LCP Animatronic Eyes v0.1

Proof of Concept for Realistic Animatronic Eye Movement

LCP Animatronic Eyes is an Arduino-based project designed to control an animatronic eye mechanism with a single degree of freedom (DoF), allowing the eyes to look left and right. This initial version serves as a proof of concept, with future releases planned to expand functionality and add additional DoF for more realistic movements.

Features

• Configurable Left and Right Limits: Set the minimum and maximum angles for the eye movement.
• Multiple Operating Modes:
  • Static at Center: Keeps eyes centered.
  • Looking Left and Right Slowly: Continuous side-to-side movement.
  • Random Looking: Simulates a natural, random gaze.
  • Specific Position: Allows the user to specify an exact eye position within the configured limits.
• Serial Console Configuration: Adjust settings via serial commands.
• Non-Volatile Memory Storage: Saves configuration settings (min/max positions and selected mode) in EEPROM, so settings persist after reboot.
• Command to Display Current Settings: Check current configuration via a serial command.

Hardware Requirements

• Arduino board
• 1 Servo motor (connected to pin 9)
• Serial communication setup (USB connection for Arduino IDE Serial Monitor)

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Arduino IDE installed
• Basic knowledge of working with servos and the Arduino platform

Wiring

1. Connect the servo signal wire to pin 9 of the Arduino.
2. Connect the servo's power and ground to the Arduino’s 5V and GND pins.

Installation

1. Clone this repository to your local machine:

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/LCP-Animatronic-Eyes.git

2. Open LCP_Animatronic_Eyes.ino in the Arduino IDE.
3. Compile and upload the sketch to your Arduino board.

Usage

After uploading, open the Serial Monitor in the Arduino IDE (9600 baud rate) to interact with the animatronic eye system.

Commands

Command	Description
set_min	Set the minimum angle for eye movement (0-180).
set_max	Set the maximum angle for eye movement (0-180).
mode 1	Set to static at center position.
mode 2	Look left and right slowly.
mode 3	Random looking.
mode 4	Request a specific position for the eye.
exit	Exit the current mode and return to Mode 1 (centered position).
show_settings	Display the current settings, including min and max positions and selected mode.
display_menu	Display the command menu for quick reference.

Examples

1. Set Min and Max Positions

   • Type set_min and enter a value (e.g., 45).
   • Type set_max and enter a value (e.g., 135).

2. Change Modes

   • Type mode 2 to set the eyes to look left and right slowly.

3. Display Settings

   • Type show_settings to see the current configuration.

Future Improvements

• Adding more degrees of freedom for enhanced realism.
• Introducing speed adjustments for servo movements.
• Creating more complex gaze behaviors, like quick glances and blinks.
• Adding a graphical user interface (GUI) for easier configuration.

License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3. See the LICENSE file for details.