PsyVision adds another dimension to ordinary displays by creating a futuristic hologram! A motor turns a crankshaft that reciprocates a LCD screen producing a POV effect in the Z axis, thus creating a holographic “field”. The device we built for the competition can be seen in operation here:<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/H-6n3dC34rU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

We used slotted angle and 8mm threaded rods as the support.  The motor is a Razor scooter motor, the display is a Haier portable TV.  We’ve used a deep cycle battery with wall charger to provide a portable power supply which can be charged by a bike generator or solar cell.  The graphics are contrlled by an UzeBox video game board which contains an ATMega644 ATMega644 Arduino controller chip. The UzeBox provides the video and plays back sequences of the horizontal frames to create slices of the 3d object.  Different sequences can be controlled with the attached NES controller.

We had to extend the 26 pin cable that goes to the screen to lighten up the top part.  We did this by routing the video through an IDE cable, here is a video of the soldering:<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/r9KZdCYLF4c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This device has limitless applications in education.  For one, it can show an advanced globe where students can sit around and view from all angles.  Later versions will have a touch screen for interaction.

We’ve started the build! While parts are still arriving in the mail, the frame was built today. We’re using threaded rod we had purchased for our RepRaps and slotted angle plates which were donated to the space. In case you are wondering why we chose a huge 12V battery, there are at least 2 reasons: 1) it will provide stability for the reciprocating movement of the motor / crankshaft, 2) it will be able to be charged by a bicycle / generator setup. It is a “deep cycle” battery and has a reserve time of 100 minutes. Classes can start with a physical fitness section and end with a lesson on the holographic screen.

We’ve been having a tricky time getting the AVR Dragon to work with Windows 7 to start testing firmware on the Uzebox we may need to use AVRStudio instead of avrdude. We still need to get some acrylic for the top and the screen mount and put that together. We’re going to be busy these next two weeks to meet the May 3rd due date. We’re super excited that this invention is coming to reality. Stay tuned for our next update!

http://www.alphaonelabs.com/psyvision-update/

Wow, we've made it into the challenge! We're so excited to be helping education.  As a non-profit educational entity ourselves, we understand the importance.  A lot of great ideas have been already presented concept wise in the challenge and they look great!  We've decided to open our innovation at the last minute.  We want to make sure we have all appropriate open source licensing in place and that the item is easily replicated.  Sometimes a new invention is not easily understood, we will be extremely clear and have a working prototype to present to the public.  Good luck everyone!

Cross posted at Alpha One Labs