Relative Development Timeline

This timeline shows the relative development timeline of the two most important aspects of the project: software and physical prototype. The goal here is to emphasize that this is a parallel process rather than working on developing software fully first then the physical prototype. Click on each card to go to the page with more information about that specific version along the development path.

Software

Physical Prototype

Beginning of Development (June 2025)

Version 0

Attempted to build a web app and communicate information between app and Arduino via WebUSB. Got basic communication to work, but ended up having issues getting webcam to work.

Version 1

Switched to Python App and programmed a graphical user interface (GUI) using tkinter to allow user to perform basic functions. Basic features included, but not all requirements met as outlined in Milestone 3.

Version 1

Attempted to implement a vibration bowl feeder, and went through two design iterations before shelving the idea due to increased overall complexity for a part of the project that was mostly insignificant.

Version 2

Refined Python App for more modern look by opting to use customtkinter and fully implemented sorting franework. Minimum viable software achieved at this stage.

Version 2

Changed development path and prototyped a standalone device with an external USB webcam and a servo-controlled platform to sort objects into bins.

Version 3

Further refined version of software, focused on user experience, interface, and control. Implemented an even more modern appearance and focused on simplifying controls to make it more intuitive for end user.

End of Development / Final Integration (November 2025)