First C# steps

First steps in C#

Today i made my first steps in C# using Microsoft Visual Studio Professionel.
I learned how to create a Project and creating my first "Windows Form Application".
The tutorial i used was the "create a picture viewer" tutorial from the visual studio website.

Tutorial 1 - Picture viewer

From there i tried to improve the form for my usage in the project.


The outcome was this form.

First form, microsoft visual studio profesionel

I learned how to create simple forms and how to convert strings into interture and back. Therefore i am now able to use button clicks (events) to perform simple algorithms and display the solution in labels.

Next steps are:

1. Improvement of the layout
2. Using of global variables (Since it was somehow not possible for me implement them yet)
3. Creating data classes for users

Working hours so far : 6h

 

The first meeting - the changes

The first meeting  - the changes

the first meeting with my supervisor Mr. O'Donovan was held at the 07.10.2013 and we agreed on a few changes to my project idea.

We agreed on changing the initial project idea of using “Processing” as a language to make the inputs and outputs of the Arduino visible on the pc screen. The language is now C# and the visualisation will be done in form of a GUI. That GUI is then responsible for taking the inputs from the user just as age, gender and weight. It then allows the user to use the “Alcodino” and shows the result.

To calculate the amount of alcohol in the air correctly we decided to add a humidity and temperature sensor to the Arduino just as proposed as one of my extra ideas. It will allow a more correct calculation by correcting the changes in resistance of the gas sensor that comes with the changes of humidity and temperature.

Agreed next steps for the project are:

• ·         Taking the first steps in C# by playing with the software.
• ·         Fulfil the order form and hand it to the purchase office.
• ·         Rearrange the project description.

The order form is now already filled out but has to be signed by the supervisor. 

The Start

This Blog is supposed to show the progress in my year 3 project at the Cork Institute of Technology.

I proposed the project title "Alcohol Tester using an Arduino & Processing" today.

Short Description:
A device that is able to measure (assume) the amount of alcohol in your blood by measuring the ethanol concentration in your breath. The result of the measurement will be visualised using the programming language processing.

Sensor: MQ-3 gas sensor (Budget sensor)

Possibilities:
- Build a small mobile device using an Attiny and a LCD-screen
- Data storing with names -> visualize the database on the screen
- Difficil calculating using age, gender and weight of the user. This will require more input possibilities

Risks:
Since I am not used to processing I will have to learn the programming language in a short period of time due to get started with the project early in the semester. Otherwise the project will be delayed.
Also the information on the internet shows that the sensor seems to be hard to calibrate. It may be needed to invest a lot of time to calibrate the sensor.

Todo(This Semester):
1.  Detailled description for the Project(Research needed) : 1 Week max.
2. Timetable\Flowchart\Ganttchart\Milestones\Costcontrolling\Budgetplan
3. Processing Language
4. Create a testing environment - Connect all the devices