ELLIE - Contour Wall
ICT & Open Learning/Innovation
Client company:Fontys ICT
Wouter Pennings
Honza Fojtík
Tara Willink
Project description
This project is a student initiative called "The Contour Wall," which is part of "ELLIE." The overarching goal of the ELLIE project is to enhance interactivity and engagement within the school buildings and the daily lives of the visitors, including Fontys students and employees to various technology companies who visit Fontys ICT for work and social activities.
The Contour Wall is intended to be an abstract, colorful, large-scale display measuring two meters in height and three meters in width. The project aims to serve as a visually striking and inspirational focal point, highlighting the diverse talents and capabilities of Fontys ICT students. By integrating elements from multiple ICT domains, the project provides a hands-on learning experience for the participating students, fostering collaboration, problem-solving, and skill development. And because of its simple and open interface, future students can integrate The Contour Wall into their project.
Context
Interactive building using Art & Tech.
Results
The project has provided many insights and lessons, the three most important insights are:
1. Real-time image processing through the integration of both AI and non-AI methodologies: Executing basic AI models and post-processing real-time on a Raspberry Pi 4B posed considerable challenges, particularly in terms of performance optimization and ensuring software compatibility with the Raspberry Pi platform. A lot of software, especially AI models are not out-of-the-box compatible with a Raspberry Pi.
2. Development of custom printed circuit boards (PCBs): Opting for the creation and production of custom PCBs aimed at streamlining the final product's assembly and enhancing its overall quality proved to be a lengthy endeavor. This involved a meticulous iterative process with eight iterations, with certain prototypes being manufactured for testing and validation.
3. Progressing from prototypes, Proof of Concept, and designs to a fully operational product: The transition from a proof of concept to a fully realized and tested product revealed unexpected complexities. Emergent issues, such as safety considerations, repairability, mobility, structural integrity, among others, demanded a thorough reassessment as we navigated the path from conceptualization to a viable and functional end product. These challenges do not often come up in students projects as they often stay in prototype stage, therefore this is a first-time challange for all of us.
About the project group
We are a team of three seventh-semester Delta students. Since January 2023, we have been engaged in the research and design of the Contour Wall. What started as a small idea from one student, inspired by a single image, has evolved into a full-time project for many, with a clearly defined scope and work methodology.
As of December 2023, we are in the final stages of refining the design, estimating costs, and conducting tests. Our current focus is on securing funding from Fontys to bring the Contour Wall project to fruition.