that it would not interfere with the operation of the prototype but could still be easily accessed. Also, quarter notes were attached to the sliders. Finally, rubber bands were attached from the four-bar mechanism to the base to return the keys to the "up" position.

The assemble prototype


The electronic board used


The wiring and rubber bands

Videos

The video below demonstrates the listen and play modes of operation. The sliders are first set at the desired notes. The "listen" button is pressed and the prototype plays the notes on the sliders automatically. An LED is lit at the bottom of each slider as it is played. Also, a LED above the corresponding key is lit as each note is played to show the relationship of the position of the slider to the keys. Then, the "play" button is pressed. The slider LED and the corresponding key LED are lit until the correct key is pressed. Then, the next slider LED and corresponding key LED are lit. This continues until all the sliders have been played on the correct keys. In this video, the user inputs the desired notes, hits the "listen" button, and then the "play" button. After he has played the song, he changes the desired notes and does the same process again.

The prototype uses negative feedback in the "play" mode to let the user know that he has played the incorrect key. The video below shows the negative feedback given to the user.

A demo mode was also programmed into the prototype. The demo mode plays a preprogrammed song automatically. In the below video, our prototype plays "Mary Had a Little Lamb" in demo mode.

Other Videos

Electronic Board during Demo Mode
Four-bar Mechanism striking pin into Xylophone Plate