UVA ENGR 1620: Optics 2 Prjct Slctn

Virginia Discovery Museum: Optics Exhibit : 

Virginia Discovery Museum: Optics Exhibit Paradigm Alterations Corporation ENGR 1620

Recommendation: Laser Table : 

Recommendation: Laser Table A table with a fixed, mounted laser and several mirrors and prisms mounted on the surface. Mirrors and prisms can be rotated to alter the beam’s path. Objective: direct the laser into a photo sensor to activate a sound effect. Table was chosen for its optimal use of space and funds available, its simple set-up requirements, and its high interactivity potential for both children and parents. Set-up is as simple as turning on a switch, few components could require maintenance, and “problem-solving” aspect of the exhibit allows parents to participate alongside their children.

Objectives : 

Objectives

Objectives : 

Objectives

Evaluation : 

Evaluation 3 – Excellence 2- Good 1-Fair

Alternative Ideas : 

Alternative Ideas

Star Tunnel (Planetarium) : 

Star Tunnel (Planetarium) Existing submarine is re-designed as a spaceship; windows look out onto a star field projected onto a tent surrounding the ship. Patrons can view star field either through existing viewports or through periscope. Exhibit allows use of existing resources and eye-catching visuals to draw patrons in.

Black Lights : 

Black Lights Black lights replace standard bulbs in ½ of the exhibit room, allowing patrons to view difference between UV and visible light (as in pictures above). Also provided are lab coats with Velcro strips: kids can affix objects painted with black light paint to Velcro to create different designs Exhibit incorporates popular activities (dressing up, making costumes), involves minimal setup and maintenance, and is extremely cost-effective and space-efficient.

Pressure Pads : 

Pressure Pads A mat of pressure pads placed on the floor lights up and plays musical notes when activated by patrons walking across tiles. Each tile incorporates pressure sensor, light, and speaker 3 x 4 arrangement of tiles allows space for multiple patrons and provides for a range of effects when activated Exhibit provides opportunity for patrons to interact with each other in addition to exhibit, and provides a high degree of interactivity

Other Alternatives : 

Other Alternatives Optical Illusions A picture of a 3-d optical illusion will be put on a wall, and 3-d classes will be provided, so the children can see the 3-d illusion. Laser Harp This laser harp is made of a simple frame, lasers, and a photoreceptor. When the beam is broken, a specific pitch will be played. High interactivity for both children and parents Slide with Black light Designs The iceberg slide will have designs drawn on it using black light ink; hence, under the black lights the designs will appear. There will be a motion camera that will record the motions of the child. Then their motions will be projected as different colors on to a screen.

Slide 11: 

Motion Camera A camera detects the motion in front of it and renders the movement as a colored blur. Telescope A low-magnification telescope is set up at one end of the room, allowing children to view patterns on the wall and other children in more detail. Shadow Puppets A light bulb is placed behind a thin paper/fabric screen, allowing shadow puppet shows to be performed. Green Screen A camera is set up in front of a green screen, and green screen suits are provided. Children can put on the suits and see their own faces in an animated show.

Recommendation : 

Recommendation A table with a laser mounted in one side, and several mirrors and prisms scattered across the surface. The top of the table should be covered with a plastic sheet to prevent eye injuries from the laser. Rotatable mirrors and prisms Multiple lasers for multi-person use Goal: Bounce the beam into the photo sensor Add fog machine/water vapor to enhance beam

Slide 14: 

The Paradigm Alterations Corporation thanks you for your patronage! ©