Line 184: | Line 184: | ||
== Suggestions for future changes == | == Suggestions for future changes == | ||
When trying to choose a lens that best fits the dimensions for your Accordion Camera Obscura, keep in mind that lenses produce different focal lengths. A mistake the team made was ordering a lens with a focal length of only | When trying to choose a lens that best fits the dimensions for your Accordion Camera Obscura, keep in mind that lenses produce different focal lengths. A mistake the team made was ordering a lens with a focal length of only 50cm. The length we needed required a focal length of at least 50-70cm. Also the lens for the camera must be untreated meaning it does not have a coating that prevents light from reflecting off the lens. | ||
==References== | ==References== |
Revision as of 19:53, 30 April 2017
Template:ENGR215inprogress
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to create a working camera obscura that would teach students point perspective and allow students to trace the images displayed. Team Girl Scout Cookies designed a durable and portable model called the Accordion Camera Obscura, shown in Figure-1. This design was built around three major aspects: aesthetics, the bellows, and durability. Team Girl Scout Cookies was formed in Humboldt State University'sEngineering 215 class. The Accordion camera obscura is not done yet, what's eft to do is stain the wood and attach the new lens.
Background
The Spring 2017 engineering design class was commissioned by Zane Middle School to design a camera obscura that was portable and maintained a vintage aesthetic to it. The camera will not only display images onto a viewing class but also allow students, who have a hard time drawing, to trace those images.
Problem statement and criteria
Team Girl Scout Cookies' objective in this project was to design an aesthetically pleasing camera obscura that was capable of projecting images onto a viewing glass and allows students to trace the images displayed. The Model would be placed in a classroom environment and would be used as a learning tool for students, therefore the camera had to be durable. The team was informed that students would be carrying the camera so mobility should be kept in mind when designing the camera. Table-1 shows a list of criterion along with its weighted importance and definitions. The criterion were weighted by the team along with our client representative, Ken Weiderman, in order to help guide the team in choosing a design that best fits the client's needs.
Criteria | Weight | Description |
---|---|---|
Functionality | 10 | Middle school student is able to use |
Durability | 9 | Can survive a fall off a desk |
Mobility | 9 | Can be moved by a single middle school student |
Aesthetics | 9 | More interesting than a plain box |
Education | 8 | Meets common core standards |
Safety | 7 | No sharp edges |
Cost | 6 | Less than $400 |
Wow Factor | 6 | Far greater than that of a plain box |
Environmental Impact | 4 | Greater than of a commercial product |
Description of final project
The Accordion Camera Obscura was designed around three major aspects: aesthetics, the bellows, and durability. These three aspects allowed the team to design a camera that would best-fit the client's needs.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics became a major aspect considering that this model was designed for students taking art at Zane Middle School, therefore the design had to be aesthetically pleasing towards younger students. Our client representative, Ken Weiderman, informed the team that his students would be more intrigued on the model if it looked older compared to a modern design. Therefore, the team decided a vintage aesthetic would be appropriate for the model. To achieve this, the wood used would be stained with a walnut stain to give it an antique look. Vintage cameras are also known to have bellows so the team believed it would be appropriate to incorporate bellows into the design. The bellows would serve a larger purpose than just aesthetics in the design.
Bellows
The bellows would not only give a vintage feel to the camera obscura but it would also allow the camera to compact into a smaller size. This meant that the camera could be both easily stored and easily carried. The bellows would also allow users to focus images by allowing them to manipulate the focal length. This would be done by extending or compacting the bellows, which have the lens attached to one side, until the image would appear clearer. The bellows also helped reduced a bit of weight from the model by using fabric bellows over more wood. The original plan was to make a smaller box that would somehow compact into a larger box but that would cost more and also increase the weight. The team wanted the design to be as light as possible without sacrificing durability.
Durability
The team kept in mind that the model would be used in a classroom environment, which meant that it had to be durable. Therefore, the team decided to construct the camera out of birch plywood. Birch plywood is several sheets of birch glued together and is known for its strong and lightweight properties. Birch plywood is not the lightest or strongest wood but it does have the most favorable strength to weight ratio compared to other woods. Birch is also very safe because its known to not crack or splinter, which is why its popular among toy makers. This material is also very affordable. The team also decided to use ¼” thick glass for the viewing window since students would be exerting a downward force on the glass in order to trace images. A thicker glass meant that the window could withstand a greater force without cracking.
Costs
Implementation Cost
Below is Table-2 which shows the cost of building the Accordion Camera Obscura. Table-2 includes a list of materials along with the quantity purchased, place of purchase, cost of purchase, and a total cost.
Quantity | Material | Source | Cost ($) | Total ($) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Glass Pane (9"x8.5"x0.25") | Humboldt Glass | 10.00 | 10.00 |
1 | Mirror (9"x11.33") | Humboldt Glass | 10.00 | 10.00 |
1 | Camera Lens | Amazon.com | 15.00 | 15.00 |
00 | Birch Wood | Donated | 0.00 | 0.00 |
00 | Brass screws | Donated | 0.00 | 0.00 |
1 | Fabric | Scrap Humboldt | 10.60 | 10.60 |
1 | Can of Wood Stain | Donated | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Total Cost | $45.60 |
Design Cost
The pie chart below, Chart-1, shows the total hours spent designing the Accordion Camera Obscura.
Testing Results
How to build
Maintenance
The accordion camera obscuara needs little maintenance, but the little care it needs will keep it creating clear images for years.
Schedule
- Daily
- close the viewing glass lid
- avoid touching the lens
- Weekly
- Clean lens
- Clean viewing glass
Instructions
To maintain the camera obscura, it is important to clean the lens and viewing window with a clean and soft cloth. Make sure to close viewing window and to keep the camera closed while being stored and not in use. This will help prolong the life of the lens and viewing glass.
Troubleshooting
Problem | Suggestion |
---|---|
Any issue | Contact Luke Pascasio at lap558@humboldt.edu |
Discussion and next steps
The original lens which was meant to be used for he project turned out to be the wrong lens. The camera required a lens with a minimum focal length of 52cm and a diameter of about 1.5". The lens the team had ordered had a maximum focal length of 50cm and a diameter of 3". Not only was the lens completely wrong but it was also a treated lens which meant it allowed extra light in since it had a coating which prevented light from reflecting off the lens. The next step is to order the correct lens so the camera can work properly.
Suggestions for future changes
When trying to choose a lens that best fits the dimensions for your Accordion Camera Obscura, keep in mind that lenses produce different focal lengths. A mistake the team made was ordering a lens with a focal length of only 50cm. The length we needed required a focal length of at least 50-70cm. Also the lens for the camera must be untreated meaning it does not have a coating that prevents light from reflecting off the lens.
References
See Help:Footnotes for more. Template:Reflist