https://github.com/nourmorsy/polargraph-machine

https://github.com/nourmorsy/polargraph-machine

Last synced: 5 days ago
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• Host: GitHub
• URL: https://github.com/nourmorsy/polargraph-machine
• Owner: nourmorsy
• Created: 2023-12-03T03:59:53.000Z (12 months ago)
• Default Branch: main
• Last Pushed: 2023-12-15T00:48:19.000Z (11 months ago)
• Last Synced: 2023-12-15T02:33:02.471Z (11 months ago)
• Size: 6.67 MB
• Stars: 0
• Watchers: 1
• Forks: 0
• Open Issues: 0
• Metadata Files:
  • Readme: README.md

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README

        
# Polargraph Drawing Machine

## Project Overview

The Polargraph Drawing Machine is a programmable device that translates digital images into physical drawings on surfaces of any size, using stepper motors to control the movement of a pen via tensioned wires. This project is ideal for educational demonstrations, art installations, and interactive teaching, offering flexibility in drawing any image on various dimensions.

For more details:

- **[Detailed Report](./202104091545%20Plotter%20Drawing%20Robot-converted.pdf)**

- **[Presentation](./polargraph-final-presentation.pptx)**

---

## Components

- **Arduino MEGA**

- **L293D Motor Drive Shield**

- **L293D Motor Drive IC**

- **2 x 17 Stepper Motors**

- **MG90S Servo Motor**

- **GT2 Pulley (16 Teeth)**

- **5M GT2 Rubber Belt**

- **12V Power Supply**

- **5V/3.5A Adapter**

---

## Project Phases

### Phase 1: Monochrome Image Drawing

The goal of the first phase is to draw a single-color image on a specific surface.

#### Steps:

1. **Hardware Design**: Using the [3D plotter design](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2371117/files) on Thingiverse, printed in plastic.

2. **Wiring Setup**: Connect stepper motors and the servo motor to the motor drive, attach the drive to the Arduino, and connect the motors using the rubber belt.  

   

4. **Image Processing**: Convert the selected image to grayscale, then to SVG format.

5. **Software**: Using [Processing](https://processing.org) software and Euphy's motor and servo controller code ([GitHub repository](https://github.com/euphy/polargraphcontroller/releases/tag/2017-11-01-20-30)), upload the SVG to generate vector path points and send these to the microcontroller.

#### Phase 1 Output:



---

### Phase 2: Full-Color Image Drawing

In this phase, the objective is to draw a full-color image using four primary colors. By applying the CMYK model (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black), four pens are used to layer each color and create the final multicolor image.

#### Steps:

1. **Image Splitting**: Use the Death2Sharpie algorithm to split the image into CMYK channels.

2. **Pen Setup**: Attach a corresponding color pen for each channel.

3. **SVG Generation**: Convert each color layer to SVG format.

4. **Processing and Drawing**: Insert each SVG layer into Processing to generate the path, then print each layer individually, manually switching pens for each color.

#### Phase 2 Output:



---

## Future Enhancements

We aim to automate the image preparation and color channeling process. Upcoming features include:

- **Automated Channel Splitting**: A script to automatically split images into CMYK channels, convert them to SVG, and feed them into Processing.

- **Automatic Pen Switching**: Hardware integration to switch pens without manual intervention.

- **Neural Style Transfer**: Incorporate neural style transfer to apply artistic styles to images before drawing.

This project is evolving to offer greater automation, efficiency, and artistic possibilities.