The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Background:

The art machine is based on the automaton in the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Oselznick. In the book, Papa Georges used magic to invent the automaton, which was later discovered by Hugo Cabret. This automaton would draw one of a number of pictures when a key is inserted into it. This is a fundraiser as stated on the project ideas website, “The funds would support programming for [Art Machine, Inc.] and collaborating high schools”. Art Machine, Inc. as stated on their website is a “non-profit art organization whose mission is to foster the creativity of young people of all backgrounds and to broaden the viewer’s perspective on art and world cultures.”

Art Machine, Inc. webpage www.kidzartmachine.org

Problem Statement:

The purpose of the art machine is to create drawings with a robotic arm for Art Machine, Inc. Children can insert a quarter into the art automaton to make it draw a selected picture. This automaton will consist of user interaction, picture processing, sound and video feedback, and motor control.

Team Members:

EE Scot Watson watsonso@email.uc.edu
EE David Clark clarkdw@email.uc.edu
etc. EE Austin Ellis ellisac@email.uc.edu
CE Stephen Collins collinse@email.uc.edu

Email all team members

Faculty Advisor:

Altan Ferendeci

Goal:

To make a digital machine that draws pictures, much like the one described in the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

Subgoals:

  1. Design a control system that uses a microprocessor to control motors that move the arm across the page and lift the pen to draw the picture.

  2. Build the machine (control system and physical device) during the Spring Quarter in order to implement and test our design.

  3. Test and produce a final working art machine for use as a fundraiser.

Helpful Skills:

  • Assembler programming capability

  • Knowledge of stepper motors

  • Use of memory storage devices

  • Mechanical design capability