Two functional concepts for Velalert

I met with the Radicand guys today to see the first two functioning proofs-of-concept for Velalert, both an ultrasonic transceiver (on the left) and a LIDAR transceiver (on the right). They were initially mounted onto a wooden horse in the workshop so that we could test the range of each of the different systems. There was a set of LEDs set up in the middle that would light up as objects approached the sensors, starting with one bar at the bottom at the far end of the range, and filling up to the top as the object got closer. Both of them worked great, as expected: LIDAR had a much longer range distance-wise, but a narrower range of focus than the ultrasonic sensor. We have some ideas on how to expand this without adding new sensors, though testing on these is still to come.

Next we decided to rig the ultrasonic transceiver to a bicycle and do our first user-testing with the proof-of-concept. Unplugged it from the computer, found a 9-volt battery to power it, and used masking tape to attach it all to the bicycle.

To test it out, we took the bike out into the parking lot and held it stationary while driving a car towards the bicycle. As luck would have it, the battery was starting to die, so it started acting a little wonky towards the end of the test, but it ultimately worked as we expected, which is great. As the car got closer to the bike, the lights filled up on the board (this time downward, sense the board was taped to the bike upside down). 

I shot a short video on my phone of this first proof-of-concept test on a bicycle:

Next, the Radicand guys are going to put together some basic housing for the sensors and the LEDs via 3D printing. Then I'm going to strap it onto my bicycle and take it out for some real-life user-testing out on the streets of San Francisco!