The system contains three major mechanical systems, the box, the mounting supports, and the turntable. Each system was designed to be easily manufacturable within the time and cost constraints. Our design decisions were made around a goal of creating a polished look. Analysis was performed to ensure that every component integrated well with the other subsystems.
The design decisions made in the lasered box were inspired by the form of a record player. We selected appropriate light diffusion materials to best showcase the visual component of our piece (LEDs) in a pleasing manner. It was important that the material did not limit visibility of the inner workings of the project.
The design decisions made in the mounting supports made an impact on the audiovisual experience. We chose to use a simple static laser-cut sensor mount to have consistent laser direction. The laser diode is positioned at an angle offset from the camera such that the laser line is cast across an object, revealing its profile geometry to the camera. This mount allows it to be affixed to the top of the main enclosure. Having a mounting system that is ideal for our detection application allows us to use our laser diode to actively control the emitted sounds; ensuring an enjoyable user experience for random geometries.
The turntable is a simple laser cut disk rastered with looped shapes. It serves the purpose of holding the object as it spins through continous steps, controlled by the stepper motor firmware.