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Goals
09/06/2017 at 15:00 • 0 commentsNow that I have a working prototype I am thinking about my goals for the future of Talker.
- Write a start up script that runs when the device boots up to automatically launch the program in kiosk mode.
- Source smaller speakers.
- Design a 3D printed enclosure.
- Fix safari javascript bug in the web app demo of the interface.
- Add enhancement of "sentence builder" where user can press icons and they populate a sentence box with text. When a play button is pressed, the whole sentence is read aloud.
- Add enhancement of "user uploads" for custom icons and custom audio files.
- Work with an engineer to choose parts to build a slimmed-down version with only the necessary components. This will be a design that is mass-producible. The raspberry pi was great for building a prototype, but I want to bring down the overall cost and size.
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Video of working prototype
08/17/2017 at 22:18 • 0 comments -
Interface version 1
08/02/2017 at 03:18 • 0 commentsI have a minimum viable product for the interface! http://murielg.pythonanywhere.com/
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battery
07/27/2017 at 08:16 • 0 commentsI ordered this battery pack https://www.adafruit.com/product/1565.
I am nervous because it needs to power the board, the screen, and the speakers.
If it does not accomplish those tasks, I will have to spend $39 on the 10000 mAh version. It was a risk to get the cheaper 4000 mAh version, but I want to be as economical with power as possible so I want to try the smaller battery first!
If I ever take this thing to mass market, I will need an EE for sure to help me figure out stuff like power consumption!
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USB powered 3.5mm jack speakers
07/27/2017 at 08:09 • 0 commentsI am so excited that the accessibility portion of the contest has arrived!
I am developing enhancements for the user interface.
I'm still working on the stereo enclosed speakers, but I've ordered some USB powered speakers to use in the meantime for auditory feedback while I iterate versions of the software. https://www.adafruit.com/product/1363
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Flite
07/11/2017 at 20:49 • 0 commentsI will have to check out Flite, the embedded systems version of Festival text-to-speech software.https://learn.adafruit.com/speech-synthesis-on-the-raspberry-pi
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Stereo enclosed speakers + amp
06/30/2017 at 00:37 • 0 commentsInstead of paying for the external speakers, my husband salvaged a pair of 6 ohm stereo enclosed speakers from a broken smart TV. Since the raspberry pi has an amp built into the 3.5mm audio jack, I posted on stackexchange how to replace that with an amp suitable for stereo enclosed speakers. Someone kindly replied to my inquiry by recommending this product http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/28-12812
It comes in pieces, so I will solder it together this weekend. One step closer!!!!
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External speakers used inside the enclosure
06/07/2017 at 15:25 • 0 commentsI found these external speakers and I am going to try them on the prototype chiefly because they use USB and no IO pins. These should work for the first generation prototype but will almost certainly be replaced in the second generation build. https://www.adafruit.com/product/3369
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Speakers
05/25/2017 at 20:01 • 0 commentsOk, I'm gonna need some speakers. I'm hoping this one will work, it looks like it uses a lot of pins, though, and the screen already uses a lot of pins! https://www.adafruit.com/product/3346https://www.adafruit.com/product/3346
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Enclosure
05/25/2017 at 19:54 • 1 commentI have started talks with someone who is going to help me design a custom enclosure for this project. The two main considerations I want to keep in mind are,
- Heat management. Do we need to add a heat sink, vents, or fan?
- Child proof the power button. Can we add a sliding panel or recessed cavity to make the power button difficult to access?
- Speaker placement. Should the case have slots to let sound out? Where should those be placed and does it affect the way the speakers are attached on the inside?