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(3) Learn how students are changing the world one project at a time

"Learn how students are changing the world one project at a time" is a 9-part series from a group of Hong Kong students who are using innovative engineering to improve their community and ultimately the world. Take a look at what these students have created.

Virtual Paper

Many drawing systems are developed by different manufacturers but they all rely on drawing pens where most users draw on top of surfaces. This project aims to develop a drawing system where no pens and surfaces are required. Users simply draw with their fingers on any surface, and a mobile phone or a PC records the drawing (see Figure 3-1). The drawing system uses Infra-Red (IR) rays to locate a finger and then uses a camera with an IR filter to locate the position of the finger (see Figure 3-2).

 Figure 3-1: Prototype

Figure 3-2: Block diagram

Up to now, the progress has been satisfatory. The users can successfully use the software filter with a webcam to identify the position of the laser (see https://youtu.be/E0AR1qNHH6Y). It also traces the Infra-Red light source and laser by using the hardware filter (see https://youtu.be/OU7-qzR1Chs and https://youtu.be/OjjDTssUyHg). Presently, a software is being built up to draw pictures by using the laser and the hardware filter.

Find out more about what other engineering students are developing

1. Air Cleaner Controller: a prototype to measure the air quality 

2. Tracking Watch: : a hardware device that allows you never to get lost even if you do not have a GPS signal

3. Virtual Paper: a drawing system that needs ot pens or surfaces draw

4. Parking+: a smart parking system that allows you to find the best available parking

5. Ultimate BBQ Helper: a device that allows any beginner to create perfectly cooked BBQ food

6. MyFeeder: a feeding system for pets for busy families

7. Toiletries Manager: the system manages all bathroom products through an inventory system

8. China Wizard Chess: a system that enables anyone to play chess with their voice

9. Smart Plant Watering System:  a designed system that waters plants automatically

Organizer "Microcontroller Application Design Contest (2016-17)" Department of Electronic and Information Engineering The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
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